SCOOBA — Jahyde Gardiner had a good Thursday.
The East Mississippi Community College sophomore forward foreshadowed an excellent night on the basketball court when he hit an off-balance 3-pointer in the corner as the shot clock horn sounded.
Earlier in the day, the 6-foot-6, 220-pound Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, native signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his basketball career at Tennessee-Martin.
Gardiner showed the Skyhawks what they will be getting with a career-high 29-points night in EMCC’s 73-64 victory against East Central C.C. at Keyes T. Currie Coliseum.
“It was a great day, one of the best of my life,” Gardiner said. “I am really thankful to UT-Martin for this opportunity. I am blessed. Then to come out here and celebrate with my teammates and get a win as well. That’s special.”
Gardiner’s performance helped Billy Begley’s initial EMCC squad improve to 4-0.
“We showed the type of team we can become,” EMCC freshman guard Anterio McKines said. “The sky is the limit. We just have to keep working hard. Everybody is excited about starting 4-0. We know this can be a special team.”
Gardiner showed he could already register on the special scale. His first-half effort included perfect symmetry on the give-and-go twice with McKines. His 19-point second-half performance was huge, as EMCC saw a 15-point lead trimmed to four with less than three minutes remaining.
Also big was freshman Nat Dixon, a transfer from Boston College. Dixon stopped a pair of mini runs in the final 10 minutes with back-breaking 3-pointers.
“Nat may have been our most valuable player,” Begley said. “He is not a big factor in the game and then he hits two shots that totally change the game. Each of those threes kept us in control and were really big.”
EMCC showed flashes of greatness. The Lions continue to pride themselves on tenacious defense. EMCC overplayed the passing lanes, forcing 13 first-half turnovers, many which led to transition baskets.
The Lions used a 13-2 run to open a 23-12 lead and held a similar push at 32-22 at halftime.
“It’s just all about detail,” Gardiner said. “We are getting close to be a fundamentally sound, solid team. After going through a change of coaches and a lot of changes to our offseason program, it has been a challenge. We feel good about winning the first four games despite all the changes.
“Once we settle in and start really knowing one another and playing with one another, we can be an elite team.”
Gardiner also had five rebounds and hit his final six shots from the field when his team needed it the most.
“You really saw a clutch performance,” Begley said. “He is one of the veterans out there so he has been through the battles in this league. East Central is very physical, and they had a stretch where they really got hot. Fortunately, we got some stops after things really tightened up.”
EMCC played the final six minutes without former West Point High School standout Juan Davis, who fouled out. Davis started the game and got a packed student section roaring with a monster dunk off the tip. Sophomore Daniel Simmons had a similar rim-rattler two possessions later.
The early momentum kept the Lions in good stead throughout the game.
Dixon had 13 points, while Simmons added 10 points. Davis had eight points, seven rebounds, two blocked shots, and two steals. Sophomore J’Vaughnte Harris had seven assists.
Derrik Dandrige and Tonzell Handy led East Central (2-1) with 14 points. Isaiah Traylor had 11 and Prince McDaniel had 10. Former New Hope standout Jaylon Bardley had three points in eight minutes off the bench.
For Gardiner, the day ended in a sweet fashion. He entered the game averaging 11 points per game. Earlier this season, he recorded career double-double No. 12 in a victory against Meridian C.C.
“I have two teams now,” Gardiner said. “I love my Skyhawks. That is my new family. I love my Lions. That is my old family. I feel honored to have this opportunity. I really appreciate both (former EMCC) coach (Mark) White and coach Begley for pushing me this hard. I feel like this can be my team. This is one of those nights that I tried to show it.”
In his freshman season, Gardiner led all of Region XXIII with 65 blocked shots.
In the opener, the EMCC women improved to 3-0 with an 84-75 victory. Reigning Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges Player of the Week Quantesha Patterson led the Lady Lions with 31 points and nine rebounds. Former Columbus High standout Ki-Ki Patterson had 16 points.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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