Pioneers go 2-0 in Roger Taylor Classic, remain undefeated

Pioneers go 2-0 in Roger Taylor Classic, remain undefeated

Spartanburg Methodist men's basketball posted two wins over the weekend in the Roger Taylor Classic hosted by Louisburg College. The Pioneers defeated Hargrave Military Academy, one of the best prep schools in the country, by a score of 109-97. To close the weekend, SMC defeated Howard Community College 79-62. 

The Pioneers posted one of its best offensive outputs in school history on Friday night. The 109 points is one of the highest totals in a single game in school history. With the win, the 16th ranked Pioneers improved to 4-0 on the season. The Pioneers were led by six players in double figures.

Freshman Daquan Jeffries led SMC with a team and career high 24 points to go along with 9 rebounds. Jalen Nesbitt and Travis Black both posted double-doubles on the night. Nesbitt scored 17 points and pulled down a team high 11 rebounds. Black scored 12 points and dished out a team and game high 10 assists. Dajohn Rowland scored 20 points on 5-9 shooting from three and Ronell Crockett added 16 points and 6 assists. Also in double figures was Kelsey Terry with 13 points on 6-7 shooting from the field.

In game two against Howard Community College, Kelsey Terry led the Pioneers with a game and team high 18 points. Ronell Crocket added his second double-double of the year with 13 points and 12 rebounds.  Also in double figures for the Pioneers was Josh Simmons (15 points), Dajohn Rowland (13 points, 3-5 from three) and Jalen Nesbitt (10 points). 

"I am happy to get two wins against two quality teams this weekend," said head coach Jeff Brookman. "With that said, there is a lot of room for improvement. We have to stay focused on the process of getting better every day as individuals and as a team. We get right back after it the coming week with three more games." 

With the two wins, the #16 nationally ranked Pioneers improve to 5-0 on the season. SMC is back in action on the road Tuesday when the take on Catawba Valley Community College at 7PM. After another road game on Thursday, the Pioneers will return to the confines of Bridges Arena on November 17th (Homecoming) to face Caldwell Community College at 4PM