The Kennedale Wildcats basketball team played back to back nightslast week, winning big in one and taking another in a surprisingly hard fought game. The Wildcats, undefeated in five games, remains #5 in 3A in the latest coaches? poll.
On Monday night in Mabank, the Wildcats overwhelmed a smaller Panther team winning easily. {{more}}It was another thing one night later, back in the Wildcat den, when Dallas Roosevelt came to visit.
Charles makes 30 (photo by Staci Otts) See more photos
The Roosevelt Mustangs (1-2) were determined to stomp on the Wildcats and made a good show of it in the first half. It was an undisciplined, erratic, fast and an unevenly talented team that almost outdid the Wildcats.
The Mustangs controlled the first quarter, keeping the Cats off balanced and one step behind. Forcing Kennedale to shoot outside and to make ill-timed cross-court passes, Roosevelt won the first quarter 15-11, something that had happened to the Wildcats this season.
In the second quarter, Kennedale regained some of its poise with Aundre Jackson establishing an inside game. For the game, Jackson would lead all scorers with 30 points. But, it was a slow go, with the Wildcats only managing a tie game at half, 24-24.
It was obvious who was the better team overall, but the Mustangs were not willing to admit. Their aggressive style of play combined with their quickness, allowed them to play pressure defense on the Wildcats.
It was in the third quarter that Kennedale established its game and took control but just by a margin of 6. That point spread would change often but Kennedale would never again be behind..
It was during the third that Kennedale?s Ty Charles (Sr) was undercut while going up for a lay-up. Charles made the basket but came crashing down to the floor on his left shoulder before rolling into the wall. He didn?t get up immediately. It was a scary moment for the Kennedale side. Calling it a bruised shoulder, Charles returned to play later in the quarter, favoring the shoulder the rest of the game.
Kennedale won the game 60-46, opening a double digit lead late in the game.
Scoring for Kennedale: A. Jackson 30 points, Vance Hughes (Jr) 13, T. Charles 8, Brandon Conwright (So) 4, Kelon Doss (Sr) 2 and Colton Otts (So) 2.
The Wildcats travel to Granbury on Tuesday to play the 4A Pirates. Game time is 8 p.m.
