There are still unforced turnovers and ill-advised shots.
Yet, the tempo is quicker and there’s more energy. Confidence is growing with every game.
Williamstown remains a work in progress, but the Braves have certainly turned a corner. A team that opened the year 2-7 is learning how to win with the addition of two key senior transfers and a supporting cast fulfilling slightly different roles.
“If we play smart basketball, defensive basketball, fundamentally-sound basketball, that’s it,” coach Adam Dandrea said. “We’re trying to simplify everything right now. It’s about handling pressure and putting pressure on people.”
With Clinton Suggs and Jameer Gordon leading the way, Williamstown extended its winning streak to six in a row Thursday. The transfers – Suggs from Paul VI, Gordon from St. Joseph (Hamm.) – combined for 34 points en route to a 58-49 victory over visiting Delsea in Tri-County Conference inter-division action.
Suggs scored 12 of his team-high 19 points in the second half, while Gordon finished with 15 points, four rebounds and five assists.
“We trust them with the ball in their hands,” Dandrea said. “They’ve played in a ton of big games, so the moment isn’t too big for them.”
Tyson Forman added eight points and four rebounds for the winners, while Kayden Matthews chipped in seven points, five boards and two steals.
Williamstown (9-8) held an 11-point lead heading into the fourth and used a quick 6-0 run to rebuild its double-digit lead after the Crusaders closed within 50-45 midway through the quarter.
Jose Vincente led Delsea (9-7) with a career-high 21 points – connecting on five 3-pointers. Luke Van Auken added 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Azzez Kassim had 10 points.
“I don’t want Clinton and I to take all the credit. At the end of the day, we’re a team and we couldn’t do it without each other,” said Gordon, who’s averaging 18.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in eight games.
“We just brought a lot of confidence to everyone else around us,” added Suggs, who’s averaging 24.3 points, 4.3 boards and 3.6 assists. “There are more weapons now and our pace is faster. We’re pushing to our limits.”
Suggs also had four of the Braves’ nine steals.
Two years ago, Williamstown won just two games. Last year saw improvement and the result was eight victories. With Gordon and Suggs now in the mix, the Braves are looking like a team that could potentially make some noise in the South Jersey Group 4 playoffs.
“We were struggling to score the basketball before,” Dandrea said. “Everybody’s roles have changed slightly. If we know we have points coming from this side, who can step up defensively? Who can guard this guy? Who can take charges? Our shot selection has improved, too. Everybody is taking smarter shots and not forcing much stuff.
“The process of learning how to win is still fresh for us. Progress is being made but we want to be playing our best at the end. They’re gaining confidence with the wins. Every win, that confidence comes in and that’s so contagious. A lot of these seniors went through that two-win season. They appreciate the wins more than the average person. Right now, everyone is bought in to what they can do to make a play so that the next guy can make a better play.”
