New Kent counters Smithfield’s rallies with scoring runs to advance to district tournament finals

By Robb Johnson | February 9, 2023 9:50 pm

New Kent’s Will Ross (4) is challenged by Smithfield’s Kevin Parker Jr. (2) on a tough drive to the basket.

Robb Johnson photo

District tournaments no longer have a significant impact for several regions in regard to postseason play and positioning. But don’t tell New Kent’s Trojans that.

Behind three players finishing in double figures, the Trojans won a Feb. 8 contest at Smithfield, 66-56 to advance to the district tournament championship game. It’s the first time New Kent has defeated the Packers since 2012.

New Kent got rolling early in the contest. Kyle Diggs three-pointer provided the visitors a 7-5 lead. That margin grew to seven after a Dillon Mickles jumper and a Will Ross trifecta. That lead reached nine with Isaiah’s field goal. New Kent led 20-10 after the first.

After the Trojans lead grew to 13 (23-10), Smithfield made their first run of the night. Over the next two minutes, the hosts rolled off eight straight points to pull within five. New Kent’s lead got even smaller when Smithfield’s E.J. Hendrix added a pair of scores to cut the margin the visitors’ advantage to one (23-22) with 5:08 remaining until the break.

New Kent was able to counterstrike the hosts’ rally. Four straight points by Diggs plus a lay-in by Mickles elevated New Kent to a 29-22 lead. New Kent closed out the half with an 8-2 run to take a 37-26 lead into halftime.

But after the break, Smithfield started its second offensive attack. The Packers were able to double-up New Kent during a run at the end of the quarter, cutting the Trojans advantage to six (48-42).

Another Hendrix bucket cut New Kent’s lead to four to start the frame, but New Kent put together a 12-0 lead that stretched the lead to 16 (60-44). From there, the Trojans would hold onto the game and advance to the district finals.

After the contest, New Kent Head Coach Garrett Ross talked about the win being something that will be used as a motivator for the playoff run.

“I am super proud of these guys,” he said. “We went through adversity and played as a team. We know we are a dangerous team when we play together.”

Ross’ 20 points led the Trojans, while Digs and Mickles finished in double figures as well with 17 and 14, respectively. Josiah Reedy scored eight, Isaiah Carr tossed in five, and Kemauri Palmer chipped in with two.