James Kenan’s No. 3 Jeremiah Hall drives the ball up the court against the Gators’ defenders. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)
Round 2: James Kenan Sets the Tone Early
The James Kenan Tigers wasted no time asserting control in their FCA Tournament matchup against the Spring Creek Gators. Behind a fast-paced offense and relentless defensive pressure, the Tigers jumped out to an early lead, ending the first quarter ahead 22–11.
Second Quarter Surge Widens the Gap
Spring Creek opened the second quarter with possession, as No. 1 Jaayden McLean knocked down a basket to give the Gators early hope. A strong rebound by Gators No. 12 Tristan Pate followed but the Tigers quickly responded. A foul by the Gators sent Tigers No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey to the free-throw line, where he calmly sank both shots.
James Kenan’s tempo proved overwhelming. Another steal by No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey led to an easy basket, followed by another foul that sent No. 2 Zamarion Smith to the line, where he converted both free throws. Spring Creek answered with a tough layup by No. 3 Hunter Gunn drawing a foul, though the free throw would not fall.
The Tigers’ defense continued to suffocate the Gators. A steal by No. 1 Eli Avent set up yet another basket by the dominant No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey. Moments later, No. 2 Zamarion Smith buried a deep three-pointer, and another Tigers steal led to a layup by No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey once again. Spring Creek attempted to rally with baskets by No. 12 Tristan Pate and No. 15 Treyshon Rivers but James Kenan answered with a layup from No. 11 Mari Graham to close the half.
By halftime, the Tigers had built a commanding advantage, fueled largely by the play of their standout forward.
Halftime Recap: Tigers in Full Control
At the break, James Kenan led by 25 points, holding a 46–21 advantage. Tigers No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey was the story of the first half, scoring 24 of the team’s 46 points while dominating the post and piling up steals. Defensive pressure from No. 1 Eli Avent, No. 3 Jeremiah Hall, No. 5 David Zelaya, and No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey kept Spring Creek on its heels throughout the half.
Despite the deficit, the Gators remained determined to keep fighting.
Third Quarter: Gators Show Fight, Tigers Respond
Spring Creek struck first in the third quarter with a basket by No. 1 Jaayden McLean. The Tigers answered after a foul sent No. 4 CJ Hill to the line, where he converted. The Gators briefly slowed James Kenan with a basket by No. 12 Tristan Pate, but the Tigers responded immediately as No. 4 CJ Hill finished a strong, contact-heavy layup.
Momentum stayed with James Kenan. Another steal led to a powerful putback by No. 5 David Zelaya, followed by a basket from No. 11 Mari Graham. Spring Creek continued to battle, earning a trip to the line, though No. 12 Tristan Pate was unable to convert. A big three-pointer by Gators No. 14 Ethan Rivers sparked brief momentum, but a foul sent Tigers No. 1 Eli Avent to the line, where he went 1-for-1.
After a Tigers timeout, both Coach Jones of the Tigers and Coach Caldwell of the Gators regrouped with their squads. As the third quarter ended, James Kenan held a commanding 61–32 lead.
Fourth Quarter: Tigers Finish Strong
The final quarter opened with both teams trading baskets. Following a Tigers timeout, a foul sent No. 5 David Zelaya to the line, though he missed both attempts. The Tigers quickly recovered with an offensive rebound and a basket by No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey.
James Kenan continued to pour it on. No. 1 Eli Avent knocked down a big three-pointer, followed by a steal and a basket from No. 0 Keyshawn Murray. A basket by No. 25 Cal Avent extended the lead further as the Tigers’ defensive pressure created multiple turnovers. Spring Creek added a final point at the line from No. 12 Tristan Pate, but the outcome was already decided.
Final Score: James Kenan Tigers 77, Spring Creek Gators 42
