Gimpy ankle doesn't slow down Stewarts Creek's Rogers

When an athlete is injured or sick, it's not uncommon for them to have a huge game.

Maybe it's something about having extra focus or motivation.

Such was the case with Stewarts Creek senior forward Jamya Rogers, who scored 23 points on a gimpy ankle in a 58-53 win over Blackman Tuesday night.

"As we started to play (the pain) got way better," said Rogers, who rolled the ankle during practice Monday. "I was going to play, regardless. I had to be more focused."

More:Tuesday's Murfreesboro area basketball top performers

Of course, big games are nothing new to Rogers, who has stepped up to lead the fifth-ranked Lady Red Hawks (21-3, 9-2 in 7-AAA) in scoring this season at around 14 points a contest.

"I knew I had to step up and play a big role (with leading scorers Brianna Ferby and Brandi Ferby graduating from the 2016-17 state tournament squad)," said Rogers. "I've been working on dribbling, shooting and post moves."

Stewarts Creek coach Lindy King said she noticed a different in Rogers' post moves Tuesday while her senior was nursing the sore ankle.

"We've been working on getting rid of the travels she sometimes gets with a short, choppy step," King said. "Tonight she was more deliberate. She had better footwork."

Prior to Tuesday's win, Rogers' scoring totals had been decreasing a bit. The reason for that is double-teams she has been getting in the second half of the season.

"Morgan (McCrary) and Kaylee (Odom) have been getting more and more points, with teams putting two players on Jamya," King said. "It's a 5-on-5 game, so if you're doubling her, somebody is going to be open."

After reaching the state last season, Rogers and Co. have high expectations going forward. With just three losses (two to No. 1 Riverdale and the other to unbeaten Cane Ridge), the Lady Red Hawks don't appear to be slowing down.

"We think we can get (back to the state), but we're taking it one game at a time," Rogers said.

Flowers added 15 points for Stewarts Creek while McCrary netted 14. Blackman (14-11, 6-5) was led by Alex Booker's 18 points and 13 from Jaleah Goff.

Blackman boys pull away late

Blackman's boys remained unbeaten (25-0, 11-0 7-AAA) despite being pushed early by Stewarts Creek (4-23, 2-9).

The Red Hawks actually led 16-15 early in the second and Blackman held a 30-25 lead at halftime. The Blaze, however, pulled away late in the third and throughout the fourth.

Brandon Thomas scored 18 points and pulled down 12 boards for Blackman while Trent Gibson added 18 points and Nathan Nelson 11. Donnie Jackson paced Stewarts Creek with 19 points.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.