By Thomas Sellers Jr.
First win as the Millington Lady Trojan head coach… already in the record book for Jason Nichols.
After his Lady Trojans debuted Nov. 20 at Macon Road winning 57-5, Nichols next milestone in sight was victory No. 1 in the William Osteen Gymnasium. That opportunity came Nov. 24 against the Halls Lady Tigers. With a quick blast and strong finishing kick, the Lady Trojans secured Nichols’ first home win 66-28.
“They started like I thought we were going to start,” Nichols said. “They started fast, they believed and they got after it. We turned them over and we turned them over again. We kind of hit a stall there in the middle of the first half.
“I think we were trying to hit the home run instead of taking our time,” he acknowledged. “But that second half I saw what we’ve been working on. The running the bleachers, touching the line. I really saw what we’ve been working toward. I’m really excited about this bunch.”
Millington held a 25-17 lead at the break. The Lady Trojans were paced by junior guards Micaiah Halliburton and Karia McGhee throughout the first 16 minutes of the contest. Halls stayed within shouting distance because of timely shots, Millington missed buckets and the polar opposite results from the foul line.
“Layups and free throws,” Nichols declared. “I swear it gave them life. We talked about it. We shot and missed so many free throws it was ridiculous. I told them in the second half if we cut down on missed layups and free throws watch the score go up like crazy.
“So what we did there was turn them over consistently,” he added. “I finally got Halliburton to be the player I know she can be along with her counterpart Keria McGhee. I think those two there along with Jontavia Bonner are three of the best guards in our league. I say three of the better guards who will be in the district with us.”
Millington jumped ahead 42-22 in the third quarter with the offensive flowing through the leadership of Halliburton and McGhee. Players like Daijah Dailey, Bailey Boone and Savannah Spearman got looks near the basket for points.
“I have no seniors,” Nichols noted. “I have a bunch of juniors and my underclassmen are working right in — welcome to the challenges.
“I want them learning the speed the of the game, learning how to be explosive and learning the game overall,” he added. “You have to play every possession. This is not middle school. You can’t take plays off. You have to play every possession.”
Boone, Kalia Duckworth, Aubrey Young, Tiara Hill, McKenzie Chambers, Timya Dailey and Madison Turner were the underclassmen getting valuable minutes in the fourth quarter working alongside juniors like Malia Duckworth, Koreena Bedford and Traonna Blake.
After leading 42-24 heading into the fourth quarter, Millington dominated the final period outscoring Halls 24-4. The Lady Trojans controlled the action of the final 16 minutes winning the half 41-11.
With his first home game in the record book, Nichols was the center of attention as friends, family, colleagues and community leaders congratulated him for the historic win. But Nichols reminded most of his well-wishers about the work his players are putting in seven days a week.
Nichols said the girls want to win and put out a product worthy of the Black and Gold, the Flag City name and will make Millington proud.
Also Nichols is working to validate the upbringing of the late John Nichols Sr.
“I want to be a Millington and I am so happy right now,” he concluded. “I am so excited to be in this position. This is Godsend. I want to give all the praises to God right now. Shout out to my father right now. He’s not here with us but I know he’s looking down on me smiling. I know he’s smiling.”
