Blue Jays' struggles highlight areas for growth in season opener

NEW MADRID, MO. — Charleston, a young and inexperienced team, had a tough night at the office versus Marion in the Riverbend Classic at New Madrid County Central High School on Friday, Oct. 29.

The physical disparity was evident from the tip-off, as the Patriots (4-1) towered over their counterparts, showcasing a level of athleticism and physicality that the Blue Jays (0-1) struggled to match.

“Size is always a good factor,” said Charleston coach DeMarcus Williams. “Not only were they bigger than us, but they were much stronger and quicker. As far as the physical attributes, they had the advantage in every category. When you throw in a lack of experience with playing against someone bigger, stronger and faster than you, it’s a huge factor.”

Charleston compounded these difficulties with 20 turnovers and a lackluster performance at the free-throw line, shooting just 13-for-27.

“There were a lot of things that we need to do better,” Williams said. “Defensively, we didn’t play with our level of intensity until midway through the fourth quarter. Throughout the season, we hope to be much improved in every category, including rebounding and just shot-making in general.”

The Patriots' decisive plays in the first and third quarters set them apart.

Charleston managed to keep pace in the second quarter and entered halftime down 30-21.

However, Marion's supremacy in the third quarter effectively sealed the game's outcome. Although the Blue Jays finished strong with a 24-22 advantage in the fourth quarter, it was too late, as the Patriots had already eased off the pressure.

“Our kids know that a game like tonight exposes everything we need to improve on,” Williams said. “We had a good talk in the locker room. Everybody is ready to step up and do what’s necessary for us to be a contender come February.”

Charleston was 9-for-24 (38 percent) from the field; but shot 6-for-14 from the 3-point range.

“We have several guys who can knock 3-pointers,” Williams said. “I am excited about that.”

Despite the loss, there were notable performances.

Treshaun Schandon led the team with 14 points, including an impressive 4-for-5 from beyond the arc. Schandon's talent is evident, but he may need to adopt a more aggressive offensive approach to maximize his potential.

Trenez Lane and Shilyn Henderson each contributed 10 points, with Lane showing consistency at the free-throw line, hitting 5-for-8 shots.

DeShaun Henderson, in addition to his seven points, led the team with six rebounds and demonstrated cunning defensive skills by taking three charges.

“Offensively, we made the game difficult for ourselves,” Williams said. “Typically, that’s easier to improve. We were very stagnant, which led to a lot of those turnovers. That’s a relatively easy fix. We’ll get that corrected moving forward.”

Marion also defeated Caruthersville 77-33 on Saturday, Nov. 31 at the Riverbend Classic.

The Patriots are a very successful program. Marion won the Arkansas Class 5A State Championship in 2019 and has a combined record of 115-35 over the past five seasons.

Charleston returns to action at Dexter on Tuesday, Dec. 3.