CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Kenwood High point guard Keshawn Papillion is Clarksville Now Player of the Week after helping lead his team to two straight wins last week.
Over the past two weeks of play, the Knights have been one of the hottest teams in Montgomery County. Kenwood has won four consecutive games dating back to Dec. 29. Two of those wins came last week against Henry County and Station Camp.
They played Station Camp at home on Jan. 3. The Knights pulled out a 50-44 win, and Papillion had 18 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.
Kenwood played Henry County three days later on Jan. 6. The matchup went down to the wire, but Kenwood pulled out the home victory 59-56. Papillion dropped 30 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals against Henry County.
He ended the week averaging 24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2.5 steals per game.
“I definitely felt good last week,” said Papillion. “But I was just trying to get my team to play good because I know what they’re worth. I know how my teammates play their game, and we’re just trying to get better every day together. It’s not just about being a better player either, it’s about being a better person too.”
2022-23 season
Papillion has stood out as one of the top scorers in the Clarksville area during the 2022-23 season.
The junior point guard is averaging 18.6 points per game. He has had two games where he scored 30 or more points, which includes his performance against Henry County last week.
One reason he is such a lethal scorer is he’s efficient from three-point range. He is currently shooting 41% from three.
His production doesn’t stop there, however. He is also averaging 5.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.5 steals per game.
“This junior year is about staying on track,” said Papillion. “I want to be the best that I can be for my teammates, myself, coach and my supporters.”
Coaches corner
“Keshawn is a special player because of his ability to score the basketball,” said Kenwood Head Coach Chase Cronin. “He’s averaging a little over 18 points per game and he’s got great intangibles. He’s had a couple double-digit rebound games, he can guard his position very well, and he’s growing into the leader he needs to be.
To start the season, he was a great scorer, but during this second half of the season he’s become a great player. His leadership sticks out because of his accountability. For example, we had a timeout against Henry County and Keshawn and another player took the reins in the huddle. They took the burden of leadership, which isn’t always a good thing. Sometimes it’s about holding others accountable and leading by example every day,” said Cronin.
The Kenwood head coach said Kenwood has high hopes to end the year. They have their sights on coming out on top during their district tournament. Cronin feels the same way when it comes to the possibility of winning regional play and even the state tournament.
The Knights’ next game is Friday, Jan. 13. Kenwood (6-9) will face Dickson County (6-8) looking to extend their four-game winning streak.
Honorable mention
Several other players had great weeks on the basketball court. Here are some that merit special mention:
- West Creek guard Kayden Pace averaged 15.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game.