Spring Creek Gators’ No. 3 Natalie Jackson swats away James Kenan’s No. 13 LaBria McGowan, trying to ignite a comeback. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)
WARSAW — The James Kenan Tigers delivered an impressive performance from start to finish, overpowering the Spring Creek Gators in a fast-paced matchup that showcased sharp shooting, relentless defense, and nonstop intensity.
First Quarter: Tigers Set the Tone Early
The Tigers struck first as No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey scored on a putback to open the game. Momentum stayed with James Kenan as No. 5 David Zelaya was fouled at the line and calmly sank both free throws. Soon after, No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey drained a deep three-pointer, forcing the Gators to call an early timeout.
Coming out of the break, the Tigers stayed aggressive with a steal and another basket from No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey. The Gators struggled to find their rhythm but finally got on the board with a putback by No. 14 Ethan Rivers. The Tigers quickly answered, keeping the pressure on.
A three-pointer by Gators’ No. 14 Ethan Rivers sparked life for Spring Creek, but the Tigers responded immediately with a big shot from beyond the arc by No. 4 CJ Hill. The back-and-forth continued as No. 35 Micah Smith powered in for a layup, while the Tigers capitalized at the free-throw line with No. 3 Jeremiah Hall converting both attempts.
As the quarter wound down, both teams continued trading baskets, ending an exciting opening period filled with pace and physical play.
Second Quarter: Tigers Build the Gap
The second quarter opened with both teams exchanging early baskets. A strong defensive moment came when Gators’ No. 35 Micah Smith rejected a Tigers drive with a huge block, but James Kenan still found success as No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey finished another basket.
After a Gators timeout, the Tigers came out firing. No. 23 Tripp Phipps knocked down a big three, followed by a steal and smooth finish by No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey. Spring Creek earned a trip to the line, with No. 5 Malachi Moore converting one free throw.
The Tigers closed the half strong, sending No. 3 Jeremiah Hall to the line, where he sank both shots to extend the lead.
Halftime Score: James Kenan Tigers 44, Spring Creek Gators 21
Third Quarter: Trading Blows, Tigers Stay in Control
Spring Creek opened the second half with a basket from No. 5 Malachi Moore but the Tigers quickly answered with a three-pointer by No. 1 Eli Avent. The teams went basket for basket, with No. 14 Ethan Rivers scoring for the Gators and No. 1 Eli Avent responding once again from deep for the Tigers.
The highlight moment came when No. 35 Micah Smith threw down a powerful dunk for the Gators, igniting the crowd. However, James Kenan stayed composed, answering with a three-pointer by No. 4 CJ Hill. Another deep shot from Gators’ No. 14 Ethan Rivers was quickly matched by a Tigers’ three from No. 5 David Zelaya.
Despite the Gators’ efforts, the Tigers maintained control as both teams continued trading baskets throughout the quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Tigers Finish Strong
James Kenan came out roaring in the final quarter with a three-pointer from No. 3 Jeremiah Hall. The Gators earned free throws as No. 35 Micah Smith went to the line and converted one.
The Tigers extended their dominance with a strong drive and an and-one layup by No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey. Spring Creek showed fight when No. 3 Hunter Gunn hit an impressive three-pointer from near half court, but the Tigers answered with scoring run after scoring run.
The Gators refused to quit, adding another basket from No. 1 Jaayden McLean but the Tigers’ depth and execution proved too much as the clock expired.
Final Score: James Kenan Tigers 88, Spring Creek Gators 52
Lady Tigers dominate from start to finish against Spring Creek
The James Kenan Lady Tigers delivered a commanding performance from the opening tip, overwhelming the Spring Creek Lady Gators in a decisive 47–7 win. With relentless defense and consistent scoring, the Tigers set the tone early and never looked back.
First Quarter: Tigers Roar Early
The Lady Tigers struck first with an opening basket, immediately putting pressure on the Gators. Spring Creek had an early opportunity at the free-throw line but couldn’t capitalize. James Kenan quickly extended its lead with a big three-pointer from No. 11 Kendria Smith while the Gators struggled with miscommunication on offense.
Despite a steal by Gators’ No. 3 Natalie Jackson Spring Creek was unable to convert. James Kenan continued to control possession, with No. 2 Kendonya Morrisey going 1-for-1 at the free-throw line. The Gators finally got on the scoreboard with a basket by No. 3 Natalie Jackson but the Tigers answered right back with a score from No. 30 Akiya Drayton. As the quarter came to a close, James Kenan held an 8–2 lead in a low-scoring opening frame.
Second Quarter: Tigers Take Control
Both teams opened the second quarter searching for rhythm, but it was James Kenan’s No. 13 LaBria McGowan who broke the drought with a basket at the 6:48 mark. The Tigers began to pull away as No. 3 Gabii Outlaw added another score.
Spring Creek found points at the free-throw line with No. 22 Nicole Jackson going 1-for-1, prompting a Gators timeout. However, the Tigers continued to dominate, scoring on a tough, heavily contested layup by No. 13 LaBria McGowan. Despite defensive effort and a steal by Gators’ No. 5 Sophia Thompson Spring Creek couldn’t regain momentum.
James Kenan poured it on with baskets from No. 3 Gabii Outlaw, No. 13 LaBria McGowan, and an and-one by No. 5 Zaniya Brown stretching the lead to 25–3. The Gators managed a few more free throws late in the quarter, but the Tigers maintained full control heading into halftime.
Halftime Score: James Kenan Lady Tigers 25, Spring Creek Lady Gators 5
Third Quarter: Tigers Make a Statement
James Kenan wasted no time resuming their dominance, opening the second half with another basket by No. 13 LaBria McGowan. A score by No. 11 Kendria Smith and a free throw from No. 3 Gabii Outlaw continued the Tigers’ strong showing.
Spring Creek briefly answered with a basket by No. 3 Natalie Jackson but the Tigers responded immediately. A tough layup and foul by No. 3 Gabii Outlaw, followed by a jump shot from No. 2 Kendonya Morrisey, kept the momentum firmly on James Kenan’s side. A big three-pointer from No. 2 Kendonya Morrisey capped off the quarter after another Gators miscommunication. End of 3rd Quarter Tigers firmly in control
Fourth Quarter: Closing It Out
Spring Creek opened the final quarter with a free throw from No. 20 Briseida Lopez marking their first point of the period. James Kenan responded quickly with a basket sealing the outcome as the Tigers comfortably closed out the game.
Final Score: James Kenan Lady Tigers 47, Spring Creek Lady Gators 7
