New Kent scores eight points in final minute to take down Warhill 77-70

New Kent’s Marty Wray glides to the basket for an easy lay-up to seal the win for the Trojans.Robb Johnson photo
New Kent’s boys’ basketball team continues to remain undefeated. But it hasn’t been easy, such as the Jan. 15 home contest against the visiting Warhill Lions.
A Christian Joyner basket with less than 40 seconds in the contest proved to be the go-ahead score as New Kent emerged with a 77-70 victory in the Bay Rivers District contest.
With the first half ending in a deadlock at 37 apiece, New Kent slowly built its lead up to six (51-45) after a Kyle Diggs’ basket midway in the third. Diggs’ assist to teammate Marty Wray increased the gap to eight before Warhill embarked on a 9-4 run to close the gap to three (57-54) heading into the fourth quarter.
After staying close for most of the way, Warhill finally tied the game at 66 apiece with Jayden McLean’s basket as 1:55 remained on the clock in regulation. New Kent’s Will Ross retaliated, draining a three-pointer for the hosts. But the Lions responded without any hesitancy, as Hunter Brown converted a basket and subsequent free throw after being fouled, tying the game at 69 apiece with 1:25 to go.
That is when Joyner was able to put the hosts back on top. Joyner’s move to the hoop and harm with 39 seconds on the clock. While he missed the free throw, Warhill was unable to corral the rebound, resulting in New Kent retaining possession. The Trojans made the visitors pay, as Ross converted his two free throws after being intentionally fouled, and Wray’s score off a Warhill turnover highlighted the 8-1 Trojans’ run to close out the contest.
While he often praises his team’s effort, New Kent Head Coach Garrett Ross spoke about his team’s need to not check out during the game.
“We have to stop with the mental lapses on defense,” he commented after the game. “That helps teams stay in the game.
“The biggest thing is that we need to keep our spurts up,” the coach continued. “Down the stretch, we executed and you have to hand it to the team for getting it done down the stretch.”
New Kent (11-0) received a team-high 21 points from Will Ross. Diggs and Wray both finished with 18 apiece, Kris Leeper pumped in 12, and Joyner tossed in eight.