New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 28, 2024

Athletic Packers turn back New Kent 66-40

By Alan Chamberlain | December 16, 2014 11:52 pm

New Kent's Trey Cox muscles his way into the lane for a shot despite pressure from Smithfield's Chris Pierce (23) and Marcus Gundy.

Alan Chamberlain photo

Unable to match the quickness and athletic ability of Smithfield’s starting five, New Kent’s host Trojans fell behind by double digits midway through the first quarter and finished on the short end of a 66-40 final in Tuesday’s basketball clash.

After one quarter, the hosts trailed 24-5. And even though inroads were made before halftime, the Trojans could not avert falling to 2-5 on the season.

“We couldn’t get back on [defense],” Trojan head coach Ronnie Cox said afterward. “We gave up a lot of transition points. They transitioned out real quick, and we had a hard time stopping that. Then they’d send three or four guys to the boards every time, and we couldn’t seal them off.”

Guard Ryan Jones led the Packer transition game, scoring eight first quarter points, while center Chris Pierce dominated in the lane with 11.

“We couldn’t match up,” Cox said. “We didn’t have anyone who could cover [Pierce] in the post.”

The Packers took their foot off the gas pedal in the second quarter, inserting their reserves. New Kent took advantage, holding the visitors to six points while cutting into the deficit. Jason Whitlow’s three at the buzzer narrowed the gap to 30-18 at halftime.

With Smithfield’s starters back on the floor when play resumed, the Trojans refused to wilt. Trey Cox’s three pulled the Trojans within 11 at 36-25, but the hosts could not get closer and Smithfield began to pull away.

Whitlow led the Trojans with 18 points. Ryan Lugg scored eight followed by Trey Cox’s six, Justin Cox’s five, and Tyler Jenkins’ three. Smithfield’s Jones tossed in a game-high 24 while Pierce ended with 17.

“We’re still young and trying to get better with each game,” coach Cox said. “I’ll have to be patient, but eventually we’ll get there.”