USJ ready to dethrone state champs
JACKSON, Tenn. — USJ’s boys basketball team has a chance to lock up the No. 1 seed in their region this week. The Bruins take on defending state champions St. George twice.
History isn’t on USJ’s side.
“Since I came here, we haven’t beaten them yet,” senior Clayton Hughes said. “It’s kind of been their district. Something that me and other seniors really want. I think that’s going to be one of the highlights of our season is beating them.”
USJ has yet to lose in 2016. Last season, St. George pulled away from the Bruins by six combined points in their two contests.
Head coach Oliver Simmons believes the key to winning is taking care of the ball.
“I think whoever turns the ball over the most will lose this game,” Simmons said at Monday’s practice.
Simmons added that beating the Gryphons on Tuesday can help the Bruins in the long run.
“It’s a measuring stick because St. George has played a lot teams down there that we haven’t,” Simmons said. “If we can beat St. George, it lets us know we can beat those other teams as well.”
The Bruins will also play St. George in their season finale on Friday.
