Late Run Pushes Washington Boys Basketball Over Kent County
Princess Anne, MD – Washington boys basketball passed their first real test of the season with flying colors Friday night after they defeated Kent County 93-77 in a game that was much closer than the final score would suggest. The win improves the Jaguars to 1-0 on the year while the Trojans drop to 0-1.
Both teams would be deadlocked in a tight battle throughout the first half. Washington's up-tempo style of play helped them get out into the open floor where the combination of Marc Jones and Shakur Cottman was deadly. Washington high pressure defense forced turnovers and allowed them to show off their speed and athletisim in the open floor.
But playing in the half court was all together another issue.
The Trojans would run their sets beautifully, and when they were able to handle the pressure, they were rewarded with several open looks. Their big man down low Kyree Sorrell proved to be the x-factor, as they were able to pound it down low to him time and time again for easy buckets.
The teams would be exchanging blows when Washington Head Coach Purnell made the adjustment of the game, going 5 wide with his post player playing at the elbow. This forced Sorrell away from the block and out of his comfort zone, defending on the wing and off the dribble against quicker players. He quickly got into foul trouble, and with him sidelined, the Jaguars were able to gather a small lead.
Washington would take a small lead into the break before Kent County's guards would score 3 straight buckets to get back within 4 points. After three quarters, Washington was holding a 64-58 lead, and the fourth quarter became a battle for whoever could get the upper hand. Trojans opened the final quarter on a 8-3 run to cut their deficit to just 1, but that would be as close as they would get. Kamryn Somers and Jones would extend their pressure leading to several break away lay ups to push their leads back to double digits with 4 minutes to go. The Trojans came back in with Sorrell who had four fouls, and the Jaguars went right after him, drawing his 5th. Washington would go on to close it out from there.
Washington was led by Marc Jones 26 pts and Shakur Cottman 17. Trojans lead by Shemar Turner 26 pts and Manuel Camper 20 pts. The Jaguars return to action Tuesday when they host Snow Hill, while Kent County will host Wi-Hi next Tuesday.
