By T. Scott Boatright
Everybody got in on the action Friday night as the Choudrant Aggies started strong and never let up in a 75-34 District 2-B victory over Family Community Christian School inside the CHS Gym.
FCCS scored the game’s opening basket and then tied things up at 4-4 before the Aggies regained the lead and never looked back, building a 20-10 advantage by the end of the opening stanza.
The Aggies picked up their pace in the second quarter, putting their reserve players into the contest early and building a 44-22 lead by halftime.
“We got off to a good start offensively,” Smith said. “We’ve been fortunate the last few games to get off to a hot start. What we’re trying to fight is, sometimes when we’re playing really hard on offense, we kind of loosen up some on defense.
“So, they made some great cuts and drives to the basket there in the first half. At halftime we really emphasized our help defense, getting our bodies in front (of the opponents) and showing hands. I really liked how the guys responded in the second half defensively. Fortunately for us, we kept the offense going. We want to maximize the best we can on both offense and defense at the same time.”
In a game that saw a running clock begin in the third quarter, Choudrant’s bench played a key role.
Turner Rhodes led the Aggies with 13 points as 11 different Choudrant players put points on the scoreboard.
Cole Rinehart added six points for Choudrant in a third quarter during which the Aggies outscored the Warriors 20-5.
“Both of those guys are freshmen,” Smith said. “Turner Rhodes has led us in scoring probably six games now. His work ethic and dedication is remarkable for a young guy. And Cole Rinehart is also a freshman. It’s kind of a luxury to get those guys in. Turner’s played a lot, but to get Cole and some of our other reserves out there getting solid playing time at this point of the year I think will really pay off for our future.
“A lot of those guys have played big minutes the last couple of weeks. It’s great because they push the starters in practice, and that’s good and important. But you can’t replicate game experience. Any chance to get to get those younger guys out there is such a positive for them and the program. We don’t have to worry as much about foul trouble and things like that.”
Brayden Pye added 11 points for the Aggies while Jackson Ambrose and Tobey Cooper added 10 each while Clarence Menyweather hit for eight and Ryan Snyder chipped in with another six.
Choudrant moved to 17-10 overall and 2-0 in District 2-B with the win.
“We’ve still got about a month left and we want to keep on getting better,” Smith said. “We want to be at our best at the end of the season. Sometimes you’re just playing well. Tonight that was us. Now we just have to keep it going.”
Next up for the Aggies will be a home against Simsboro on Tuesday.
