By By SCOTT COOPER – Sports Writer
With a 1-11 start, the Jefferson Davis Community College Warhawks' season did not begin as they had planned. However, their play in the new year suggests they are beginning to mold into a team capable of competing for the conference title.
After the holiday break, the Warhawks hit the hardwood floor in style by securing two wins in their first three games before letting an opportunity for another victory slip by them in their latest outing.
JDCC currently stands at 3-13 on the season and 1-2 against conference competition.
Warhawks 91
Marion Military 43
The Warhawks began their conference schedule on Jan. 7 with a thorough whipping of Marion Military Institute.
Both their offensive and defensive efforts proved to be successful and led to an overwhelming 42-13 advantage at the halftime break. Continuing in the second half with a total team effort, the Warhawks closed-out a dominating 91-43 win.
Scoring leaders for JDCC were Greg Dickinson, 15 points; Ray Lewis, 15 points; Kenny Thompson, 12 points and Brandon Montgomery, 10 points.
Warhawks 80
Gadsden 72
The Warhawks' Jan. 11 non-conference meeting with Gadsden Community College was a hotly contested affair, but JDCC kept victory in sight and pulled away in the second half to an 80-72 win.
In opening-half action, neither team was able to gain a decided edge. As the two squads entered the locker room for the break, the Warhawks held a slim 42-41 lead.
By intensifying their defensive efforts in the last 20 minutes, the Warhawks gradually pulled away to an 8-point victory.
Greg Dickson and Rafael Phillips led the Warhawks with 20 points each.
Enterprise State 82
Warhawks 72
A Jan. 13 matchup against Enterprise State Community College ended with the Warhawks on the short end of an 82-72 decision.
Enterprise State took advantage of JDCC turnovers in the first half to gain the upper hand, 43-34, at intermission and kept the Warhawks at bay the rest of the way in notching a 10-point win.
Pacing the Warhawks' offensive efforts were Greg Dickinson, 14 points; Rafael Phillips, 12 points and Corey Holt, 12 points.
Wallace-Hanceville 88
Warhawks 77
In a Jan. 16 contest against Wallace-Hanceville CC, the Warhawks fell behind early before battling back to take the lead with minutes remaining. But, Wallace-Hanceville answered the JDCC rally with excellent play over the final three minutes to exit with an 88-77 victory.
After trailing 47-37 at the half, the Warhawks fought their way to a 73-71 lead with 3:30 to go in the game. Wallace-Hanceville then capitalized on three consecutive JDCC turnovers to regain the lead that held up to the end.
Rafael Phillips led the Warhawks with 21 points. Others scoring in double figures were Greg Dickinson, 18 points; Jamal Carson, 12 points and Kenny Thompson, 10 points.