With their 64-59 win at Christ the King yesterday, the Kangaroos of Boys & Girls High reminded everyone that CK isn't the only team talented enough to win its third straight city title. In fact, the win was so convincing that, at least in the early part of the season, it's safe to say that Ruth Lovelace's squad looks a lot more ready to achieve that goal. They were more aggressive at both ends of the floor, deeper, tougher on the boards and last but certainly not least, they flashed a Player of the Year candidate of their own in senior forward Leroy Fludd.
Fludd's 23 point, board controlling all around effort was without a doubt the primary catalyst for the Kangaroos winning effort but it should also be noted that the first burst of energy for the road warriors from Brooklyn came from their bench. After Christ the King sprinted to an early advantage senior guard Bryce Jones came off the bench and quickly connected on two long lefty triples to help Boys & Girls regain their footing. After that Fludd and his teammates played even for the rest of the half and took a lead into the half time locker room when another senior guard Nick Jackson hit a tough jumper from the right wing.
Jackson's basket set the stage for what would be a huge, and ultimately decisive third quarter for the Kangaroos. Fludd scored from both inside and out while guards Jackson Wesley Meyers and Tyliek Kimbrough all contributed important baskets and assists. Forward Joel Angus bounced back from a quiet first half to contribute all 8 of his points in the second and lend Fludd a big hand on the boards.
While Boys & Girls' perimeter players augmented Fludd's effort with just enough offense for the win, their most important contribution was to a stellar defensive effort which not only held Calhoun to a modest total for him of 18 points but held Isaiah Lewis to just 13 and Jon Severe to 12. CK's offense was often reduced to just a clear out and a one-on-one move. Calhoun tried bravely to bring the Royals back and had an opening with some late turnovers by the Kangaroos. he could not bring them all the way back. Calhoun connected on a long contested triple with just over 3 minutes left to bring the Royals to within 59-54 but they'd get no closer. Minutes later when another long triple by Calhoun went half way down and spun out, the home crowd was quieted knowing that the visitors from Brooklyn, led by a terrific senior of their own had come to Queens and earned a great win.
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