Coatesville second quarter run set the tone as it improves to 5-0 in league play
By Dave Conard Sports, Editor CoatesvilleTimes.com
Red Raiders guard Damien Nixon battles for one of his six boards.
WEST CHESTER — Though out his coaching career Coatesville head coach Jim “Scoggie” Smith knows exactly what he is looking for as he assembles his Red Raiders team readying them to battle through the gauntlet that is otherwise known as the Ches-Month league schedule.
It’s not Herculean strength, a seven foot frame or even the ability to drain it from 25 feet at will that he searches for, it is more a mental tool he seeks, a mind set if you will that coach Smith values higher than any physical trait and if you don’t possess it, you heed not apply.
The unmitigated ability to play selfless basketball is a prerequisite if you wish to don the red and black these days.
Last night’s game against league foe West Chester East was a prime example of the benefits of the labor that Smith and his young Raiders have put it, coming to fruition as they handed the Vikings a convincing 63-47 smack down fueled by Red Raiders’ ability to move the ball and control the paint.
In all, ten Coatesville players made the scoring sheet, led by senior Tymeir Miller whose back-to back three pointers in the second quarter go to ball rolling on a 20-8 run from which the visitors never looked back.
“We always look for the open man,” said Miller, who had a game high 21 points. “I love posted up and shooting the three, but if I see some one break free underneath I am getting them the ball. We all work with each other on this team and every body gets involved, which is why it’s a great team to be a part of, the team mean more to any of then our own stats.”
In the next few weeks as Coateville, who ran its league mark to 5-0, 10-2 overall, begins to survey the landscape of the Ches-Mont League challengers, they may need to have a mirror handy if they are to view any one who mat stand in their way.
“Our guys played well tonight and really spread the ball around,” said Smith. “We need to keep working on doing whatever it takes to get lose balls, we left ten points on the court. We have always had the mind set to hare the ball, if they don’t they play here.”
Coatesville senior Tymeir Miller led the field with 21 points
Despite an extreme disparity in personal fouls called, as the Vikings got to the line 22 times including all six team points recorded in the fourth quarter, the Red Raiders continued to get good looks at the basket as they worked it inside to junior Emmett Hunt (10 points, 4 assists) and guard Damien Nixon (9, 1-1, 10 points) working a 41-23 lead as they headed into the locker room.
“We really have to keep working and stay focused on each team,” added Smith. “In this league you can’t take a night off or you get beat. I wish we had that game that we lost to the team from Maryland back, we beat ourselves in that game. Although it may have served a purpose as it seemed like that game gave us a wake up call.”
Coatesville held the Viking with out a field goal for the last nine minutes of the game to close out a 63-46 win.
Next up fro Coatesville is a meeting with class AAAA power Wilson , West Lawn on saturday.
“Back in the day we used to play them (Wilson) every year,” said Smith. “This should be a real good test to let us know where we are at a a team.”
Coatesville 16 25 12 10 – 63
W.C East 12 11 17 6 -46
Coatesville (63)
Nixon 9,1-1, 10; Miller 19, 2-2, 21; Hoggard 2, 2-2, 4; Trowery 4, 0-0, 4;
Hunt 10, 0-0,10; Burke 2 0-0, 2; Lewis 3, 0-3, 3; Boyd 2, 0-0, 2; Gaffney 3, 2-2, 5; Boggs 2, 0-0, 2. Totals 56, 7-10, 63. Three Point FG-Nixon, Miller (3), Gaffney, Lewis.
West Chester East (46)
Anderson 8, 10-12, 18; Scotese 6, 0-0, 6; Gray 2, 0-1, 2; Lauria 2, 1-2, 3; Taylor 8, 6-7, 14; Brown 2, 1-4, 3. Totals 29, 17-22, 46. Three point FG- Scotese (2).
