Kavs show progress
Published 10:12 am Wednesday, January 11, 2017
- Photo by Carrie Bailey Kenston Forest senior J.E.B. Buchanan goes for a layup in the Kavaliers’ most recent game, a 46-40 victory over visiting Temple Christian School.
The Kenston Forest School varsity boys basketball team started the 2016-17 season 0-4, but it has won two of its last three games, setting a good tone for the 2017 portion of schedule.
“We’re getting better,” Kavaliers Head Coach Bart Bellairs said. “We’re just definitely executing better, and that’s because our shot selection is better. We’re handling pressure, we look forward when people press us now because we get easy baskets out of it. We’ve still got a ways to go, but I’m pleased with their progress.”
He made these comments in reaction to their most recent game, a 46-40 home win against Temple Christian School on Dec. 29.
That contest illustrated some factors that will be key to the Kavs’ future success.
For example, the team’s leading scorer with 20 points was freshman forward Elijah Warner, who has come on strong already this season.
“His future is really bright,” Bellairs said. “He’s just a really good athlete, and he’s a hard matchup for other people’s (small forward), because he’s quick, but yet he rebounds the ball very well.”
Warner does this despite not being especially tall for a frontcourt player, as Bellairs estimated his height at 5 feet, 10 inches.
Sophomore shooting guard Tyler White added eight points in the win.
“Tyler White has the ability to score in double figures every game,” the coach said. “He’s a very good shooter, just hasn’t got started yet this year, but he’ll get going.”
Senior center Mark Smith chipped in six points.
“Mark Smith was really the benefactor of people penetrating and passing the ball to him, which is great,” Bellairs said.
Over Christmas break, Javon Carter transferred in from Central High School and will give the Kavs depth and experience in the backcourt.
The Kavaliers (2-5) host Amelia Academy on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Inclement weather led to the cancellation of their game Wednesday at Southampton Academy, and it led to the postponement of their home game against Richmond Christian School last Friday. Bellairs said the latter game will be made up at a later date to be determined.
