Senators improve to 10-0 with win over Moc Valley Prep

MORRISTOWN, TN – Seven players scored in double figures on Wednesday evening for Walters State as the Senators cruised to a 117-55 win over Moc Valley Prep.

With the win, Walters State improved to 10-0 on the season. 

Along with those seven players in double figures, the remaining five on the Senators team also scored in the contest. 

"Sharing the ball is always what we talk about," Walters State coach Jerry Nichols said. "We've talked about it all year. We want to share because we have shooters all over the floor. We have a lot to improve on, and a game like this helps us to play hard. The reality is you have to play hard every game, no matter who it is."

Wednesday's contest was a special one for the Walters State basketball program as former Senator Trey Suttles returned to Walters State as head coach of Moc Valley Prep. Suttles played for Walters State in 2013-14, averaging 13.6 points per game and eight rebounds. 

"It's good to play a Walters State alum in Trey (Suttles)," Nichols said. "They have a good prep school and will get better. We're rooting for them, like we always root for our Walters State alums." 

Leading the way for Walters State in the game was Greg Moore with 18 points. While Moore comes off the bench for Walters State, his numbers don't reflect it as Moore is averaging almost 13 points per game and is shooting 50% from the field. 

"He's been doing it all year," Nichols said. "A lot of people put a lot of emphasis on coming off the bench, but Greg is a starter. He's a guy that can play and score. His percentages have improved. We talk all the time about taking good shots and having elite percentages." 

Along with Moore, Jamar Livingston had 17 points while Malachi Hale hit four 3-pointers and finished with 16 points. Other scorers for the Senators were Jaylen Wharton with 14 points, Micah Simpson with 11 points, Jair Horton with 10 points, Chi Shannon with 10 points, Jaylon Taylor with six points, Ramondo Battle with five points, Carter Metz with four points, Charvez Ambrose with three points and JR Jacobs with three points. 

While the Senators scored 52 points in the first half, the Walters State offense really exploded in the second half with 65 points. A lot of that had to do the play of Ambrose as he continues to excel at different positions.

"He's like a swiss army knife," Nichols said. "I can put him all over the floor. His versatility is key to our team. I am looking forward to him continuing to do what he has done all year and just being able to play different positions. He's a really good defender, too." 

Things started quick for the Senators as they scored the first 12 points of the game. Moc Valley finally scored, but Walters State answered back and continued to lead by double digits.

However, the Senators would go cold from there and Moc Valley got the lead down to a five-point game at 27-22. Faced with a little adversity, Walters State proved up to the task as they closed strong and led 52-31 at the break.

"I did like the way we responded to adversity, but there shouldn't have been adversity from the start," Nichols said. "I think we got a little lackadaisical. We got that big lead, but they responded to it and we didn't. We'll get better from it after watching the film." 

In the second half, it was more of the same for Walters State as they hit 13 3-pointers in the final 20 minutes of the game. Moore, Livingston and Hale each hit three 3-pointers. Defensively, the Senators held Moc Valley to just 24 points in the second half. 

Up Next:

Walters State will close out the first half of the season on Saturday, traveling to take on Georgia Highlands. The Senators won the earlier matchup between the two teams, 78-70. Tip is set for 4:30 p.m. 

For Nichols, a win on Saturday would close out a phenomenal first half to the season both on and off the court. 

"Georgia Highlands is really, really good," Nichols said. "Going on the road is always tough. We're trying to enter the break at 11-0. If we can do that, I'll be very, very pleased with what we have done this semester. Not only on the court, but in the classroom too. These guys academically did a really great job this semester, finishing with a team GPA of 3.1. That's more important than just wins and losses. We've had a really great first semester, and I'm hoping to cap it off with a win at Georgia Highlands." 

Rob Harvey

Walters State Community College

Sports Information Director

Cell: (423) 779-8880

Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu

Website: www.ws.edu/athletics