New Kent surges in fourth quarter to topple Grafton

New Kent’s Kris Leeper (3) lays it up and in over a pair of Grafton players for a score.

Robb Johnson photo

New Kent continues to find ways to win, especially when it comes to closing out games.

The Trojans used a strong fourth quarter to pull away from the Grafton Clippers 78-59, increasing their win total while remaining unblemished on the losing side.

With each game, New Kent knows they are going to get each team’s best shot that will hand them their first loss. Such was the case against Grafton as the Clippers played tooth and nail with New Kent for three quarters, seven minutes, and 45 seconds. But the last 15 seconds of the third quarter proved why the Trojans are still undefeated.

Marty Wray converted a basket and was fouled. While he missed the free throw, the Clippers scored as they trailed by four (46-42). But Wray’s three-pointer at the buzzer boosted the Trojans’ advantage up to nine.

Grafton made several attempts to cut into New Kent’s lead. But as the visitors’ trailed by eight, New Kent’s pressure defense and intensity picked up, leading to the hosts doubling up Grafton (18-9) in the final few minutes of the game and resulting in the win.

After the contest, New Kent Head Coach Garrett Ross says his team is embracing the pressure they face every night.

“We have become the target, and we can feel it,” he said after the contest. “We have some work to do and clean up some things, especially getting to our ultimate goal. But that is high school basketball, and that’s what we do.”

New Kent (19-0) was led by Will Ross who scored 20 points. Wray and Kyle Diggs both added 15, Kris Leeper tossed in 11, Christian Joyner pumped in nine, and Kingston Young finished with five.