Talk about a total team effort in the 55-43 win this past Saturday against Columbus State on Homecoming.
Specifically on the defensive end.
Georgia College (18-7, 11-4 Peach Belt Conference-west) was able to hold CSU’s All-American Phebe Smith once more well below her season average of 18 points and 12 rebounds in a complete post-defensive effort by senior center Antoinette Reames and junior forward Tammeisha Law.
Both played exceptionally well, forcing Smith to take off-balanced shots, and rarely allowing a second chance bucket by the Cougar forward. Reames and Law then turned that positive energy of shutting down the forward by literally sprinting down the floor, getting in position to score on easy transition buckets.
Well, Reames and Law will have to continue the defensive effort tonight against Montevallo (14-11, 7-8 PBC-west).
And, more importantly, John Carrick’s Bobcat guards must chip in defensively with a defensive effort as well.
Georgia College defeated Montevallo earlier this year in Alabama at Bank Trust Arena on Jan. 23.
Junior guard, and personally my opinion of MVP, Chimere Jordan led the way for the Bobcats, hitting two huge isolation shots in the final 1:30 to thrust the Bobcats into the victory column.
So, what are the points of emphasis for the second go-around tonight?
Here you go…
1) Energy.
2) Georgia College must get more production. If Jordan and Reames, who have been the main threats this year on the offensive end for the Bobcats, start slow, then this one might be over in the first half. Law had a new career high last time out of 15 points against Columbus. Let’s hope Law, and senior point guard Shandrea Moore can shoot well tonight, along with the whole team.
As Carrick says, and I whole-heartedly agree, “Good shooting makes up for a multitude of sins.” Think about it…it’s so true!
3) Defense wins games. That’s the old saying and it’s obviously still around because of the accurate validity of the statement. Reames and Law with have their hands full down in the paint with senior forward Amanda Scott (7.2 points, 4 rebounds) and junior Carrie Parrott (9.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 48 percent FG). The perimeter players of Moore, Jordan and junior guard Jessica Baker who started last game will be keyed in on junior guards Shan Jones (8.5 points, 5.7 rebounds) and Tiaren Young (5.8 points, 5.4 rebounds) and senior guard Alicia Lewis (11.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists). Also in the mix for Montevallo is senior guard Alex Sanabria (7.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists).
Now, take a deep breath.
As you can see with just the stats above, this Falcon team is well-balanced. Anyone can push the Falcons ahead at any point. The Falcon guards start the offensive motion by dribble penetrating defenses, and then looking down to the forwards.
Staying in a defensive stance and staying in position is crucial for GCSU’s success.
4) Rebounding. This is a recurring theme. GCSU is tenth of thirteenth in the conference in rebounding. The Falcons are eighth. If the Bobcats can hang close on the boards, mainly the defensive glass, things should be ok.
5) My main concern is the shooting. Where is the secondary production going to come from? Last game, the Bobcat bench scored just six points in 40 minutes of basketball. That must change.
This game is also important due to the fact that Georgia College owns a slim one-game lead of Clayton State University. Yes, the Bobcat women are in first place in the western division.
It’s important to win out to secure a first round home game in the conference tournament. Georgia College is terrific inside the friendly confines of the Centennial Center at 9-2.
Talk with you tonight at 5:25 on Peach Belt TV (www.pennatlantic.com – free telecast). Looking forward to honoring the seniors tonight as well!
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