Coming into this game, all eyes were on Andrew Jackson 6’7’ 2018 DJ James and Cheraw 5’11” 2020 Jalen Coit. James is the 2nd leading scorer in the state of South Carolina as well as its leading rebounder averaging 28.5 points and 11.7 rebounds per game.
Heading into the game, Coit is the state of South Carolina’s 5th leading scorer, as only a freshman, putting in 24.4 points per game.
These two did not disappoint, as they each put on a show for the crowd. However, they each had teammates step up who really took on great roles in the team’s performance.
The game started off slow, as both teams were figuring out the opposing team’s zone play. However, the second half really picked up as both teams got running. James and Coit took over in the second half as well as James had 18 points and Coit 16 in the second half alone.
Great game, great performances!
Final Score
Andrew Jackson – 67
Cheraw – 63
Now for the storylines and standouts
Man Amongst Boys
6’7” 225 DJ James played like a man possessed in the second half. The coach let him lose and let him create offense, which is what he did. In the first half, James was going from block to high post. He did a good job of setting up team mates and made some free throw finishes. It was tough because he had people hanging on both arms seemingly every possession.
In the second half James caught the ball higher on the floor, and showed off his true playmaking ability. James still was able to set team mates up with pin-point passes but was also able to get to the rim off the bounce. Again, with multiple guys hanging on him every possession, James was able to make plays for everyone. Incredibly James ONLY has ODU and South Carolina State offers, that list should grow exponentially, soon.
He finished the game with 22 points (5-9 FG/12-17 FT), 5 boards, 6 assists and 4 blocks
He is Only a Freshman
This is our 3rd time watching Coit in the last week, and he has impressed us every time. His feel is like that of a seasoned vet. His footwork, his handle, the way he creates angles are masterful for such a young player. This game was no different. In the first half he helped keep his team in it and in the second half he took over.
Coit, a quick lefty with incredible pace, can flat out score the ball. Even when the opposing team is throwing box and 1s and triangle and 2s at him, he finds space and creates. Coit is tracking as one of the top freshmen in South Carolina, in a good 2020 class. Recruitment and rankings are soon to come.
He finished the game with 28 points (10-17 FG / 5-10 3P), 5 boards, 3 assists and 3 steals.
Welcome to the Spotlight
With everyone watching what James and Coit were going to do, it was 5’10” sophomore Jamie Hinson who stole the spot light early. He was a tough minded player who showed the ability to handle the ball, play tough defense, and make shots at 3-levels.
Hinson has been on a bit of a tear lately as his role has become more defined playing around James. He went for a game of 30 recently as well as routinely scoring in the mid-teens. He won’t wow you on the look test, but when it comes to playing, Hinson makes things happen
He finished the game with 16 points (3 3s), 7 boards, 3 assists, and 5 steals in the win.
Others Step-Up
As we mentioned before, James and Coit were the main attractions, but others did a great job of stepping up.
For Andrew Jackson 6’/2017 Kadaruis Kirkland made some big plays late in the game. The team’s second leading scorer finished with 13 points, 4 boards, and 2 steals.
For Cheraw, 6’3/2018 Collin Burch made some huge plays on the blocks. He was a ferocious rebounder, extending possessions as the game wore down. While he only finished with 4 points, he added 14 boards and 4 assists.
Also for Cheraw 5’11/2018 Kristian McCray was a deciding force early in the game. He padded the stats across the board finishing with 11 points, 6 boards, 4 assists, and 4 steals.