Lathrup Village

Southfield-Lathrup boys basketball off to strong start

By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

» Click on image to view full size « Photo by Deb Jacques Southfield-Lathrup junior Jonathan Williams looks for an open teammate in a game earlier this season. Williams is leading the Chargers with 27 points per game. Photo by Deb Jacques Southfield-Lathrup junior Jonathan Williams looks for an open teammate in a game earlier this season. Williams is leading the Chargers with 27 points per game.

LATHRUP VILLAGE — Southfield-Lathrup boys basketball coach Mike Avery knows that no matter how Jonathan Williams is covered, he’s still going to hurt the defense.

“He can put it on the floor, he can shoot the long-range jumper, I mean, he’s a great free-throw shooter, so it’s really pick your poison,” Avery said.

At press time, the Chargers were 7-1 overall and 3-0 in the Oakland Activities Association Red Division, led by Williams’ 27 points per game.

In four of the eight contests, the junior has broken the 30-point mark.

“He was on this stage starting as a freshman, so now he’s just really having fun and elevating everyone else’s game,” Avery said.

Williams said he’s learned a lot in his three years starting.

“When I was a freshman I was taking a backseat. … After watching those guys play and play poised, I just learned to be a better player and understand basketball situations,” he said.

Though he’s putting up gaudy stat lines, Williams only cares about one number.

“I just want to get wins. If I have to score to win, that’s what I’ll do. If I have to rebound, that’s what I’ll do. I just want to win,” he said.

Avery said that while Williams fits the role of scorer, the rest of the squad is also excelling at their jobs.

“They’re giving us 110 percent in their roles, and that’s where we are so far. Guys are buying into the system,” the coach said. “We mesh real well together, and the guys just believe.

“It’s a great group of guys that like each other. They don’t want to let each other down.”

The Chargers are off to a fast start in the competitive Red, but Williams and Avery know that nothing is guaranteed with teams such as Southfield High, Clarkston High, North Farmington and West Bloomfield High in the division.

“I’m not surprised at all (by the start). We put a lot of work in at practice and work real hard on defense. I feel like it’s just paying off in the games, and we’re right where we want to be,” Williams said. “We just have to keep doing what we’ve been doing and keep our heads level.”

Catch the Chargers against West Bloomfield High at 7 p.m. Jan. 20 at West Bloomfield.
 

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1062.