Lakeland upsets New Kent, brings Trojans’ season to an abrupt end

New Kent’s Kyle Diggs (5) tries to wrestle away the ball from a Lakeland defender.

Robb Johnson photo

After defeating the Lakeland Cavaliers by 45 on Dec. 12, 2023, New Kent’s Trojans looked to repeat the feat in the opening round of the Group 3A Region A playoffs. But as an old adage in sports is often told from generation to generation, teams get better; and Lakeland was one of them.

The four-win Lakeland team edged New Kent 59-55 in the opening round, sealing an upset and bringing the Trojans’ season to an abrupt end.

After Trojan forward Kyle Diggs drained the opening basket, Lakeland orchestrated a 9-2 run to forge ahead of the hosts. New Kent withstood the spurt, countering with an 8-0 outburst of their own. By the end of the first quarter, New Kent held a 14-13 lead over the visitors. Offensive struggles by both teams carried over into the second quarter, resulting in a deadlock at 32 apiece at the halftime intermission.

When the clock began in the third stanza, New Kent’s offensive woes continued. Lakeland took their biggest lead of the night thanks to a 9-0 run, pulling out to a 41-32 lead. The Trojans were able to chop down the lead thanks to trifectas from Marty Wray and Will Ross. By the end of the third quarter, the hosts still trailed Lakeland 45-42.

The Cavaliers’ defense continued to frustrate New Kent, as shot after shot clanked off the rim for the hosts. Meanwhile, Lakeland built up a seven-point advantage (55-48) with 2:31 remaining in the fourth.

Jordan Carr’s three-pointer brought New Kent within four (55-51). New Kent cut the lead to two (57-55) with a minute remaining when Ross was sent to the line for free throws. Ross missed both opportunities, with Lakeland securing the rebound.

The Cavaliers failed to produce any points at the line, resulting in New Kent regaining possession of the ball. Ross’ attempt at a go-ahead three-pointer with 2.9 seconds missed, with Lakeland’s Travell Almond snagging the rebound. With 1.7 seconds remaining and the Cavaliers in the double-bonus situation, Almond calmly sank both attempts, building up a four-point advantage for the guests and ending New Kent’s season.

After the game, a dejected and frustrated New Kent Head Coach Garrett Ross tried to muster up words about the contest.

“Lakeland has gotten better, and they are coached well,” the head coach commented. “They played a little bit harder tonight.

“Our kids played hard while fighting back,” Ross added. “I am proud of this team.”

Ethan Smith and Wray finished in double figures for the Trojans with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Carr tossed in nine, Diggs pumped in eight, Ross contributed five, Kemauri Palmer scored four, and the duo of Josiah Reedy and Jordan Howard chipped in with three apiece.

New Kent finishes the season overall with a record of 15-8.