Norcross basketball team survives rough start, peaks at good time

“We didn’t have a lot of kids who had been starters or played a lot of minutes for us or for other programs,’’ Norcross coach Jesse McMillan said. “Then we had the most ambitious schedule we’ve ever had here. That was probably a deadly combination.’’

Four weeks later, Norcross is back on schedule to challenge No. 1 Milton. An eight-game winning streak has the 15-9 Blue Devils ranked No. 5 and contending for the region title in 7-AAAAA.

Six of Norcross’ losses were by six points or less to state-ranked teams. Three others were to out-of-state teams.

It would be an understatement to say Norcross has survived a little adversity. Aside from losing games while blending in three key transfers, an altercation between two players in practice in December led to one being suspended and the other receiving a broken jaw.

“The incident,’’ as Moore called it, has been worked through.

“It affected everybody,’’ said Moore, a 6-foot-5 guard who has signed with Nebraska. “We had to listen to the coaches and let them guide us through it. They said don’t let this bring us down. Eventually they’ll be back. Focus on what we have.’’

Alonzo Nelson-Ododa, a 6-8 senior post who has signed with Richmond, returned last month and is the team’s top rebounder. Rod Booker, another 6-8 post, dressed for Tuesday’s victory over Mill Creek and hopes to be ready soon.

It’s largely those two players, plus the underrated Jason Croom inside, who make Nickerson believe this team has something that the 2010 team didn’t.

Nelson-Ododa came from Winder-Barrow, Booker from Alabama. Croom is a 6-5 forward who is being recruited as a football wide receiver. Nickerson, who has signed with UNC-Charlotte, is 6-7.

“The big difference [from last season] is down low in the post game,’’ Nickerson said. “Last year, we didn’t have true post player. Now, we have true posts who can step out and hit the mid-range shot and the 3-pointer.’’

McMillan said the challenge was to get players to understand how their skills could best help the team.

Junior guard Chris Bolden (15 points per game), Moore (11.5) and, Nickerson (11.0)  are the scorers.  Bolden, who has committed to Miami, is one of the state’s top perimeter shooters. Moore is a slasher. Nickerson operates well on the high post, whether scoring or passing. Starting point guard Derrick Herbert, the leading scorer for a small private school last season, has filled a leadership role.

The coach said the necessary chemistry is in place.

‘’It was not an issue of players not liking one another; it was just not understanding roles,’’ McMillan said. “This little win streak we’ve put together, people watch us play and see noticeable difference in enthusiasm and camaraderie, little things that make teams great. As far as chemistry, I think it’s at all-time high right now.’’