The holidays always bring out feelings of good will.
Family members cherish the opportunity to spend time with loved ones. Handshakes and hugs are plentiful.
As we hit December, a group really needing a hug may be the Columbus boys’ basketball team.
When the season began, Columbus was considered one of the favorites for the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A state championship. The Clarion-Ledger had the squad ranked fourth in the state in its initial Super 10.
However entering Friday night’s contest at Noxubee County, the Falcons have a 3-5 overall record.
Debating what is up with the Columbus basketball team is an interesting proposition.
Columbus lost 11 seniors and its head coach from last season’s Class 6A state championship team. The Falcons were going to face a major rebuild even before it was determined coach Luther Riley would not return for a second season.
Gary Griffin was promoted to the head coaching position late in the summer. Even though Griffin has had a long tenure on the Columbus bench both under Riley and Sammy Smith before that, he is still learning the ropes of being a head coach for the first time.
Not only has Griffin had to install his way of doing things, the Falcons have had to put together a new lineup. Four new starters have had to learn to play together.
There are stretches of brilliant play. There are glimpses into how really good this team can become.
However, depth has been a major issue through eight games. Griffin needs more contributions from more new faces.
The schedule is beyond brutal. From a personal standpoint, it is the most difficult schedule ever seen by these eyes.
Since Riley had connections to the Jackson metro area, Columbus played several games against Jackson-area competition last season. For years, the Jackson-area has been the strongest center for prep basketball in this state.
This year, Columbus is honoring the second year of several of these contracts and playing some really good central Mississippi teams.
Columbus has already played in the Canton Tigerland Classic, Pontotoc Shootout, the Orsmond Jordan Classic and the Lighthouse Classic.
December will include the Columbus-hosted Joe Horne Classic and the New Hope Classic.
In January, Columbus takes part in Mustang Madness in Paducah, Kentucky, as well as the Rumble in the South at Mississippi College.
In two or three of these events, Columbus is or will be lining up against nationally-ranked opposition.
Griffin admits the schedule is daunting.
There could have been some opponent shuffling when he took over. However, he elected to go in the other direction. The kids were encouraged to accept the challenge head-on.
Griffin is convinced that playing these heavyweights night in and night out will make the team ready to perform at its best when postseason play arrives.
Let’s also not forget Columbus played at Callaway earlier this season and has a home-and-home with Starvkille. Oh yes, the Class 6A, Region 2 schedule also includes undefeated Tupelo twice.
On the court, the Falcons have size, speed and athleticism. Depth is still a work in progress.
Columbus also has the services of Robert Woodard, II. A year ago, Woodard was the team’s best player but was simply one of several good players on the team. This year, the highly-coveted junior is the team’s best scoring option — and on some nights — only scoring option.
In seven of eight games, Woodard has gone north of 20 points. The rebounding and blocked shot numbers are also off the board. He is 247 Sports’ top-ranked prospect in the state and No. 7 small forward prospect nationally.
Woodard will be enough to back his team’s No. 4 ranking in a smaller classification. However, in the state’s top classification, everybody moves faster and the talent level team versus team is far more important.
As in most sports, it sometimes comes down to confidence and momentum.
Columbus really needs the opportunity to relax and flex its muscle against a smaller opponent. A win or two would do this team a world of good. However, the schedule does not provide a gimme.
There is also the dilema of everyone knowing you are the reigning state champion. Regardless of the opponent and the location, the other team coming all-out for Columbus, trying to gain that signature victory.
It has all added up for a difficult start for Columbus.
Denijay Harris is the team’s No. 2 scorer and is developing into a nice player. Chris Blair was a standout football player for the Falcons. He brings that physical, rugged demenaor this team needs in a larger supply.
More intensity is needed. More balanced scoring is needed. It is all within the capabilities of this team.
Columbus has been slow-starting. Then when the rally takes place, the depth is not there to finish the job. The Falcons need to start fast and not hang their heads when the other team pops that 8-0 run.
It’s a safe bet this team will be much different in February. It will be much better.
The challenge will be enormous to get to February.
Scott Walters is a sports writer for The Dispatch. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @dispatchscott.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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