Boys Hoops Insider: Duo build chemistry, lead scoring for Braves

Derek Tincher, Jaelin Williams tied for first in CBC Kenton Trail.

Randy Hilt Shawnee's Jaelin Williams reacts to have the ball knocked away by Kenton Ridge's Christian Thompson. Contributed photo by Randy Hilt

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Derek Tincher (20) of Shawnee is guarded by Jordan Gozelski (34) and Trent Mead (21) of Tecumseh during their game at Tecumseh on Jan. 6. Tecumseh won the game 51-34. Staff Photo by Barbara J. Perenic

Barbara Perenic Derek Tincher (20) of Shawnee is guarded by Jordan Gozelski (34) and Trent Mead (21) of Tecumseh during their game at Tecumseh on Jan. 6. Tecumseh won the game 51-34. Staff Photo by Barbara J. Perenic

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By Michael Cooper, Staff Writer 10:29 PM Monday, January 30, 2012

SPRINGFIELD — At the start of the season, the Shawnee High School gymnasium was a lonely place for Braves senior Derek Tincher and junior Jaelin Williams.

With football season lasting until Dec. 5, the basketball team began practice with just 13 players for the varsity, junior varsity and freshman teams. Tincher and Williams were the lone players with any varsity experience.

“We were able to get to know each other pretty well,” Tincher said.

“We always guard each other in practice,” Williams said.

The duo’s chemistry has shown this season. Williams (17.3 points per game) and Tincher (13.5 ppg) combine for over 50 percent of the Braves’ scoring output.

Shawnee (10-4, 6-1 Central Buckeye Conference Kenton Trail Division) has won six of its last seven games and is tied for first in the division race with Tecumseh (11-3, 6-1).

Williams and Tincher scored all but 13 of the team’s points in a 59-38 victory over Kenton Ridge on Friday.

“It was like we were just taking turns,” Tincher said.

Tincher, a 6-6 forward, and Williams, a 6-4 guard, are doing a little bit of everything this season.

Tincher, playing more in the post due to injuries, is averaging 9.7 rebounds per game.

Williams, whose older brother Justin was Clark County Mr. Basketball for the Braves in 2009, is pulling down 7.3 rebounds per game and shooting the ball at a high percentage (50.6 from the field).

“They’ve done a great job handling the ball and defending,” Shawnee coach Chris McGuire said. “Both of them have done a great job on the boards, and we try to get them in scoring opportunities. They both can score inside and out. They’re a dual threat.”

The main focus, the duo said, is winning their first CBC title since 2004.

They travel to Tippecanoe on Friday before hosting Tecumseh next Friday. They travel to Bellefontaine on Feb. 17. McGuire said consistent play will be key down the stretch.

“We’ve had quarters where we’ve looked great and other quarters where we’ve played bad,” Tincher said.

While the duo is putting up big numbers, that doesn’t matter to them. They said team chemistry has played a big role in where they are, and that’s what will guide them through the postseason.

“We can’t lose focus now,” Williams said. “We’ve got to keep going one game at a time.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0364, Michael.Cooper@coxinc.com or on Twitter @SNS_Wizard.

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