***This article was written by Chase Palm, a participant in The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.
The Kewanee Boilermakers traveled to Farmington on Saturday, beating the Farmers by a five-point margin, 55-50.
“Another tough environment to play in tonight, getting home late last night and a quick turnaround was a concern for us,” shared Coach Matt Clark. “I’m proud of how we competed tonight for four quarters,” he added
During the first quarter, the Farmers held an early lead against the Boilermakers, 15-13. Farmington’s Keauntrey Barnes scored eight points during the first quarter.
During the second quarter, the Boilermakers came back and outscored Farmington 19-13. Braden Clark and Catrelle Reed contributed to the six-point lead. Clark scored nine and Reed added six.
At the end of the first half the Boilers lead was 32-28. Clark was the most active during the first half, scoring 17 points and Reed had 11 for the Boilermakers.
Barnes led Farmington with 10 first half points.
The Farmers started the second half strong and built a 43-41 lead by the end of the third quarter. Barnes and Jack Gronewold combined for 10 third quarter points for Farmington.
“Our offense was up and down today, but I thought when we needed a basket, Brady stepped up and delivered like he’s done many times in his career,” said Clark.
The Boilermakers defense, however, stepped up their game during the fourth quarter. The Boilermakers doubled Farmington’s score, winning 14-7 in the final frame. “We limited Farmington to just two points for the first seven minutes of the fourth quarter,” noted Clark.
Clark and Blaise Lewis each went 3-4 at the line in the closing minutes for Kewanee and Greyden Lewis hit a key 3-pointer in the final quarter during the 55-50 win.
“Several players stepped up, defensively, but I need to mention the effort by Davontae Jordan,” said Clark. “He drew the matchup of guarding their 6’6” all-state type player, Keauntrey Barnes, and held him to zero 4th quarter points,” Clark added
Clark was the leading scorer of the game with 27 points and Catrelle Reed added 13 for the Boilermakers. Barnes was the top scorer for the Farmers with 15 and Gronewold had 12 points.
