Grizzlies pick up 2 more wins, will face Three Rivers Saturday

The Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Basketball team seems to have finally found its footing.

The Grizzlies (6-7) picked up two more wins this week before Saturday's contest against Region 16 arch rival Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff. They defeated the St. Louis Community College Archers 84-68 Nov. 30 in St. Louis and downed the Link Year Prep Lions 100-89 Tuesday evening at the West Plains Civic Center.

Encouraging signs

Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Chris Popp said he is encouraged by the growth he has seen in his players in the past few games.

"St. Louis was a very good team win against a good team. They were 4-1 and coming off a win over a ranked opponent," Popp said. "Our guys played with great energy from the start. We're forming an identity with our team with pressuring. They've bought into it and are having a lot of fun with it. It's an exciting way to play."

Four Grizzlies scored in double figures against the Archers. Sophomore guard Sardaar Calhoun led the way with 20 points, followed by sophomore redshirt forward Quentin Jones, sophomore guard Taevon Horton and freshman guard Franklyn Petion each with 10.

Against a very talented Lions team on Tuesday, however, the Grizzlies struggled early. They went into the halftime break tied with the Lions, 44-44.

"We were playing as hard, but we weren't as aggressive as we needed to be at the beginning," he explained. "We weren't aggressive to the ball, in our traps or on the glass.

"I was pleased with the way we responded in the second half, though," he added. "There were defensive possessions where we were in a scramble beginning to end, and wherever the ball moved, there was someone there. That is growth."

Never comfortable

Although the Lions attempted to battle back, the Grizzlies held them at bay. "I never felt comfortable, but for the last five or six minutes, we kept the lead around 15 points. We handled their press, responded when they made plays and did what we needed to in the final minutes to finish it," the coach said.

Point guards D'Andre Vilmar and Zavien Smith-Morales were key to those efforts. "Our point guard play was very good. They tried to press, change things up, but D'Andre and Zavien handled it and managed our team," Popp said.

Together the duo had 10 points and 15 assists.

Sophomore forward Alex Peterson led the Grizzlies' offensive charge with a career high 32 points. Calhoun closely followed with 29 points, and Horton added 15.

"No question Alex had his best night offensively," Popp said. "They sat in a zone, and we kept throwing (the ball) inside. Alex kept it simple, found some gaps in their zone and finished really well around the rim.

"Sardaar also played very well," the coach added. "That was the best game he's played this year as a whole on both ends. It was good to see him play with the level of energy he had."

Toy Toss

Tuesday's game also served as the annual Toy Toss game benefitting the Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots campaign. Grizzly fans brought over 200 toys to toss onto the court when the Grizzlies scored their first points of the night. The toys will be given to underprivileged children in the area.

"We appreciate our fans and their participation in the Toy Toss, and Jack McNevin and Ben Grace from the Marine Corps Reserves for what they do for the people in this area," Popp said. "We also thank Jerry Hall, Rhonda Blankenship and the staff at Holiday Inn Express and Suites for their sponsorship of this event each year."

Saturday, the Grizzlies will face a 7-5 Three Rivers Raiders team that's playing well right now, Popp said.

"They're a much improved team from a year ago," he said. "They have a lot of shooters and can score in bunches. They also have better size inside. It will be a challenge to go to their place in their new facility and get a win on the road."

For more information about the Grizzly Basketball program, visit www.msuwpgrizzlies.com or call 417-255-7991.