New Braves coach takes small steps forward

Through the first three weeks of the season the Scott County Central Braves have won a few games, but more importantly they're learning to play together.

While Scott Central coach Melvin Porter said the talent level on his team is right up there with Southeast Missouri's best, it's the little things that have presented problems for the inexperienced Braves.

"Getting them back to the fundamentals has been a challenge," he said.

The Braves have had several character-building games already this season and look to build on them. After what Porter called "a choke job" in their opener against defending Class 1 champion Bell City, the Braves fell behind early against Gideon only to fight their way back before losing by 10 points.

Porter said those losses will help show the players what they need to do to play winning basketball.

While Porter doesn't question the players' desire, he said the work ethic is not as consistent as it should be.

The Braves feature three players who average in double figures, led by Chris Pullen with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Jeremy Johnson averages 12 points, and Andrew Pullen averages 10.

The Braves will feature a new player in the tournament. After sitting out the first four games of the season, Dujuan Watkins, a 6-foot-2 senior forward, made his debut against Puxico Dec. 16. Watkins posted a game-high 24 points.

"He's the total package," Porter said.

Going into the tournament as the No. 12 seed, the Braves will have to overcome tough squads to go far. That begins today with the first-round game against No. 5 Oran, a rival team from the Scott-Mississippi Conference.

Porter said the tournament will be the kind of challenge his team needs.

"We could be good or we could be fair this season. But I don't think we'll be poor."

jjoffray@semissourian.com

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