By JOHN LIKANJE
IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y – On Saturday night in front of their home crowd, the young Bishop Kearney Kings gave their fans something to be excited about: energy and competitiveness. With only five returning players on their roster, they defeated Global Concepts (VI), 77-65. On Sunday afternoon against the Saint Mary’s Gaels (XI), who had just defeated University Prep less than 24 hours before, the Kings (3-2) showed heart yet again, but this time the Kings fell, 70-64.
“We were aggressive. Starting the game, we had a lot of energy,” Kings head coach Kevin Goode explained about his squad’s fast start before falling behind. “We allowed that energy to deteriorate as the game went on.”
Trailing by 11 twice throughout the fourth quarter, the Kings rallied back to cut their deficit to four points on three separate occasions. With 2:16 remaining in the game, junior guard Kidtrell Blocker converted two free throws to trim the Gaels’ lead to 58-54. He scored 10 points in the fourth and finished with 25. Blocker was also named team MVP again, scoring 54 points in two games played at the Bishop Kearney Christmas Showcase.
“He’s been Mr. Consistent both offensively and defensively,” Goode commented about Blocker’s perfomance this season. “He’s defending well, he’s making some shots, he’s getting to the basket, he’s showing that he’s a leader by actions.”
Junior forward Miles Monchecourt got off to a hot start for the Kings, scoring 13 in the first half en route to 16 for the game. In the second quarter, he netted nine points, including 5-5 from the free throw line, a shot from the top of the key, and finished a three point play.
“Offensively, Miles is going to help us out, especially when other guys his size try to guard him,” Goode said about his starting forward. “He can move, handle the basketball well, and is strong enough to finish at the basket.”
Michael Gentile (8), Antwan Williams (7), Jamal Williams (6), and Miles Rose (2) rounded out the scoring for the Kings.
For the Gaels, four players scored in double figures for them. Junior guard Sal Saputo led the charge with 16 points. Junior forward Kyle Jackson was rewarded team MVP for scoring 14, including nine in the second half. Senior guard Jon Mayers came off the bench and boosted the team with 14 points and four three-pointers made. Junior forward Jovayne Walters netted 13.
Nicholas Cham (5), Josh Minton (4), Kawar Singh (2), and Alex Longworth (2) rounded out the scoring for the Gaels.
Bishop Kearney will get another home game as they host Vertus on Wednesday night at 7:45 PM.
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