New Kent experiences 78-59 setback in contest with York

A rebound eludes (from left) New Kent's Ryan Lugg, York's Jaylen Riggsbee, and New Kent's Tyler Jenkins in the second half.

Alan Chamberlain photo

In last week’s win over West Point and loss to powerful Grafton, New Kent’s Trojans took strides toward improved play, an important step with the conference basketball tournament looming on the horizon. Monday night against York, however, the host Trojans took a giant leap backward.

Seemingly content to allow the visiting Falcons to dictate tempo in the second half, the Trojans watched an eight-point halftime deficit balloon to more than 20. With the contest degenerating into a playground affair, York had little trouble in gaining a 78-59 win.

“We couldn’t get any continuity on the offensive end or the defensive end,” said Trojan head coach Ronnie Cox, whose team fell to 5-10.

“I keep telling myself we’re playing for the tournament, and we are making progress,” he said. “We have a very tough schedule. There are no letups. It’s going to help us in the long run, but right now it’s purgatory.”

New Kent opened on a positive note. Kyle Claytor’s basket and a three buried by Trey Cox staked the hosts to a quick 5-0 lead. But ignited by 6-foot-8 center Eric Harp’s steal and dunk, the Falcons surged ahead to take a 15-9 advantage into the second quarter.

The Trojans, however, worked their way back. Claytor’s trey with 3:14 left before halftime caught the Falcons at 24-24. Unfortunately for the hosts, York staged an 8-0 run to close the half with a 32-24 lead.

After the break, matters became worse. York’s run continued when play resumed, reaching 13 unanswered points. The Trojans never got closer than seven the rest of the way.

“We seem to play well against the better teams,” coach Cox said. “York is beatable, but we seemed to get back on our heels a little bit. It’s an enigma, but we’ll get through it. It’s all part of being young.”

Claytor and Ryan Lugg led New Kent with 18 and 17 points, respectively. Justin Cox and Trey Cox each scored eight while Jason Whitlow totaled four and Ethan Ashford and Darren McCaughan added two apiece. Harp’s 18 topped York.