CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Kenwood boys basketball led by its senior leader James “Scooter” Williams did something Tuesday that most teams in District 10-AAA have had trouble doing this season and that’s overcome the Wildcats’ relentless on-ball pressure.
The Knights got the better of Clarksville’s man-to-man defense, dealing CHS its first loss in district play this season 61-54.
“As good as they are, it doesn’t mean a whole lot,” Kenwood boys basketball coach Jason James said. “We have to keep playing. They’re as good as any team in the district and now we know what we’re capable of. Right now, we just have to keep getting better and at the end of the year, we’ll see what happens.”
The Knights were stingy on the defensive end and able to hold Clarksville’s prolific scorer JJ Wheat to just six points.
“We tried to limit his touches and make things hard for him,” James said. “I thought we did a good job of that.”
Williams had a game-high 28 points, including two dunks and a number of other finishes at the rim to ignite the Knight crowd.
“He was just attacking,” James said. “We had some guys kind of get us going defensively and from that, I believe Scooter’s energy picked up even more. I thought he was great at putting pressure on their defense.”
After the game, Williams shared how he was able to be so effective on the offensive end of the floor.
“My guys were knocking down shots and helped create space for me,” Williams said. “I’m feeling great right now and hopefully we can keep building good habits together.”
Knight sophomore Jaylen Washington stole the ball from a Wildcat ball handler before breaking away for an easy layup to end the third quarter of play.
James discussed how he’s seen the guard develop right in front of his eyes as the season has gone on.
“I think the more games Jaylen plays the more he matures,” James said. “Kevin (McIntosh) does a good job of trying to be a positive leader and I think Jaylen sees that. He watches and understands. He has such a calm demeanor and feel for the game.”
Kemari McIntosh and Quentavius Barnes combined for 10 points off of the bench. The two underclassmen continue to carve out important roles on Kenwood’s team.
“It’s great to see honestly,” Williams said. “They’re taking so much weight off of my shoulders. They keep making big-time shots at big times. They’re coming into their own and if they keep playing like that, then we’re a state team.”
Kevin McIntosh finished with eight points while Tre Ransey added five points for Kenwood.
Jamarcos Mimms led the Wildcats with 19 points followed by Jaheim McDonald with 13 points.
Clarksville falls to 7-1 in District 10-AAA play and will head to Northwest Friday to take on the Vikings in another district matchup.
Kenwood improves to 7-1 in District 10-AAA play and will face off against another formidable district opponent in Northeast Friday on the road.
“The way they guard you makes every catch tough,” James said of the Eagles. “That’s something that we have to be ready for. It’s going to be a knock-down, drag-out game because they’re very physical. Hopefully we’ll be ready to go.”