Audenried’s Jacobs finding new ways to contribute

Devon Jacobs used to be perfect. That's what he thought, at least, until his coaches taught him otherwise.

Now, the 6-foot-3 senior guard for Audenried says he's all about helping the team win, no matter what. And a recent injury could provide the key to future success.

"I wasn't always like this," he said. "There were times I would say, 'It wasn't my fault. I played a perfect game.' But deep down inside, you have to think that evidently you did play a big role in losing."

There were no such worries Thursday in Public League action.

Jacobs and Audenried topped Ben Franklin, 70-58, to seize sole control of second place in Division C behind undefeated West Philadelphia.

The South Philly resident (31st and Tasker) had a team-high 15 points with 11 rebounds and five assists.

"The key was teamwork," Jacobs said. "That's what I'm looking for most often. It's like sometimes I won't take a shot because I'm worried about having so much teamwork."

Passing and continuity sound great, but sometimes assertiveness is required, also.

After the Rockets (11-3, 8-2) sputtered early, three one-handed dunks by Jacobs provided a boost in the first quarter.

"After I had the first one, the team started clapping it up," he said. "Then, when I had the third one, that's when their coach called a timeout. That's when we started moving with a lot more energy and the defense got better."

However, led by Hanif Alexander's 15 points, the Electrons (10-7, 7-3) didn't just go quietly. Instead, Franklin grabbed a 31-26 lead by intermission.

Eventually, the Rockets balanced attack led to victory. Nyseem Smith finished with 13 points, four assists and four steals while Torrance Moore coupled 12 points with 16 rebounds for Audenried.

"That's the whole key," Jacobs said. "If it means I have to have 17 assists and zero points, then that's what I have to do. I just want everyone on my team to be happy."

Jacobs, who finished fifth in Division C in scoring last season (20.5 per game), averages just 13 this season after concussion-like symptoms forced him to miss four games.

Ah, but to hear him tell it, the time away could be the best thing for a team with championship aspirations.

"It was painful [when I returned] because the team wasn't based around me anymore," he said. "It used to be, 'Here, Dev, you take the ball. You make our decisions.' Coming back I was out of rhythm, but I like the way we play now. Everybody has their own heart. Nobody depends on me anymore. It's really a team thing."

cartera@phillynews.com

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