Northwest men begin new era under coach Justin Mann

Justin Mann is beginning his first season as Northwest Mississippi Community College men’s basketball coach with a new approach and a roster that includes several returning players from last year’s team. Mann said he wants the Rangers to establish themselves through physical defense while learning an offense more like those used at four-year colleges.

Northwest led the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference in scoring last season, averaging more than 100 points per game with an up-tempo attack. The Rangers finished eighth and earned a chance to host an opening-round postseason game. Mann said the change in style is intended both to help the team compete in the conference and to prepare players for their next basketball opportunity.

Returning sophomore Demetrius Duffy is among the team’s leading scorers after averaging 15.7 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game in all 30 games last season. Mann said Duffy is adjusting to playing farther from the basket while continuing to rebound. Chancellor Terry, who averaged 13.3 points and more than three assists, is expected to contribute on defense as he works to find his offensive rhythm.

Peyton Lindley and Tre Terrell also return with experience, having combined for 29 appearances and 19 starts last season. Other returning sophomores include Alejandro Montalvo-Diaz and Ladarrius Brown.

The freshman class includes 6-foot-5 guard Isaiah Thomas, whom Mann described as a three-level scorer with above-the-rim athleticism. Thomas helped The Phelps School post a 28-12 record and finish as state runner-up. Northwest also added 6-foot-6 forward Conlin Anderson, who averaged 13.5 points and 7.6 rebounds at Walnut Grove High School in Prosper, Texas, and 6-foot-8 post player George Zanardze.

The Rangers were picked 12th in the conference preseason poll. Mann said he welcomed the underdog designation but expects the team to finish higher. He also pointed to conference travel and limited preparation time as challenges.

Northwest’s schedule lists an opening road appearance against Mineral Area College and Three Rivers College in the 1st Midwest Bank Classic. The team’s first home game is scheduled for Nov. 13 against Southeast Arkansas Community College. MACCC play is scheduled to begin Jan. 11 at East Mississippi Community College, with the conference home opener set for Jan. 14 against Holmes Community College.

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