Grafton uses 13-2 run in final quarter to pull away from New Kent

New Kent's Logan Frederick (35) attempts to lockdown Grafton's O.J. Jackson.

Robb Johnson photo

New Kent’s Trojans issue against the visiting Grafton Clippers wasn’t their defense; it was their offense. And eventually, that broke down.

The invading Clippers used a 13-2 run in the final quarter to pull away from the Trojans 51-40 to claim the victory in the Bay Rivers District matchup.

The pressure defense of the hosting Trojans proved to be a saving factor in the first half. While the offense was lackluster, New Kent was able to hold a one-point lead at the end of the opening frame (7-6). By halftime, Grafton was able to flip the script to take a one-point advantage (16-15).

The third quarter saw Grafton big man O.J. Jackson begin to impact the flow of the game. While pumping six points on the offensive end while disrupting Trojan shot attempts. However, Trojan forward Logan Frederick was able to score eight points of his own to keep the hosts within four (38-34) as the teams transitioned into the fourth quarter.

New Kent orchestrated four straight points to tie the game up at 38 apiece. But from there, Grafton took firm control as they stifled the Trojans’ offensive production and holding them to two points for the rest of the contest. Meanwhile, the Clippers scored 13 in a five-minute span that proved enough to conclude the game.

After the contest, New Kent head coach Garrett Ross talked about his team’s improvements over the last few games.

“I’m super proud we held them to 16 points in the first half,” he said, praising his team’s defense. “Our defense is getting a lot better and we’re playing a lot grittier as a team.

“We are still trying to learn our way to be stronger with the ball offensively,” Ross continued. “You have to hand it to Grafton. They made some great plays, breaking the press a few times and at the right time and converting.

“We put a lot of time together in as a team to beat Tabb,” the coach said as he began to wrap up the interview. “I’m just proud of what the boys are doing and where we are going.”

Logan Frederick led the Trojans (1-3) in scoring with 18 points. Jack Swynford also finished in double figures with 10, Colton Frederick and Calvin York both tossed in four, and Tommy Francis and Kevin Harris chipped in with two apiece.