Nov 10, 2016

Lady Chargers Fall Short Against Faulkner State, Chargers Dominate Kentucky Wesleyan

By Marion Wilhoite

Columbia State Community College's basketball teams host their third games of the season Tuesday, Nov. 8, when the junior varsity teams from Cumberland University in Lebanon visit the Webster Athletic Center for a 5:30 p.m. doubleheader.

The Lady Chargers are bidding for their first win after just missing an upset Saturday of Faulkner State. The Sun Chiefs, who had a 19-3 won-loss last season, surged from a 58-48 deficit to a 71-66 victory.

Connor Depriest and Leah Tangerstrom, Columbia State's sophomore duo from Perry County High School, tallied 19 and 17 points respectively.

Depriest swished in five 3-point baskets, also collecting six rebounds and five assists. Tangerstrom cleared nine rebounds.

Sophomore McKenzie Haislip from Creek Wood High School added 10 points and nine rebounds. Freshman Lasha Scott from Decatur County-Riverside High School posted nine points, eight boards, six assists, two steals and blocked a shot in a solid, all-around game.

MEN'S GAME

The Columbia State men's basketball team kept the scoreboard operator busy Friday, romping to a 126-85 victory over an outmanned Kentucky Wesleyan's junior varsity.

Just as in their opening win Tuesday against WKTCC, the Chargers sizzled in the second half, pouring in 68 points to extend its 58-38 halftime lead. Columbia scored 73 second-half points in their first game.

Columbia connected on 44 baskets in 85 attempts from the field including nine 3-pointers. The Chargers added 29 free throws made in 46 opportunities.

A trio of starters and a pair of reserves were among the 13 players who scored for the Chargers.

Adrian Hicks' 28 points included five 3-point goals in six attempts for Columbia.

Donovan Brown provided a double-double with 15 points and a dozen rebounds, while Keldrick Lesure netted 13 tallies.

The back-up guard duo of Jerrick Mitchell and Tavon King netted 13 and 10 points respectively.

The Chargers controlled the backboards 62-29 led by Isaiah Blacksmith with 14. Also aiding the dominance in rebound were Lesure and Devonta Leslie with seven a piece.

The Columbia State teams open TJCCAA play on Nov. 11 at Motlow State in Tullahoma at 5:30 p.m. They also play league foe Volunteer State in Gallatin at Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. Saturday.