Flying Eagles Split Weekend Games as Thatcher Earns 1st Win

Game Recap: Men’s Basketball
2/3/25 | Shaun Schetka

Saturday, Feb. 1 – SWCC vs. Bryant & Stratton (VA)

Cedar Bluff, VA – A new era began for Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) on Saturday as James “JJ” Thatcher made his head coaching debut for the Flying Eagles (4-9, 1-8). Facing Region 10 Division II’s second-place team, Bryant & Stratton (16-6, 10-2), SWCC came out energized, playing at a higher tempo on both ends of the floor. That intensity helped the Flying Eagles take a 44-37 lead into halftime.

However, a cold shooting stretch and costly turnovers in the second half allowed the Bobcats to storm back, handing SWCC a 106-85 defeat and spoiling Thatcher’s debut.

The Flying Eagles had a balanced offensive attack, with five players reaching double figures. Sophomore Anthony Leath led the way, finishing with 21 points and six rebounds. Fellow sophomore Braydon Watson-Jones added 16 points, including four three-pointers.

Khalil Peoples continued his all-around stellar play, stuffing the stat sheet with 14 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, and three steals. However, Bryant & Stratton’s defense stifled SWCC’s top scorers, Corean Nelson and Adrian Mayes, holding them well below their season averages. Nelson finished with 19 points, while Mayes managed 13—both entering the game averaging 26 and 23.4 points per game, respectively.

Turnovers proved costly for the Flying Eagles, as the Bobcats forced 25 giveaways and turned them into 24 points, sealing the road win.

Sunday, Feb. 2 – SWCC vs. Fayetteville Tech CC

Cedar Bluff, VA-With little time to dwell on Saturday’s loss, SWCC returned to the court Sunday afternoon looking to bounce back against Fayetteville Tech (8-11, 3-8). This time, the Flying Eagles made sure their offensive firepower translated into a victory, securing a 99-88 win and delivering Thatcher his first career victory at SWCC.

Nelson, ranked third in NJCAA Division II in scoring, put on a show. The sophomore poured in 34 points, drilling six three-pointers to set the tone from deep. Mayes, averaging 23.4 points per game (8th in NJCAA Division II), added 22 points on an efficient 8-of-14 shooting while dominating the boards with 13 rebounds.

Peoples posted another strong all-around performance with 16 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Watson-Jones contributed 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, also pulling down eight rebounds.

The difference-maker? SWCC’s long-range shooting. The Flying Eagles buried 12 three-pointers, while holding Fayetteville Tech to just four from beyond the arc. That perimeter dominance helped SWCC control the pace and secure the win.

Looking to build momentum, SWCC hits the road Wednesday, Feb. 5, for a matchup against Catawba Valley CC, with tipoff set for 7:00 PM.