For both, the Wildcats and the LadyKats, the season came to an end just shy of the region playoffs this year. The basketball teams, who have gotten use to going to Lubbock for the regional semifinals, may be disappointed, but by almost all other standards, this season has been an affirmation of the consistent strength of the Kennedale?s basketball programs. {{more}}
The LadyKats and the Wildcats started and finished the regular season in the top 25 with the LadyKats at #9 and the Wildcats at #13 in Class 4A (TABC). The Wildcats had a record of 27-8, a district record of 8-0 and were district champions. The Ladykats finished with a record of 26-10, a district record of 7-1 and were district co-champions. Both teams lost to top five teams in the playoffs.Region 1 Quarterfinal
On Tuesday March 3, one day after beating Springtown in an area UIL playoff game, the Kennedale Wildcats played the #5 Bridgeport Bulls (31-4) in a Region 1 quarterfinal game.
The Bulls, on a 20 game win streak, were challenged by the Wildcats all the way but eventually beat the Cats, 74-62.
The final score was no indication of how close the game was.
The Star Telegram said of the game ?the anticipated hype surrounding the rematch of No. 5 Bridgeport and No. 13 Kennedale exceeded expectations.?
Kennedale Head Coach Doug Groff said Wednesday morning, ?I slept well last night? because he said the team did everything expected of them. ?We fought all the way to the end and were just down 4 points [going into the final minute of the game].?
The game was by surges from each team. After Q1, the Cats were down by 3 at 18-14. Kennedale went on a run in the 2nd quarter and had a 27-23 lead before Bridgeport had their own 11-0 run. At half, Kennedale was down by 6 at 35-29 and the third ended at 49-39.It was in the fourth that the Cats mounted their big comeback attempt. Two Kennedale players, VJ Hughes and Brandon Conwright, combined for 19 of the Cats final 23 points, cutting the Bulls? lead to four. For Kennedale, it was the three-pointer that was keeping the score close, going at one point 9-13 from outside.
But, with the final seconds ticking off, the Cats were forced into fouling situations in hopes of regaining possession and scoring. Bridgeport responded by making their foul shots and sealing the win.
For Bridgeport, the scoring was contained to its four starters. Caleb Smith for the Bulls led the way with 29 points (20 in the 2nd half).
Brandon Conwright and Vance Hughes for Kennedale finished with 24 and 20 points respectively. Other Cats scoring were Blake Ingram 6, Darius Hammond 4, Quadriaz Wadley 4, Stephone Jackson 3 and Dominique Doss 1.
Note: Bridgeport will face Abilene Wylie in the Region I finals today at Texas Tech University.
