The NOC Tonkawa Mavericks open the second half of the 2017-18 season Friday hosting Next Level Hoops Academy Friday at Foster Piper Field House.

The Mavs are 12-3 on the season and 3-0 in conference play.  While the Mavs are not ranked in the latest NJCAA poll they did receive votes for the Top 20.

After starting the season 0-2, the Mavs won 12 of 13 to finish the first half.

Mavs coach Donnie Jackson said he is very pleased with the Mavs first half and was complimentary of the team's energy.

"The best thing about our team the first half was our chemistry," Jackson said.  "This group plays for each other and you can see how much they enjoy each other.  The players are feeding off the energy from their teammates.  They challenge each other in practice every day and that's shows on the court."

The Mavs have a balanced attack with four starters averaging double figures led by Trevion Lamar (14.8 ppg), Amir Allen (13.1 ppg), Keiodre Perry (11.6) and Khobe Austin-Johnson (10.1 ppg). 

On the boards Allen, Lamar, and Anselm Uzuegbunem all average seven rebounds per game.  Austin Johnson leads the team with four assists per game.

"We've been very balanced, we are fortunate to have a number of scoring options," Jackson added.  "It's hard for teams to key on just one or two guys."

The Mavs have also shot the ball well from the 3-point line averaging just under 40 percent.

"We've shot the ball well as a result of good shot selection," Jackson said.  "We're taking shots in the flow of the offense.  We have a number of guys that can shoot it."

As the second half of the season approaches, Jackson said the Mavs must continue to improve defensively.

"We have gotten so much better defensively," he said.  "But it's something we have to continue to work and improve.  If this group wants to contend in the region it starts on the defensive end."

The Mavs open second half conference play against Murray Jan. 11.