By By SCOTT COOPER – Sports Writer
Although having experienced a rough beginning to the season, the Jefferson Davis Warhawks' play over the past week gives reason to believe their numbers in the win column could soon begin to escalate.
The Warhawks recently dropped two games in which they were either tied or within a basket with only minutes remaining in the game. In their last outing, they led the entire way before closing the deal on their first victory of the season.
Alabama Southern 82, JDCC 68
Alabama Southern Community College paid a visit to Warhawks Gym for a Dec. 4 game against the Warhawks.
The game belonged to Alabama Southern in the first half, as the visitors started quickly and held what appeared to be a comfortable 43-25 halftime lead.
Jefferson Davis fought back in the second half and had an opportunity to overtake the lead. With only 3:30 left, the Warhawks had turned the 18-point halftime deficit into a tie game. But, JDCC was unable to sustain the effort and Alabama Southern dominated the closing minutes in a 14-point win.
Leading scorers for the Warhawks were Brandon Montgomery, 15 points; Ray Lewis, 14 points and Greg Dickinson, 12 points.
Bevill-Fayette 101, JDCC 88
The Warhawks hit the road for a Dec. 5 meeting with Bevill-Fayette Community College.
Only a couple of baskets separated the two teams the entire opening half. However, Bevill-Fayette closed-out the first 20 minutes of play holding a 47-40 lead.
A Warhawks' second-half rally brought them within a basket with only two minutes remaining in the contest. However, Bevill-Fayette was able to do what was necessary to seal the win and send the Warhawks home with a 13-point loss.
Greg Dickinson led the Warhawks with 34 points while Rafael Phillips and Jamal Carson each added 10 points.
JDCC 72, LBW 67
Having come close to tasting victory in their previous two outings, the Warhawks looked to get over the hump and into the win column when they hosted Lurleen B. Wallace CC on Dec. 9.
By limiting their turnovers and playing smart, disciplined basketball for 40 minutes, the Warhawks secured a 72-67 win that placed them in the win column for the first time this season.
JDCC and LBW waged a close opening-half battle, but the Warhawks controlled the action most of the way before entering the locker room at intermission with a 35-30 lead.
Both teams continued to fight hard in a closely contested second half. When the dust had settled, the 37-37 second-half deadlock enabled the Wawhawks to exit with a five-point victory.
Scoring in double figures for the Warhawks were Jamal Carson, 17 points; Ephriam Hudson, 15 points; Greg Dickinson, 15 points and Rafael Phillips, 10 points.