Ten Best: Cedar Rapids Kennedy (68) at Linn-Mar (47)
Derrick Diggins scored 15, including 10 in the third quarter, for Kennedy Cedar Rapids Kennedy 68, Linn-Mar 47 Cedar Rapids Kennedy has become known in recent years for switching their defensive style frequently throughout games. They did the same, mixing…
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Continue ReadingCedar Rapids Kennedy 68, Linn-Mar 47
Cedar Rapids Kennedy has become known in recent years for switching their defensive style frequently throughout games. They did the same, mixing in man-to-man, varying zones and differing amounts of pressure to frustrate a young, inexperienced Linn-Mar team en route to a 68-47 win over the Lions on Tuesday night.
The Cougars were in control throughout the evening. They jumped out to a 9-2 lead and never looked back, carrying a 25-16 lead into the break after Malik Haynes hit a buzzer beating 3 following a Linn-Mar turnover. Kennedy really grabbed the reigns in the third quarter, behind a dominant quarter from Derrick Diggins, who scored 10 points in the frame and gave the Cougars a 14-point lead heading into the fourth, where they coasted to the win.
Kennedy (2-0) was led by Drake Brewster, who had a game-high 16 points. Derrick Diggins had 15 and Malik Haynes added 12. Linn-Mar (1-1) was led by Tyler Voves, who had 13 points. Trey Hutcheson was the only other Lion in double figures with 12 and nine rebounds.
Scoring
Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | F |
Cedar Rapids Kennedy | 14 | 11 | 18 | 25 | 68 |
Linn-Mar | 8 | 8 | 13 | 18 | 47 |
Cedar Rapids Kennedy: Drake Brewster 16, Derrick Diggins 15, Malik Haynes 12, Matt Berst 6, Ryan King 6, Jackson Foley 4, Isaiah Harris 4, Ki Jenkins 3, Aijay Haris 2
Linn-Mar: Tyler Voves 13, Trey Hutcheson 12, Nolan Ruff 6, Jacob Robertson 4, Jack Gertsen 4, Cole Martin 3, Dylan Hand 2, Kirby Kerr 2, Nate Annis 1
MVP: Drake Brewster (Cedar Rapids Kennedy)
Brewster got off to a strong start for Kennedy, scoring 10 in the first half. He’s a matchup problem against pretty much any team because he plays the “5” for the Cougars, despite being built more like a wing. He’s quick, strong and nearly impossible to stop when he’s headed towards the rim. A physical player who can score inside and out, Brewster figures to be one of the toughest players to defend in the MVC this season.
Play of the game: Malik Haynes’ buzzer beating 3 to end the first half
With the score 22-16 late in the second quarter, Linn-Mar was holding for the final shot of the half. Instead, they turned it over, and Malik Haynes was able to drill a 3 from the wing right as the horn sounded. The potential five or six point swing was huge, as was the momentum it gave the Cougars heading into the locker room.
Best offensive performance: Derrick Diggins (Cedar Rapids Kennedy)
Diggins took the game over in the third quarter, scoring 10 of his 15 points. He’s extremely tough to defend when he gets going downhill, with a great combination of speed, athleticism and strength used to get to the rim and finish. He’s got a nice mid-range game, and although he didn’t make a 3 in this game, he’s got the ability to hit from the arc as well.
Best defensive performance: Cedar Rapids Kennedy
Kennedy as a whole was fantastic in this contest, holding the Lions to 35% from the floor and 19% from 3. Coach Jon McKowen does an excellent job coaching on the defensive end, and they routinely switch what they’re doing on that end of the floor, not allowing the opposition to get into any sort of rhythm. They all are solid man defenders who get into the opposition’s jerseys, and are very good with his defensive principles. They will be tough to score against all season.
Best shooter: Tyler Voves (Linn-Mar)
The Linn-Mar sharpshooter knocked down three of his four attempts from the arc. He gets good rotation on his jumper and has a quick release. Special mention goes to Kennedy’s Malik Haynes, who showed many of the same attributes for the Cougars.
Best rebounder: Trey Hutcheson (Linn-Mar)
The sophomore wing was extremely aggressive on the glass on both ends of the floor, pulling down three offensive and six defensive rebounds. He’s long, athletic and really competes on the glass. As he continues to fill out, he’s going to be an absolute terror for the Lions.
Best passer: Jackson Foley (Cedar Rapids Kennedy)
The pint-sized point guard for the Cougars dished out 10 assists, frequently finding cutters coming through the lane for easy buckets. Listed at just 5-7, he’s got good handles and court vision, and doesn’t try to do too much with his passes.
Best underclassman: Trey Hutcheson (Linn-Mar)
On Saturday against Bettendorf, he showed a little bit of everything in his repertoire, hitting a 3, scoring inside, etc. In this one, he was at his best when penetrating. Although he struggled at times to finish at the rim, he was able to get to the rim more frequently than anyone not named Drake Brewster. He was a bit out of control on his drives at times, but as he continues to get stronger and more experienced, he’ll become much better finishing at the rim.
Best player off the bench: Jack Gertsen (Linn-Mar)
A big body coming off the bench, Gertsen was the recipient of a few nice looks for easy buckets at the rim. He’s got good hands, runs the floor well and rebounds effectively. Getting him more involved should be a focal point for the Lions moving forward, as he can score on the block with his frame and skill set.
Story to watch moving forward: Kennedy’s third scorer
Derrick Diggins and Drake Brewster are a fantastic one-two punch that will win the Cougars a lot of games, no doubt. If a Malik Haynes or Matt Berst can step up and become a consistent third scoring option moving forward, they will be very tough to beat given how exceptional they can be on the defensive end.