Trojans' Bench Improves in 2024
Trojans Losing Skid Hits Three at Christmas Break
Looking for some healthy bodies and a full bench in January, the Mississippi Delta Community College Trojans have headed out for Christmas break. The Trojans are on a three-game losing skid dating back to November 27 when they lost at Northeast, 108-66, followed by another road loss to Northwest, 72-56. This past Saturday, the Trojans fell at home to Southwest, 88-80. Head Coach Derrick Fears' team has struggled with injuries and players who were ineligible the first semester.
"The kids played pretty good against Southwest. We were finally back in shape after the Thanksgiving break," Coach Fears said. "We are still struggling defensively. But I had a kid (freshman Jaimartdrick Lawrence) who was pressed into starting but had a career night with 28 points. And our kid out of Nashville (freshman Elijah Hollins) had 20. But our two sophomores didn't even score in double digits. One was due to foul trouble. (Sophomore Jherrone) Jones had three fouls within the first five minutes of the ballgame."
Coach Fears noted that the Trojans only went to the foul line eight times, sinking six while Southwest was at the line 22 times, hitting 17.
"It's a tough situation, especially when you're trying to draw fouls," he said. "We had a slow start but outscored them in the second half. But we were already down 10 at halftime. We can improve defensively and I think our offense will be able to hold its own once they sophomores get their rhythm back."
Against Southwest, the Trojans hit 34-of-71 field goals for 48 percent and were 6-of-19 three pointers for 32 percent. Hitting the 6-of-8 free throws put the at 75 percent shooting. MDCC was outrebounded 34 to 27 but won the turnover matchup giving up only eight while forcing 15. In addition to Lawrence's 28 points, he added nine assists and four rebounds. Hollins had two assists and two rebounds.
Three of the four players that have been ineligible will be back for the second half but sophomore JeQuann Roberson is still trying to get eligible.
"He would solidify the toughness that we are missing," Coach Fears said. "We'll have Adam Luphai Dalil, Chanceton Woodall out of Jackson and our point guard out of Amory, Jamerison Martin back. We hope JeQuann will get back. He would be a big piece to get back. The second half of the season, we'll have a few more pieces to work with."
The Trojans hit the hardwood again in January when they host Piney Woods on Monday, January 8 at 7:30 p.m. in J.T. Hall Coliseum. Then, they hit the road for MACCC action against Holmes on Thursday, January 11, Meridian on Thursday, January 16 and then at East Central on Thursday, January 18.
