Jays off to hot start heading into Shootout and Classic

Jared Cooper of the Jays makes a pass past Rayonte Childs (1) and Javon Bolden (11) of Northwest Academy of Law during a Dec. 1 game at Fleming Fieldhouse.
Jared Cooper of the Jays makes a pass past Rayonte Childs (1) and Javon Bolden (11) of Northwest Academy of Law during a Dec. 1 game at Fleming Fieldhouse.

The last time Jefferson City and Battle met at Fleming Fieldhouse, the Spartans outlasted the Jays for an 85-69 win in the Class 5 District 8 championship game.

They'll meet again at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Capital City Shootout. It's not for a district title, but it could go a long way in determining seeding at the end of the season.

"It's a huge game for us because it's the only time we'll see them before district play," Jefferson City coach Mark Anderson said. "Being in the same district kind of magnifies that game. They've got a great team. Trae Meny is a heck of a player. Alex Smith and all kinds of guys that can really score the ball."

The Jays are 4-0 following Wednesday's home victory against Hickman. Battle enters the contest 2-1 with wins against Missouri Military Academy and Southern Boone. The Spartans' lone loss was to Raytown South in the Norm Stewart Classic at Columbia College.

"They shoot the ball, they are a lot of dribble-drive and they have the ability to get to the rim, get out and run," Anderson said. "Like a lot of teams they'd probably like to have one more big. I bet (coach) Brian (Meny) would tell you that. That will certainly be key for us is to try to get the ball inside against them."

Those inside touches could go to 6-foot-7 center DaMani Jarrett, who Anderson said he'd like to get more involved in the offense.

"We've got to give him more post touches," Anderson said. "Some of that is we are a little quick to take some shots. That's one of our focuses."

Rae'Quan Davis has provided points in the paint and from outside, contributing about 13 points per game. Brennan Jeffries and Hudson Nilges also average double figures for the Jays, scoring 15.25 and 10 per game, respectively.

Jeffries provided a boost in the Jays' 66-64 win against Northwest Academy of Law, the defending Class 3 state champion. Jefferson City followed that up with a 68-44 win against Timberland and a 68-56 victory against Hickman.

"The Northwest win was a really good win, but I don't think we played a complete game," Anderson said. "I thought we played a better game (against Timberland). I'm pleased with our trajectory. We're headed in the right direction."

The Jays will be on the road for the first time this season Tuesday at Willard before playing in the Joe Machens Great 8 Classic from Dec. 28-30 at Fleming Fieldhouse.

"Really looking forward to it," Anderson said. "Of course, I was involved in it in other capacities as an assistant or helping set up things and practice times for gyms and things like that. To be back as a head coach is really exciting. It's an event that I've come to scout and just watch as an innocent bystander. Obviously one of the premier events in Mid-Missouri and I'm looking forward to being a part of it."

Jefferson City's first-round matchup is against Craigmont out of Memphis, Tenn. The Chiefs have started the season 8-3.

"They are athletic and they'll press us," Anderson said. " We know they are going to be big and we know they are going to be a lot of pressure for us and it'll be a test."

The Jays got experience against the press against Northwest.

"Hopefully playing Northwest will help us in that respect," Anderson said. "We got to see a team that probably isn't quite as big as Craigmont, but plays a similar style."

The Chiefs have two players averaging double figures: Terrence Cotton (16.4) and Antwan Campbell (12.6). The 6-4 Campbell also leads Craigmont with 7.3 rebounds per game.

"They are a load, but I think every body in the tournament is a load," Anderson said. "Certainly Helias and Tolton and Raytown South are really good. Then all of the out-of- state teams are good, too. There's no easy pickins this year."

Jefferson City and Craigmont will be the third first-round game played Dec. 28 with tip-off at about 7 p.m.

Father Tolton and Upper Arlington (Ohio) are also on the bottom half of the bracket.

Raytown South, Hyde Park (Ill.), Helias and Owasso (Okla.) make up the top portion of the bracket.