New Kent Trojans send Seniors out in style with rout of Poquoson

By Robb Johnson | February 2, 2023 9:27 pm

New Kent Seniors Andrew Johnson (34) and Brett Lookhart (33) use their length to put Poquoson’s Ian MacArthur in a bind.

Robb Johnson photo

The turn of the calendar couldn’t be sooner for New Kent’s Trojans. And with their final home game on Feb. 1, they couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.

New Kent jumped out to an early lead before coasting to a 72-38 victory over the visiting Poquoson Islanders in the Senior Night contest.

With senior players getting the nod in the starting line-up, New Kent’s Andrew Johnson converted a free throw to get the game started. When teammate Khoen Christian entered the game, a basket sparked what would be an 8-2 run. The Trojans, however, had to settle for a 10-6 lead at the end of one.

But the second stanza saw the hosts go into an all-out attacked mode. Shooting guard Will Ross would drain six three-pointers for the Trojans to catapult them to a 40-23 halftime advantage. From that point, the hosts pounded Poquoson on offense and used pressuring defense to win the game.

After the contest, New Kent Head Coach Garrett Ross reflected on the Senior Night victory.

“The motto for the team right now is to just enjoy the moment,” the victorious head coach said. “The season goes fast and you have to enjoy it and enjoy each other.

“I still believe that there is a higher reason for the community to enjoy good basketball,” Ross added. “It’s fun to watch, it’s fun to be a part of, and it’s good to celebrate it. Seeing the hard work of the kids and the families that sacrificed for them, it feels good to get this win.”

Will Ross’ 23 point led New Kent, whose record improves to 14-7. Kyle Diggs and Isaiah Carr both tossed in 11 apiece, Dillon Mickles and Josiah Reedy added seven apiece, Kemauri Palmer pitched in with four, David McCoy contributed three, Christian pumped in two, and Johnson chipped in with one.