When East Mississippi Community College sophomore Curtis Hall saw an opening, he decided to make the most of his opportunity.
Inserted into the starting lineup in the fourth game of the season, Hall has flourished, as have the Lions. The former West Point High School standout’s defensive presence is a big reason why the Lions are on a 14-game winning streak, which is the third longest streak in junior college basketball.
That streak will be back on the line tonight when EMCC (17-2, 9-0 North Division) will play host to Mississippi Delta Community College (7-11, 1-7) in a North Division showdown in Scooba. The women tip at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men’s game.
“It is all about playing defense with heart and with a passion,” Hall said. “That is why we have been so successful. We try to out-tough the opponent. Our job is to be extremely physical on the defensive end. We try to make it every possession tough on the other team.”
Defense has been the calling card for the Lions under fifth-year coach Mark White. The Lions are allowing 55.3 points per game this season. After watching Hall progress through the offseason, White knew Hall had the proper ingredients to be added to the defensive mix.
“We inserted him into the lineup at the No. 3 (forward position),” White said. “He really took off with it right away. Curt may have the best defensive ability on the team. His instincts are great. He takes a lot of pride at his defense and works hard every day to become a more complete player.”
Even though the Lions added new pieces to the puzzle this season. Hall knew continued hard work and patience would be rewarded.
“I am really grateful for the opportunity, and I am thankful coach White believed in me,” Hall said. “When the season started, I was told to keep working hard. Really my hard work and my passion for the game is what helped me earn a spot. All of us really put in a lot of hard work during the off-season.
“When you play with so many other talented guys, there is a lot of competition. We get pushed every day in practice and that is what has allowed us to have success.”
EMCC is closing in on a third straight North Division crown. After early season losses to No. 10 Shelton State C.C. and No. 2 North Florida State College, the Lions have found division play to their liking. EMCC is 31-2 in division play the past three seasons.
“It is all about teamwork,” Hall said. “You really have a bunch of guys who have a passion for playing defense. We hang out together away from the court. It is a like a big family. We all have the same goals and the same interests. Every day, we work extremely hard in practice.
“Since there are no superstars on this team, everybody has a role to play. On any given night, if each player does their part, we should be successful.”
Teamwork and a commitment to excellence on the defense have been the cornerstones of White’s program. When postseason play begins, EMCC will attempt to make a third straight NJCAA national championship tournament appearance.
“It is about desire and being invested,” White said. “We are really opposite to most teams in our state. Most like to play up-tempo and score a lot of points. We feel like our offense starts on the defensive end. Curtis has really grown up and is a leader of our defensive efforts.”
“Sometimes your shots will not fall. However, there is never an off night for defending, rebounding, and for effort. We take great pride in the amount of effort that goes into each practice and into each game.”
After a preseason top-10 ranking, the 3-2 start knocked the Lions from the poll. As the wins mounted, EMCC returned to the rankings. This week, the Lions are No. 14 in the nation.
“We have handled the challenge of being an elite team,” Hall said. “There were a lot of expectations going into the season. We had a couple of early losses but we learned from those games. We realized how much harder we had to work if we were going to be one of the best in the nation.
“Falling out of the rankings has served as a motivation. We know what it takes to win a region championship, and we are working hard every day toward that goal.”
While the Lions have darted through most of division play with relative ease, the challenges will become greater in a couple of weeks.
“We have to become a more complete offensive team,” said Hall, who is averaging 6.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. “We have to approach offense with same intensity and passion we approach defense. I think we are headed in the right direction. However, we have to work harder to have more balance and more offense if we really want to be a championship team in the end.”
While the end is drawing near, Hall said he will remember fondly his playing days at EMCC.
“Coach White has been great to me,” Hall said. “He is always on you about your grades and taking care of your business. I have learned a lot during my time here. I have learned a lot about playing basketball. I have also learned a lot about being a better person.
“This has been incredible experience. Once the season ends, I am going to start reviewing some colleges to see what is next. However, I feel really blessed and ready for the next opportunity.”
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.