5 Takeaways from Henry Clay at Frederick Douglass
Kentucky high school basketball is finally here. Last night saw a number of teams tipping off their season and here we give you five takeaways from last night’s contest between Henry Clay and Frederick Douglass, who not only tipped off their season, but the first game in program history.
1.) Packed House – Frederick Douglass High School can pack a crowd. The Bronco’s coaching staff was impressed and appreciative of the support in filling the gym for the program’s first ever game. “It was hard to find a seat in the house last night,” one FDHS assistant coach stated afterward. Here’s hoping fans of the school will keep it up as the program continues to grow. And let’s be honest, all area games should be this way, right? Basketball is HUGE in this state. Especially in Lexington and Louisville. Fans need to get out and see some really good basketball.
2.) Familiar Faces – In playing Frederick Douglass, Henry Clay ran into a familiar face. The Bronco’s Justin Mitchell was a member of the Blue Devils’ team as a junior last season, where he averaged just over 14 points per game. Mitchell tried his best to pull out a win against his former team, pouring in 23. But it wasn’t enough, as Henry Clay defeated FDHS 93-75.
3.) Get to Know These Blue Devils – He averaged 7.4 points per game last season, but last night Jalen Williams came to play. Williams led Henry Clay in scoring last night with 24. Junior Keaston Brown was Henry Clay’s second leading scorer last season as a sophomore behind the now Bronco Justin Mitchell, averaging just under 13 points per game. Last night Brown dropped 18. As a freshman, Marques Warrick averaged just over 2 points per game. Now a sophomore, Warrick poured in 15 last night.
4.) The City of Lexington Has Kids That Can Really Play – Now let’s hope they can accept playing at the level they can play at. So many times kids get caught up in the level and the dream of playing D-1 basketball. With as many D-2 teams beating D-1 teams/upsets that opened up the beginning of the college basketball season, players need to open their eyes up to the fact that you need to go where you can have an impact and make a difference. A number of kids in last night’s game are capable of playing at the next level, wherever that may be. Don’t be stubborn.
5.) The KHSAA is (insert what you’d like to say here)… – Four of Frederick Douglass’ players were suspended for the game for participating in a basketball event hosted by former Kentucky Wildcat Julius Randle. The event was for the unveiling of a refurbished outdoor court at the Charles Young Center, or in KHSAA terms, the event was an illegal scrimmage during a time in which kids aren’t allowed to participate in such events. Where is Jay Bilas when you need him? The players have served their suspension and are able to play the remainder of the season.