Blue Demons can’t overcome quickness of Philly squad
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Kennett High School’s Vaughn Jenkins puts the ball up Thursday against Nueva Esperanza, in the opening contest of the Unionville Holiday Tournament. The Blue Demons lost 52-37. Ken McGann photo.
EAST MARLBOROUGH — Speed kills. Whether on the highway or a basketball court and it can de decisive to one’s fate.
The Kennett High School boy’s basketball team learned this the hard way, Thursday in the opener of the Unionville Holiday Basketball Tournament, dropping a tough contest to Nueva Esperanza of Philadelphia, 52-37.
Although the (4-3) Blue Demons battled gamely, sticking close until the final minutes of the game, the (5-3) Toros were able to use better team speed and were quicker to the hoop. That same speed also killed when Kennett was on offense, as it led to numerous turnovers.
Jordan Jones drives to the hoop for Kennett, Thursday, against Esperanza. Ken McGann photo.
Kennett trailed 14-7 at the end of the first, but seemed to find its feet in the second quarter behind the strong play of senior guard Maalik Rochester, who finished with eight points in the game, four in the quarter, as the Blue Demons closed to within four at the half, 21-17.
Behind a powerful third quarter by sophomore forward Jackson Hyland — he , he scored 7 of his team-high 14 points in the quarter, including a three-pointer that closed the gap to six in the final minute of the quarter, Kennett managed to stay within 34-28 after three quarters.
Kennett’s Yohsuke Kobayashi fires up a jumper against Esperanza, Thursday. Ken McGann photo.
But in the end, it was too much Toros and their leading scorer, Stanley Whittaker. The senior point guard scored six himself (of his game-high 15) and directed an offensive explosion to the game out of reach.
Kennett plays Gospel of Grace Christian Academy, Friday. The Saints dropped a tough contest to host Unionville, 46-43, Thursday night.
