PRINCETON, W.Va. — James Monroe’s offensive execution was on point throughout the opening quarter of Friday’s matchup at Princeton as the Mavericks made 12-of-22 field-goal attempts and did not have a turnover during a 28-point frame to build a 15-point lead.
There was hardly any letup from the Mavericks the rest of the way.
All five James Monroe starters recorded double-figure scoring and reserve Bryer Surface poured in a team-high 19 points, as the Mavericks torched the nets for almost 56 percent field goal shooting with 13 three-pointers in a commanding 90-56 win over the Tigers.
“We’ve been working on offensive pace quite a bit lately. We play so hard on defense and it starts to wear on opponents,” Mavericks’ head coach Kelly Mann said. “We’re getting that offensive pace now. We’re freeing up our minds and shooting the ball without thinking.”
The Mavericks (11-4) began to create separation early when they ran off nine straight points to lead 20-7. Wyatt Mann was responsible for two of the team’s three triples in the opening period, which ended with the visitors leading by 15 after Kadyn Hines’ midrange jumper.
The Tigers (7-9) trailed 33-21 when Jayce Gum scored in the paint, but the Mavericks controlled what remained of the opening half.
Jayden Miller’s second triple of the quarter upped the JMHS lead to 15, and when Surface accounted for his team’s next three, PHS faced a 43-25 deficit.
The Mavericks continued to display perimeter proficiency and got another three from Surface along with one from Lane Taylor for the final six points of the half, enabling James Monroe to hold a commanding 51-25 advantage at halftime.
Mann’s squad was 21 for 34 from the field with eight triples and one turnover through two periods.
“It’s a result of the way we play with the tempo and all,” Mann said. “Each night, it’s like a different guy goes off. You feel really good about the way we played. That’s a good team we have a lot of respect for. We executed and did the things we wanted to do all night.”
Princeton never threatened the Mavericks in the second half, with the visitors continuing to execute at a high level and making 14-of-29 shots over the final two quarters.
Surface made 7-of-9 shots and five of his team’s 13 threes.
Hines followed with 15 points, Taylor scored 14 and Bryce Gardiner added 12. Miller (11) and Ryan Mann (10) rounded out the double-figure scorers, while Wyatt Mann scored nine off the bench.
“We have depth,” Mann said, “and we’re shaping into what we want to be.”
Ryan Mann’s 12 rebounds were a team high.
Gum led all players with 27 points, but no other Tiger scored more than six.