Sheets posts 14 points as Kennett earns split to start the season
By Dave Conard, Sports Editor, KennettTimes.com
EAST MARLBOROUGH — After allowing a ten point first quarter lead evaporate in a 58-55 loss to Marple-Newtown on Friday night, the Blue Demons squad had one goal in mind when they took the court Saturday against Garnet Valley, finish as strong as they start.
Kennett senior Brock Sheets scores two of his game high 14 points.
Kennett got out of the gate fast again as they posted 17 points in the first frame fueled by five points from Spencer Hyland (5, 2-3, 7 pts) who knocked down the first three pointer of the Blue Demons game total of four.
The Jaguars (0-2) had no answer for the inside game of Kennett and following two outstanding put backs by junior Maalik Rochester (12, 1-1, 13 pts, 9 reb) the blue and white got a boost from their young gun, freshman Vaughn Jenkins (8, 1-2, 9 pts) who connected on two bombs from beyond the arc, helping the Demons cruise to a 33-26 halftime lead.
“I think we showed tonight what we are capable of,” said Kennett head coach Mike Fergus. “We settled back a bit when we had the lead, but we did what we needed to do to get the win. We got contributions from ten players and we have a freshman seeing some time, which is a testament to these kids and how hard they have worked to get ready for the season.”
Kennett senior captain Brock Sheets, who had game high 14 points and Evan Allvord, set the tone in the second half by dominating in the paint leading to the Blue Demons being rewarded with 24 free throws.
The Kennett dynamic duo forced Garnett valley outside, where they converted 6-of-15 three points attempts, with Zach Jones doing the most damage knocking down three tres and tying Sheets for game high honors with 14 points overall.
“We have a great senior group on this team,” said Sheets. “We coasted a little when he had the big lead and it was a good test for us to have to get it going again and seal up the win. We gave up a big lead last night against a very big Marple –Newtown team, but tonight during the time out we just talked about keeping the ball safe and limiting their second chances.”
Kenshi Kobayashi drives the net for Kennett in their 57-54 win over Garnett Valley
The Jaguars fought back as time dwindled, after trailing by as many as eleven points in the second half, Garnett Valley connected on back-to back three pointers to cut the lead to three and actually got to heave up a salvo from mid court as time expired, but when it fell short the Blue Demons had their first victory of the season.
“A tournament like this is a good test and really helps us get ready for the league schedule,” added Sheets. “We play a tough schedule and getting the win does a lot for our confidence, especially with young guys seeing some minutes, as we get ready for the Ches-Mont season.
“I think we learned something tonight,’ added Fergus. “We discussed how important it is not to let up when we get ahead and what we have to do to prevent a team from being able to come back on us, if we had made our free throws it would not have even been close, we have to play all out for four quarters, which requires a commitment on our part, overall 1-1 is an ok way to start the year.”
Kennett 17 16 11 13 -57
Garnett Valley 16 10 16 12 -54
Kennett (57)
Kobayashi 4, 2-4, 6; Hyland 5, 2-3, 7; Sheets 14, 0-8, 14; Rochester 12, 1-2, 13; Jenkins 8, 1-2, 9; McGlone 3, 3-4, 6; Neel 0, 0-0, 0; Allvord 2, 0-1,2. Totals 48, 9-24- 57. Three point FG- Hyland, Jenkins (2), McGlone.
Garnett Valley (54)
Bayliss 3, 0-0, 3; McCrassen 0, 1-2, 1; Raucchi 12, 1-2, 13; Kelly 6, 2-3, 8; Guest 2, 0-0, 2; Jones 11, 3-5, 14; Vandenberg 13,0-1, 13. Totals 47, 7-13- 54. Three point FG – Bayliss, Raucchi (2), Jones (3)
Friday night-
Marple Newtown 5 15 18 20 -58
Kennett 15 15 13 12 -55
Marple Newtown (58)
McDevitt 2, 0-1, 2; Brandt 8, 0-2, 8; Mclee 10, 5-6, 15; Furst 10, 4-5, 14; Kelly 3, 0-1, 3;
Mont 0, 2-2,2; Sarcinello 9, 2-2, 11; Morgan 2, 1-1, 3. Totals 44, 14-20- 58. Three point FG- McLee (2), Kelly, Sarcinello (3).
Kennett (55)
Kobayashi 4, 0-0, 4; Hyland 9, 2-2, 11; Sheets 7, 0-1, 7; Rochester 10, 6-12, 16; Jenkins 6, 3-4, 9; 6, 0-0, 6; 2, 0-0,2. Totals 44, 11-19, 55. Three point FG- Hyland, Sheets.
Kennett head coach Mike Fergus and senior Spencer Hyland discuss strategy during a break in the action.
