BCT 2023: Kennett’s rebounding overwhelms Holcomb

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. — Kennett followed a familiar script at the 67 Annual Bloomfield Christmas Tournament: a slow start trading baskets with a spirited opponent before securing a dominant victory.

While the script may have been familiar, the third-seeded Indians’ (4-4) 68-49 win over the 14th-seeded Holcomb Hornets (3-6) on Tuesday was powered by a different formula — a relentless 37-16 rebounding advantage that provided second chances and a stingy defense that forced 19 turnovers, fueling fast break opportunities.

“We had another slow start but we picked up our tempo and put them away,” said Kennett coach Fred Garmon. “Not allowing any second-chance points was a big part of the gameplan. We wanted to be physical and we did a good job.”

Kennett's Antonio Flakes (34) shoots during a 68-49 win over Holcomb in the opening round of the 67th Annual Bloomfield Christmas Tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

A dramatic buzzer-beater by Holcomb's Bryce McNabb capped off a tightly fought first quarter, leaving the Hornets with a 14-11 lead.

However, the brief lead evaporated after Ashton Dismukes’ back-to-back layup gave the Indians an 18-16 lead.

Kennett held Holcomb to 28 percent shooting in the first half and finished on a 13-3 run that included multiple baskets from D’Shun Wilson and Chris Jefferson.

Holcomb's Jacob Reeves-Crittendon (15) dribbles during a 68-49 loss to Kennett in the opening round of the 67th Annual Bloomfield Christmas Tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Kennett cruised through the second half, maintaining a double-digit lead while shooting 51 percent from the field in the game.

The Indians’ Dyson Watson led the charge with a game-high 24 points, and Jefferson notched a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds).

Holcomb showed flashes of defiance with its hot three-point shooting (9-of-19), but ultimately, Kennett's rebounding and defense proved too much.

Kennett's Chris Jefferson (22) drives during a 68-49 win over Holcomb in the opening round of the 67th Annual Bloomfield Christmas Tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“They shared the ball and communicated well,” Garmon said. “Right now, we’re searching for wins. I’m just happy to be ahead on the scoreboard at the final buzzer. It’s a long process and we’ll continue to get better day by day, but It was a team win and I appreciate these guys coming in every day and trying to do what is asked of them.”

Holcomb faces No. 11 seed South Pemiscot (3-3) in the consolation bracket at 2:30 p.m., while Kennett will take on No. 6 seed Van Buren (7-1) in a quarterfinal at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27.

__KENNETT 68, HOLCOMB 49__

Holcomb 14 5 16 14 — 49

Kennett 11 21 18 18 — 68

Holcomb (49) — Jacob Reeves-Crittendon 18, Bryce McNabb 6, Samuel Jacobs 6, Lucas Patterson 6, Jeremiah Kenner 5, Devin Kelley 4, Jimmie Moody 2, Jesus Valdez-Castro 2. FG: 18. FT: 4-7. F: 11. (3-pointers: Reeves-Crittendon 3, McNabb 2, Jacobs 2, Patterson 2. Fouled out: None).

Kennett (68) — Dyson Watson 24, Chris Jefferson 10, Kaden Taylor 10, Ashton Dismukes 7, Ashton Williams 6, D’Shun Wilson 5, Tyquavious Jones 2, Emaurion Truss 2, Noah Matheney 2. FG: 31. FT: 2-10. F: 13. (3-pointers: Watson 4. Fouled out: None).