There’s talent and leadership on South Mountain’s roster.

That was apparent Tuesday during the Jaguars 40-38 non-region home victory over Combs. What’s lacking is some consistency.

The team led by 10 in the first few minutes as well as in the fourth quarter. But if it can just solve its middle of the game problems, the Jaguars will be just fine.

It’s been that type of season so far for 2-2 South Mountain. It didn’t help that three key players were out due to injuries.

That led head coach Bryan Williangham to insert some young players. But even during the stretches without buckets, his team kept battling against a 4A squad that also didn’t back down despite playing a 6A program.

“We fought through, and I’m proud of that,” Williangham said.

South Mountain coach Bryan Williangham's team struggled at times but kept battling. (Jose Garcia photo/AZPreps365) As the first third quarter minutes elapsed, Combs led 18-15.

But that’s when the Jaguars re-started to convert while pushing the ball. Sophomore Twyla Betoney hit some clutch shots from the outside, including a three that banked off the glass to help South Mountain grab a 33-23 lead.

Betoney also found guard Angela Myers-Mukes in transition to help their team start building some fourth quarter momentum. South Mountain starts a talented 6-1 point guard/shooting forward who can take over, Bry’Ann Wiley, and with 2:25 left in the game, the senior hit the biggest shot of the night

A South Mountain assistant imparted some words of wisdom during Tuesday's home game. (Jose Garcia photo/AZPreps365)

She swished a trey as Combs (3-2) was attempting to rally from its second double digit deficit.

“I did the cross over, and it was just open,” Wiley said. “So I just took it.”

Her three left Combs trailing 40-34 and gave South Mountain the cushion it needed to hold off its opponent.

“We are proud of the fact that they came in and learned, endured and fought to win,” Williangham said. “They played to win.”

The South Mountain Jaguars were all smiles, including senior Aliyah Nuñez, after their victory Tuesday. (Jose Garcia photo/AZPreps365)