NMCC, Jimerson look for another district surge

sports@standard-democrat.com

NEW MADRID -- Last season the New Madrid County Central Eagles served notice that they were a team to be reckoned with.

The emergence of Willie Jimerson had plenty to do with that, but it was when others behind him began to play their roles that NMCC took off.

"We didn't get going until everybody caught up with (Jimerson)," NMCC head coach Travis Day said. "When guys like Armondo Thatch, Delantre Haney and Darrin McGloson started stepping up everything started clicking."

Although Jimerson returns, the players Day mentioned do not. Which leaves a big hole to fill behind their Class 3 all-state selection.

"It's going to have to be three or four guys that can come in and take some of that scoring load off of Willie's shoulders," said Day.

Jimerson (5-10) averaged 21.8 points, 3.1 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game last season to lead his team to a 16-7 record. It's no secret that big things are expected of him again. According to Day, his junior year is still up in the air.

"This year will be interesting for him and it will be how much can he handle," Day said. "He's going to see everybody's best defender, everybody's special defense. This year will show his mental toughness.

"He's worked on his game this summer and the ability to knock down the outside shot more consistently. We'll have to see."

Haney finished last last season as NMCC's second-leading scorer with 10.2 points per game. He, along with Darrion McGloson, gave the Eagles an inside presence as well. McGloson averaged 8.3 points and 5.8 rebounds. Haney added 4.5 rebounds.

Thatch chipped in with 9.1 points and 2.7 rebounds a game which opened things up for the explosive Jimerson. Jashawn McDaniel will also be missed as their primary ball handler.

Finding those to help shoulder the load will begin with returners Mikeal Walker (5-9), TJ Clark (5-9) and Asten Newsom (6-2). Walker so the most minutes of the three but all saw some varsity time last season.

"We have a group of kids that's played a lot with each other, but you look at kids that have true varsity experience and we only have two or three," Day said. "We're going to have to count on those guys."

NMCC will begin the season Friday when they host the 15th annual Riverbend Classic. They begin the two-day event by opening against Cape Central at 2 p.m.