Hernandez’s dunk, triple-double sparks New Kent offense in win over Charles City

New Kent's Jordan Hernandez (25) pins the lay-up attempt of Charles City's Justin Thomas to the backboard for one of his 11 blocks in the game.

Andre' Jones photo

As with many contests pitting rivals Charles City and New Kent against each other, records are usually thrown out the window when the two teams get together. For one half, it seemed like the winless Panthers would pull off the upset against the invading Trojans.

But a thunderous second quarter dunk by New Kent center Jordan Hernandez catapulted a run that spilled over into the second half and launched the visitors towards an 82-35 victory Saturday night in Charles City.

After both teams exchanged early baskets, New Kent’s Amari Brown connected with a corner three-pointer and followed it up with a lay-up. Hernandez dropped a close range shot on his own to bestow a 9-2 lead for the visitors.

But Charles City’s defense countered with early intensity, forcing the visitors into unnecessary turnovers. Meanwhile, Panther guard Ray Crump’s jumper and subsequent assist to Justis Crawley sliced the deficit to three. Kyle Jones’ steal and lay-in on the next play reduced that margin to a mere point (11-10). After a Trojan free throw, Crump’s bank shot off the glass knotted the game at 12 apiece.

New Kent’s Dean Powell found himself open for an easy chip-in basket and teammate Kyle Claytor sank two from the free throw line to give the visitors a 16-12 lead heading into the second quarter.

Two free throws by Brown followed by his block of Ray Crump resulted in a transition basket for Hernandez. Charles City’s Jones responded with a lay-in to reduce the gap back to four (22-18).

After New Kent extended the lead back to seven (25-18), a foul committed by the Trojans placed the hosts into the bonus situation. But instead of going to the line, Charles City was forced to inbound the ball. The pass was stolen by Claytor who provided a lead pass to Hernandez. The 6’5” center took to the air, delivering a crushing two-hand slam to the roar of the Trojan faithful who made the journey and gave New Kent a 29-19 advantage at the break.

The visitors’ energy off the momentum play continued as C.J. Reeders’ trifecta and easy scores by Jared Lugg and Brown allowed New Kent to open the third quarter on a 15-0 run. Charles City’s Justin Thomas stopped the six-minute scoring drought with his steal and score, but Claytor’s long distance connection mounted a 15-5 run as the guests carried a 33-point advantage into the fourth quarter (59-26).

Back-to-back steals and lay-ins by Brown kicked off the final frame for the Trojans. Charles City’s offense remained stagnant for the most part of the second half, with scores by Connor Robbins and Armani Smith accounting for the only baskets from the field. Meanwhile, New Kent’s Daron Harris scored all 10 of his points in the final quarter, including the lay-in that extended the lead to 40 (71-31) and spurred an 11-1 run to end the game.

New Kent head coach Ronnie Cox commented about his team’s lackluster first half performance.

“It felt like we were playing in mud,” he said, focusing on the poor shooting and unforced errors by the Trojans. “We had to find something to get going again.

“At the halftime break, I told them that we need to protect the ball and take higher percentage shots,” Cox continued. “As you see the result allowed us to get everyone involved and spread the love. We got contributions from everyone in the second half tonight and that is what we want to do to make everybody on this team understand they are a vital part.”

For Charles City head coach Wayne Keys, the outcome did provide a few positives and bright spots for his team.

“In the first half we had a lot of energy,” Key commented. “We played a very good team and I am proud of our effort today.

“But in the second half we came out playing too much one-on-one and that led to a lot of arguing between the team,” the coach continued. “I know they are frustrated but that’s not going to get us wins and we got to work hard to improve.”

New Kent, now 3-2, received a triple double from Hernandez who scored 14 points, hauled in 16 rebounds and accounted for 11 blocks. Brown (18), Michael Amadeo (11), and Harris (10) also finished in double figures for the victors. Powell added eight, Claytor pumped in seven, Ryan Curle scored four, Reeders and Hunter Torres scored three apiece, and Lugg and Patrick Minor both chipped in with two.

Jones’ eight was a team high for the Panthers, who remain winless with an 0-5 record. Robbins and Crump tossed in seven apiece, Thomas and Brown added three, two points were each scored by Steven Crewe, Devante Johnson, and Crawley, and RaShawn Shine chipped in with one.