Young guns Jenkins and Rochester too much for Eagles

Kennett duo paces blow out league win

By Dave Conard, Sports Editor, KennettTimes.com

DOWNINGTOWN — If there are two words that would aptly describe the Blue Demons boy’s varsity squad this season it would be “controlled aggression.”

Kennett freshamn Vaugh Jenkins lit it up for 17 points against Shanahan.

It was exactly that style of play that helped Kennett overcome nine first quarter fouls, as they improved to 3-1 in the young season with a dominating 57-41 Ches-Mont League win over Bishop Shanahan

It was obvious from the out set that the game plan of the Eagles was to exploit the aggressive nature of the Blue Demons as the Shanahan forward one after another drove the lane.

The result was an endless parade to the charity stripe as the Eagles, resulting in 12 first quarter free throws for the home team of which they converted all but to leading to 16 points in the frame.

“I would rather us make mistakes by being aggressive,” said Kennett head coach. Mike Fergus. “We have to keep it under control though. We can’t give up easy fouls by going over the backs of guys when they have a low percentage shot.”

Led by young guns freshman Vaughn Jenkins (15, 2-2, 17 points) and junior Maalik Rochester (9-14 from the field, 18 points, two 3 point FG’s) who helped the Blue Demons race out to an 8-0 run to start the game, Kennett was able to endure a whistled filled first period, regaining the lead when Rochester knocked down the first three pointer of the tilt en route to a 23-22 halftime lead.

“Their penetration was killing us in the first quarter,” said Rochester. “We changed it up in the second half and were able to limit their chances. We knew coming in here that we needed to play good defense and that lead s to our transition game, we love to run up and down the court.”

Blue Demons senior Spencer Hyland get up for two of his 14 points.

Following the intermission, the eagles had no answer for the Kennett’s 1-3-1 scheme that Fergus and company switched to, as the Blue Demons rattled off the first eight points of the second half and ran out to a 13-4 run and 10 point lead that they never looked back from.

“It’s great to have options,” added Fergus. “Vaughn creates plays for others, Maalik can go to the hole, but then can also bounce back out and hit a three, then there is Brock (Sheets) who is just a rock, he does so much work on the court. We have a very good mix of players and it will present teams challenges in preparing for us.”

After throttling the Eagles shooters, allowing just six points and two field goals in each of the middle stanzas, Kennett was able to cruise, giving the starters a break as the outcome had been determined.

“It’s great to get off to a good start,” added Rochester. “We need to keep working hard and improve our shooting, we missed a couple wide open looks, but that is something we can work on. I am very excited for what we can accomplish this season.”

Kennett senior Brock Sheets, scored six first quarter points and had eight rebounds in a 57-41 win over Shanahan.

Kennett                        16            7            16            18            -57

Bishop Shanahan            16            6            6            13            -41

Kennett (57)

Roman 0, 2-2, 2 ; Hyland 10, 4-5, 14; Rochester 18, 0-0, 18; Sheets 6, 0-1, 6;

Jenkins 15, 2-2, 17. Totals     49,  8-10, 57.  Three point FG Rochester (2), Jenkins.

Bishop Shanahan (41)

Bray 2, 0-0, 2; Aldeman 2, 1-1, 3; Seeny 8, 1-7, 9; 12, 8-8, 20; Booth 5, 2-2, 7; Corcoran 0, 0-2, 0;

Maalik Rochester slams the door on the Eagles.

Totals   29, 12-21,  41.  Three point FG –Booth.