Coaches throughout the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) know how dangerous Damario Sims is on offensive – the problem is, they still haven’t come up with a consistent way to stop him. Following a sophomore season in which he averaged 11.4 points a game, Sims has gotten off to a blazing start in 2011-12, scoring in double figures in four of Chico State’s six games, including back-to-back 17-point performances last week against conference foes San Francisco State and Cal Poly Pomona. His productive play has made Sims the latest recipient of Wildcat of the Week honors.
Thursday against San Francisco State, Sims was nearly unstoppable – the junior guard not only drained three 3-pointers en route to a 17-point night, but added six rebounds and a career-high nine assists as Chico State won its CCAA opener 72-66 over the Gators.
Facing the 23rd-ranked Cal Poly Pomona Broncos Saturday, Sims was just as effective, nailing four shots from beyond the 3-point arc to finish with 17 points, while also notching four rebounds, three steals and an assist. It wasn’t enough, however, to keep the ’Cats from bowing to the Broncos, 64-50.
Sims enters the week ranked 17th in the CCAA in scoring, averaging 12.2 points a game, and his 11 3-pointers (1.8 a game) is eighth among conference players.
Sims and the Wildcats are back in action Wednesday, taking on CCAA rival Cal State Stanislaus Wednesday at Fitzpatrick Arena in Turlock. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.