Charleston clicks on all cylinders, burns SCC in commanding road win

Shilyn Henderson (3) drives to the basket during a win over New Madrid County Central earlier this season.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

SIKESTON — Charleston’s offense, flowing through a diverse group of playmakers, turned up the heat Thursday night, securing an 89-64 win at Scott County Central.

The Blue Jays (8-6, 3-1 SEMO) pushed their win streak to three with the victory over the Braves (3-9, 1-3 Scott-Mississippi), steadily pulling away after each quarter behind a lethal mix of perimeter shooting, fast-break execution, and intense defensive pressure.

“We’re starting to play more complete basketball,” said Charleston coach Jamarcus Williams. “That’s exactly what I want to see from my guys as we progress through the second half of the season.”

The game unfolded with Charleston imposing its will early, building a 20-11 lead in the opening quarter. As the Braves struggled to match up defensively, the Blue Jays took advantage, using their quickness to get out in transition and pick apart the defense. 

By halftime, the lead had stretched to 38-24, with Charleston forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities.

The Blue Jays never looked back after halftime, as Trenez Lane’s hot shooting and Treshaun Schandon’s all-around dominance pushed the margin further. Lane, who finished with a game-high 18 points, went 3-for-4 from beyond the arc and knocked down 50 percent of his shots from the field. 

Schandon, a dynamic sophomore, filled the stat sheet with 16 points, nine rebounds, seven steals, and six assists. His hustle and ability to control the game from both ends make him one of the area's most dangerous players when he’s confident and on his game.

Deshaun Henderson and Martavious Biles each chipped in 12 points, with Biles adding seven rebounds and three assists, showing off his versatility. 

Senior Tayshon Clark, back in the lineup for the first time this season, also scored 12 points and brought three steals to the table, providing a spark that kept the offense rolling.

“[Clark] is for sure going to make us into a different team,” Williams said. “He adds another body to our depth, length and more rebounding. We’re definitely glad to have him back. “

Cortavian Banks (18) and Brandon Bean (12) led the Braves in scoring.

“We knew coming in that Charleston is very well coached and will play hard for 32 minutes,” said SCC coach Tim Carlisle. “For us to have a chance we had to match that intensity. I thought our boys battled the whole game and never gave up.”

SCC returns to action at Gideon (4-8, 4-1 Tri-County) on Jan. 21. 

Charleston will turn its attention to the 40th annual City of Metropolis Superman Classic, where the Blue Jays will face host school Massac County (7-7) on Monday, Jan. 21, at 7:30 p.m. After winning three consecutive championships from 2020 to 2023 — with the 2021 edition canceled — Charleston looks to reclaim the crown following last year’s tournament absence from the top spot.

CHARLESTON 89, SCOTT COUNTY CENTRAL 48

Charleston (89) — Trenez Lane 18, Treshaun Schandon 16, Deshaun Henderson 12, Tayshon Clark 12, Martavious Biles 12, Da’Kyrious Williams 7, Shilyn Henderson 5, Adrian Rodgers 3, Chase Kearby 2, Timothy Frazier 2. FG: 37-78. FT: 9-17. F: 19. (3-pointers: Lane 3-4, Biles 2-6, Williams 1-3, Frazier 0-1, Kearby 0-1, Clark 0-1, S. Henderson 0-3. Fouled out: Biles.)

SCC (48) — Cortavian Banks 18, Brandon Bean 12, Trevor Brown 7, Courtney Sanders III 6, Jaydon Easter 3, Cameron Bean 3, Kayden Ballew 2. FG: 19. FT: 8-18. F: 18. (3-pointers: Banks 2, Brown 1. Fouled out: None.)