Jenkins sets assist record as ’Jacks romp

BALTIMORE – Trust is a key to building strong relationships.  It can also apparently spawn record-breaking performances.

Jimmie Jenkins dealt out a school-record 25 assists Wednesday night as Chesapeake College's men's basketball team overran host CCBC-Dundalk, 117-75.  And Jenkins said his record-breaking effort was built on a new-found trust of his teammates.

"Coach 'D' (Joel Dearring) had a conversation with me about trusting my teammates," said Jenkins, playing just his second game this season since regaining his eligibility.  "I really enjoy being able to trust my teammates.  The first game (a loss to Hagerstown) I saw things we could work on.  This second game we showed the team we are capable of being."

Jenkins had 19 points, six rebounds, three steals and plenty of help from his friends.  Chad Church posted game highs in both points (32) and rebounds (16) while Akanni Salako (22 points), Louis Simpson (16 points, nine rebounds), and Jeff Rogers (10 points) also hit double figures.  Geran Pope (nine points, nine rebounds) just missed being the sixth Skipjack in double digits.

"We ran the floor really well, we executed our offense and we hit shots," said Dearring, whose team scored 36 fast-break points while committing just nine turnovers.

Chesapeake (8-5 overall, 3-3 league) reached triple digits for the fourth time this season, with a point total topped this season only by the 127 scored in a November win over the Washington College junior varsity.  The Skipjacks shot nearly 53 percent from the field and had 30 assists as a team.

While pleased with the win, Dearring said there is still plenty of room for improvement.

"You're never as good as you look when you're winning or as bad as you look when you're losing," said Dearring, whose team blew out to a 67-31 halftime lead and never looked back.  "We know there are areas where we need to improve.  Our goal is to improve every game."

Kamani Jordan led Dundalk (6-8, 1-5) with 26 points.  Devon Colston added 25 points, but I'Quille Williams (10 points) was the only other Lion in double figures.

The Skipjacks are off until Monday when they host Harford Community College (3-9, 1-4) in a 7 p.m. contest.