BOWMAN COLUMN: Collegiate eyes title bid

  • pbowman@postandcourier.com
  • Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 12:01 a.m.
    UPDATED: Sunday, March 18, 2012 7:14 p.m.
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Charleston Collegiate boys basketball coach Jay Godbolt isn't worried about the team's record. He's more concerned about the end result. He might have the talent to contend for a SCISA Class AA title, so he's loaded up the schedule to help his team prepare for postseason success.

The Sun Devils lost a tough one Saturday, falling to Memorial Day, 60-54, and are 11-5 on the season. But the losses have come against tough foes, including Pinewood Prep, Trinity, James Island and Colleton County.

"I feel playing those teams will help us in our region," said Godbolt, who led his team to the state final in 2008. "We want to get better, and the best way to do that is to play teams that presents challenges. We've played pretty good against quality competition."

The Sun Devils finished as state runners-up in 2008 and the following season was a rare losing season. The team had 41 victories against 17 losses the past two seasons, and the biggest obstacle to winning the elusive state title was the backcourt.

Godbolt has remedied that. He has a backcourt that can handle its own against any squad in the Lowcountry.

Junior Khalil Davis is one of the top scorers in the state, and sophomore Ty Solomon isn't far behind. They are getting looked at by Clemson, South Carolina and The Citadel, among others, and Godbolt thinks they will be Division I college players.

Aaron Willis, another player Godbolt pegs for college ball, is a senior leader. He is a three-year starter who's averaging 16 points and is the team's leading rebounder. Another senior, Chase Schaeffer, has been slowed by an ankle injury and has missed a handful of games. His return will be a boost.

--Stall this week hosts the first Charleston County Wrestling Meet, with Friday's action including duals. Saturday will feature individual competition.

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Teams scheduled to compete include Stall, Wando, West Ashley, James Island, Academic Magnet, Military Magnet, Burke, Baptist Hill, St. John's, Garrett and North Charleston.

Basketball stats

The Post and Courier will run basketball statistics on Friday's Prep Zone page. The deadline to submit statistics is Wednesday. Call 937-5592 or email stats to pbowman@postandcourier.com

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