By Michael DuPont II
Special to the Star-Telegram
LUBBOCK ? Kennedale?s undefeated season was tested Friday against Shallowater in the Class 3A Region I semifinals, but the Wildcats won 87?82 in overtime at United Spirit Arena.
The Wildcats trailed after a fast-paced first quarter for the Mustangs. Senior forward Micah Bailey scored 10 first-quarter points for Shallowater, including a two-handed tomahawk dunk and two blocks.
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Kennedale (37-0) utilized a 25-13 second quarter to secure a 40-38 lead at halftime.
In the third quarter, the teams went back and forth offensively. Shallowater (32-5) scored 13 points to Kennedale?s 15. Bailey had to sit on the bench for the majority of the quarter because of foul trouble.
KHS Junior guard, VJ Hughes, sinks 24 in regional semi against Shallowater
V.J. Hughes emerged as a second scorer for Kennedale, netting two 3-pointers in the quarter.
The junior guard finished with 24 points, including a jump shot in the closing minute sealing the victory for the Wildcats.
After stealing an inbounds pass with 22 seconds remaining, Bailey netted a 3-pointer that tied the game at 70 and forced overtime.
Bailey scored 13 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, finishing with 27 points in the losing effort.
Senior forward Aundre Jackson led the Wildcats with 28 points.
Kennedale will face Stephenville at 7 p.m. Saturday in Lubbock for the 3A Region I title.
Also scoring for the Wildcats was Kelon Doss 10, Trystan Carr 9, Dominique Doss 7, Colton Otts 4, Brandon Conwright 3 and Kole Hohenberger 2.
