Time runs out on New Kent’s comeback; Park View-South Hill eliminates Trojans

New Kent's Jack Swynford (right) goes up-and-under the shot-blocking attempt by Park View's Cameron Hayes.

Robb Johnson photo

After upsetting rival Tabb during a first-round regional playoff game, New Kent’s Trojans trekked southward to Park View of South Hill to face the Dragons in a quarterfinal clash. And despite a valiant effort that saw the visitors erase a 23-point deficit, it was the hosts ability to get to the free throw line that was key in their triumph.

Park View-South Hill sank 22 of 31 free throws as they survived New Kent 77-73, ending the Trojans’ hoop season. By comparison, New Kent only got to the line eight times, converting seven of the shots.

After the hosting Dragons pushed the lead to nine, it was a Will Ross three-pointer and Jack Swynford’s conversion at the free throw line that pulled the visitors within four (15-11). But the wheels off the Trojans’ chariot would fall off in the second quarter.

Park View’s defense launched a furious defensive approach to kick off the frame. The result saw New Kent commit several unforced errors. In the meantime, the Dragons’ offense provided enough firepower to orchestrate a 17-4 run to build a 32-15 lead. New Kent was able to chip the score down with a Swynford steal and lay-in, but when the buzzer sounded for halftime, the visiting Trojans trailed by 15 (37-22).

The hosts lead grew to as much as 23 points (48-25) by the midway of the third quarter when New Kent elected to pressure the Dragons. With the defense standing firm, it was wing man Joe Buchman rising to the occasion for New Kent. Buchman tossed in 10 points, including two from long distance, as the Trojans orchestrated a 21-8 run to pull within 10 (56-46) as the contest transitioned into quarter number four.

After a Dragons’ free throw slightly increase the lead, the Trojans went full throttle on offense. A Will Ross trifecta followed by one from Swynford quickly cut Park View’s lead down to a mere five points (57-55). That lead shrank by another point with Buchman dropping his third three of the game (59-55).

Still facing a four-point deficit as the clock ticked, another long-distance connection by Ross resulted in New Kent trailing the hosts by a mere point (67-66) with 1:22 remaining in the game.

The teams continued to exchange scores before Park View built up a four-point advantage. New Kent thought they had cut the lead back down to one when Phillip Woodley drove to the basket and converted it. However, he was whistled with the charge, sealing the contest and ending the comeback for the Trojans.

An emotional Garrett Ross, New Kent’s Head Coach, talked about his team’s comeback effort.

“We talked at halftime about having grit, not playing soft, and playing with heart,” he said. “I am proud of Joe [Buchman] coming off the bench to be that spark.

“I am proud of the kids for putting the work in day in and day out and we played with a lot of heart,” Ross added. “It’s hard to end the season like this, but I think as a program we turned the corner.”

New Kent will have to replace some consistent firepower from the perimeter. Along with Buchman and Swynford, playmaker Calvin York will all graduate this year.

Ross’ 21 points led the Trojans in defeat. Buchman (13), York (12), and Woodley (11) all finished in double figures. Swynford pumped in nine, Josiah Reedy added five, and Kyle Diggs chipped in with two.