ROCKLIN, Calif. – A new season of Jessup Basketball got its official start on Monday, as the Simpson University Red Hawks paid a visit to Warrior Arena. A shooting performance over 50-percent had the Warriors playing ahead for the majority of Monday's contest, as an 85-66 victory moves Jessup to 1-0.
 
With the victory, Head Coach Lance Von Vogt said after the game that there is still plenty to fix for his team. "We will take the win, but we are not satisfied. We can play better than that, and you will see a different team when we take the court on Friday."
 
Even with the mishaps, five Warriors still finished in double-figures to pace the team's highest-scoring season opener since a 102-point performance in 2018.
 
Jessup jumped out of the gates with three triples on their first five baskets from the field. A 3-pointer from Tim Strijaous placed the Warriors in a three-point lead, but an ensuing 15-5 run from the Red Hawks had the Warriors playing from behind near the midway point of the half.
 
The Warriors tied the game on a layup from Cashemin Williams, who finished the game leading all scorers with 16 points. A pair of free throws by Kehmarr McMillian put the Warriors ahead 35-33, and from that point on, the Warriors would never trail.
 
Jessup started the second half on a 12-6 run, pushing their advantage to double-digits. Back-to-back Simpson baskets had the deficit back under ten, but one of four made 3-pointers from Jayden DeJoseph pushed the Warriors' lead back to 11.
 
A noticeable presence by the Warriors on Monday was their guard play on the defensive end. With starting center Matthew Schmidt getting into foul trouble early in the second half, the Warriors turned to a combined 19 rebounds and three blocks from their guards and wings.
 
Von Vogt thought his guards could have improved, adding, "we have some really good guards, but I don't think tonight was their best night defensively or offensively. They are going to continue to improve. We can always guard the ball better. But I did like the toughness they showed in the rebound game."
 
The five Warriors closing the night in double-figures were Williams (16), Myles Corey (15), DeJoseph (14), Tim Strijaous (11), and Malik Corey (11).
 
Von Vogt knows it's a good problem to have when everyone is scoring.
 
"I do know that (scoring) will be a strength of this team. A lot of people know about Myles and how talented he is, but we are not a one-man show. Tonight, you were seeing that with those other guys beyond Myles being in double-figures, it shows versatility."
 
Monday's victory was a team effort all around, as the Warriors shot 53-percent from the field and won the rebounding margin 43-27. The Warriors also dominated in the paint, scoring 46 points down low.
 
A member of Jessup's down low attack, Schmidt, received high praise from his coach for his team-first attitude. "(Schmidt) is all about the team. He brings toughness and grit. He's a skilled big. He's capable of a lot of things, and I think as the year goes along, you are going to see Matt be a part of a lot of our successes. I see a big year for him."
 
The entire Jessup squad is hoping for a big year, and they get another chance to improve on Friday as the 15th Annual Bill Holtz Warrior Classic gets underway. The Warriors will be taking on Bushnell University at 7 p.m.
   
William Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on William Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: William Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter & Instagram).