With the absence of post-scorers Trey Archambeau and Ben Napoletan from the lineup, Chattahoochee head coach Kacey Martin has had to look for other scorers to compliment Markus Terry on the floor.

In recent weeks sophomore guard Marcus Sheffield has stepped to the forefront, filling in as a potent threat in the Cougars’ backcourt and making a name for himself in Region 6AAAAAA.

“He had been playing a big role for us, but since those two big guys went down Marcus has picked up the slack scoring wise,” said Martin of his 6-foot-5 combo guard. “He can knock down the three, but he is really at his best when he goes by people, penetrates the lane and gets to the basket.”

Sheffield, who spent the season’s first month on the bench with an ankle injury, is averaging 16 points and six rebounds since returning to the Chattahoochee lineup in late December.

His year is highlighted by a season-high 20 point effort in a region-win over Lambert along with a 15 point, 12 rebound and five assist night in a win over Centennial Jan. 26 — a game that vaulted the Cougars into sole possession of first place in 6AAAAAA.

Chattahoochee has a perfect 11-0 record since his return, including nine straight wins against region competition.

“He’s been big,” said Martin.