Chipola Overmatches USC-Salkehatchie: Fast Start Sets The Tone

November 24, 2007

By Chipola Staff

#1 ranked Chipola came out firing on all cylinders early Saturday afternoon, knocking off USC-Salkehatchie 91-65 on the second day of the Rick Flores Classic.

The Indians, now 9-0 on the season, hit their first 8 shots during the opening seven minutes of the game, building a quick 21-10 advantage.

During the stellar start, Chipola went 5 of 5 from the 3pt line.

“Overall tonight, I thought at spurts we were really good,” said Chipola coach Greg Heiar. “It was just a good win. It’s good to be 9-0 and get a couple of games in on Okaloosa-Walton’s floor, because obviously they are one of the powers in the nation and in our league.”

On day two in Niceville, Florida, the Indians were again led by sophomore Clevin Hannah’s hot shooting touch.

A night after going for 32 points with 10 three point field goals, Hannah led the way with 14 points while going 5 of 5 from the floor. He also added a team high 7 assists.

Hannah, who has now made his last 12 shots from beyond the 3pt arc, is 68% (27-40) on the year from downtown.

“Clevin continues to shoot the ball with a lot of confidence,” said Heiar. “His energy is rubbing off on the other guys.”

Freshman Gary Flowers scored 12 points and hauled in 5 rebounds, as the Indians took down USC for the second time this season.

“It’s hard to play a team two times in such a short span, especially when we won by so much last weekend,” said Heiar. “Keeping our focus and energy level was a priority tonight.”

Sophomore Mario Little scored 11 points, had 6 assists, and grabbed 5 rebounds in the win.

Sophomore Decoya White added 11 points off of the bench in just 16 minutes of play.

“A good thing about games like this is that it gives some playing experience to some of those guys that don’t get as much playing time as they really deserve, playing behind our starters,” added Heiar. “I thought those guys (the bench) did a really good job.”

Sophomore Mario Edwards and freshman Casey Mitchell added 11 points a piece for Chipola. Mitchell, who earned his first career start, also had 7 rebounds.

The Indians were led on the boards by freshman Torye Pelham’s 9 rebounds.

Chipola next plays at home on Thursday, November 29 at 7:00 pm against Lawson State. The Indians defeated Lawson 114-53 on November 12 in Birmingham, Alabama.