New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | February 14, 2025

Despite Wiggins’ 41 points, New Kent uses team effort to move to 10-0

By Robb Johnson | January 11, 2025 3:09 pm

New Kent’s Kyle Diggs (5) releases a crucial shot over the outstretched arms of Smithfield’s Eric Fenner (21) and Jaden Shearn (30).

Robb Johnson photo

A rare afternoon basketball contest to beat the cold air and snowstorm pitted the visiting Smithfield Packers taking on the New Kent Trojans. And despite Smithfield’s Jayden Wiggins lighting up the stat column with 41 points, it was a combined team effort that kept New Kent’s hot streak continuing.

The Trojans remained undefeated as they defeated Smithfield 85-79 in the Bay Rivers District contest.

After trailing by six at the end of the first quarter, New Kent began finding their offensive rhythm. Will Ross’ three-pointers cut the Packers’ lead down to three (25-22). That lead was wiped out as Ross drained all three free throws after being fouled by Michael Williams. That momentum launched New Kent into a 16-9 run, allowing the hosts to take a 41-34 lead heading into the third quarter.

But the transition into the third proved to be the boost of energy Smithfield needed. Wiggins and teammate Jaden Shearn took over the offensive duties for the visitors, pumping in 18 points as part of a 21-6 third quarter outburst to provide Smithfield a three-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

New Kent’s Marty Wray drained a trifecta, tying the game at 55 apiece. The Packers responded, scoring the next four points before Ross’ corner three cut the guests’ advantage down to one (59-58).

Smithfield built its lead back up to six (66-60) when Trojan forward Christian Joyner converted a basket in the paint. After he missed the free throw, the Trojans recovered the lose ball, scoring again to cut even further into the Packers’ lead. Smithfield added another bucket before Ross’ lay-in closed the gap to two (68-66). Joyner would add another basket to tie the game at 68 apiece with 90 seconds remaining on the clock.

As time ticked away, Wiggins placed the visitors back on top with a banked shot. With time ticking away, it would be New Kent’s Kristopher Leeper with a crucial basket with 14 ticks remaining to tie the score at 70 apiece. A last second shot by Wiggins failed to convert, sending the game into overtime.

In the extra session, New Kent held a two-point lead (76-74) with 1:23 remaining. The Trojans looked to gain some breathing room, as a three-pointer from Ross upped that advantage to five. New Kent clamped down on defense, slowing down Smithfield’s pace while sinking free throws on their behalf, leading to the overtime triumph.

After the game, New Kent Head Coach Garrett Ross spoke about his team’s continuous battle in the contest.

“We fought together,” he commented. “We knew it would be a dogfight tonight. Everything we did overall was based on defense and we kept fighting.

“We did the right things at the right time and I am super proud of this team,” the head coach concluded.

Will Ross’ 22 points led New Kent (10-0) in the scoring column. Joining him in double figures were Joyner (21), Kyle Diggs (19), and Wray (16). Leeper tossed in four points and Joshua Reedy rounded out the scoring with three.