James Kenan routs Lakewood boys
By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on January 26, 2010 1:46 PM
WARSAW -- Lakewood couldn't stop the "Big 3" on Monday evening.
The frontcourt trio of James Owens, Jeremy Smith and Dontrill Hyman just missed combining for three double-doubles in James Kenan's 80-61 pasting of Tri-County 1-A foe Lakewood at J.P. Harmon Gymnasium.
Owens collected 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Smith supplied a game-high 26 points and 10 boards. The foul-plagued Hyman delivered nine points and nine rebounds.
Kenan (7-5 overall, 5-3 TCC) rebounded from a loss to state-ranked and archrival Wallace-Rose Hill on Friday.
"Anytime you come back and win against whoever you are playing is good," said Tigers head coach John Avent. "It was a good way to start the second half of conference (play)."
Pressure defense, rebounding and consistent transition play fueled the Tigers' offense in the opening quarter. Owens, Smith and Hyman combined for 24 points as Kenan built a commanding 20-point advantage after eight minutes of action.
"I thought we got out to a good start tonight," said Avent. "We did a pretty good job of pressing, got some turnovers and were able to get a big lead and roll from there.
"I was pleased with the way we played."
Lakewood (3-8, 1-7) pulled within 44-27 at halftime, but fell behind by as many as 25 points in the second half. Everette Newkirk paced the Leopards' offense with 21 points, while Dennis Owens chipped in 14.
Kenan converted 30 field goals, including 27 from within 15 feet of the basket. The Tigers forced 26 turnovers.