By Terry Carter
Is ironic that the Jordan Warriors are still alive in the postseason?
No. The young school is filled with quality coaches and athletes, and these Warriors are hungry for their first regional and state team title.
And the name Jordan instantly rings a mental bell connected to basketball excellence because of a certain Michael Jordan’s exploits during a hall-of-fame career in the National Basketball Association.
When I say Jordan, you likely think of the former Chicago Bull who averaged 30.1 points per game in a celebrated championship career. But Jordan was among the very best defenders in the league and capable in every offensive category. As well he connected on 83.5 percent of his free throws and nearly ⅓ of 3-point shots.
He was talented, focused and outworked everyone in the NBA. His attitude on the court was his best weapon — it has become a generational teaching tool for athletes. And for the Jordan Warriors, with Jordan head basketball coach Charlie Jones directing a young, talented team, the future may be now.
On Tuesday Jordan dispatched Cy Creek, 82-61, in a Region III-6A quarterfinal showdown at the Berry Center. The Warriors unleashed their three starting sophomores in a new way and took advantage of the Warrior Nation way.
Senior Trevor Martz contributed 17 points and 9 boards as the team’s “glue,” Jones said. Sophomore 6-5 post Jude Oluokum exploded for 25 points in the game, and sophomore Elijah Black added 10 points while senior Misaias Herrera converted six 3-points for 20 points. The Jordan effort overwhelmed Cy Creek, which was playing without 1-2 starters.
“We have been waiting on our sophomores to contribute more, and they are trending upward,” Jones said. “Misaias Herrera broke loose the other night.”
Tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Aldine ISD Campbell Center, Jordan (28-2) takes on an even bigger goliath in Beaumont United (33-1) in 1-of-2 regional semifinal basketball games.
United is riding a 32-game winning streak while Jordan did not lose a contest in February. United is also the 2-time defending 5A state champion, so the Warriors know going in this will be a war.
Coach Jones always gives his team a good chance, even against a taller, dominant opponent.
“We kind of feel like we are the Toon Stars and the Monstars,” the Jordan coach explained. “We have been in a lot of close games, and they haven’t. We have to make them fell uncomfortable.”
The first regional semifinal at 6 p.m. will pit Seven Lakes (34-4) against Clear Falls (27-7). The Friday winners meet on Saturday at 2 p.m. to determine the Region III champion and which advances to next weekend’s state championships.
Jordan sophomore Jude Oluokum poured in 25 points on Tuesday to lead the Warriors past Cy Creek. The team faces Beaumont United
tonight in a regional semifinal at the Aldine Campbell Center. (Photo by Terry Carter)
