Three-point barrage powers Monroe

AMERICUS — Summer basketball is supposed to answer questions, not crown champions.

If that’s the standard, Monroe head coach Michael Hoffpauir liked many of the answers his Golden Tornadoes provided Thursday.

Monroe wrapped up two days of work in Americus by rolling to convincing victories over Valley High School and Macon County during a multi-team play day hosted by Sumter County High School, displaying the offensive chemistry that has steadily developed throughout the month.

“We looked good today,” Hoffpauir said. “It seems like our guys are figuring each other out and playing better together. We still have a lot of work to do to build our defensive presence, but we are in a good place closing out our summer season. Now it’s about getting stronger, faster, and improving shooting and IQ.”

That progression has been the objective all month.

After replacing several key contributors, including leading scorer Brayden Burns, from last season’s squad, Monroe entered June searching for offensive rhythm and leadership. By the final day of summer competition, the Golden Tornadoes looked far more comfortable playing together.

Against Macon County, Monroe wasted little time taking command.

Armonis Jefferson scored the game’s first two baskets before Elijah Rivers buried a 3-pointer to stake the Tornadoes to a quick 7-0 advantage.

Then came an avalanche from beyond the arc.

Brandon Massey drilled consecutive 3-pointers during Monroe’s explosive first-half run. Tristen Terry followed with a long-range basket, King Leverette added another and Terry connected again as Monroe stretched its advantage to 24-12 before halftime.

Macon County played with much more energy after the break and competed evenly for stretches of the second half, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome as Monroe coasted to the victory.

The Golden Tornadoes were even more dominant earlier in the day.

Monroe overwhelmed Valley High School from the opening tip, building a commanding 38-6 halftime lead behind relentless defense and balanced scoring. The Tornadoes never allowed Valley back into the contest while emptying the bench during the second half.

The two victories capped another productive week for a Monroe team that has faced quality competition throughout June while continuing to blend experienced players with newcomers expected to play significant roles this winter.

Hoffpauir said the biggest improvement has come in the way his players are beginning to trust one another offensively.

The ball movement has become crisper. The shot selection has improved. Most importantly, players are growing more comfortable in their roles.

The coach isn’t ready to declare his team a finished product.

He believes Monroe must become more physical on the defensive end and continue improving its overall basketball IQ before the games begin counting.

Still, Thursday’s performance offered another indication that the foundation is taking shape.

“We’re in a good place,” Hoffpauir said. “Now it’s about getting stronger, faster and improving shooting and IQ.”

For a team still putting the pieces together, that’s exactly where Monroe hoped to be when summer basketball came to an end.