Orange County Sports / Prep Basketball : 3-A PLAYOFFS : Barker, Keith Help Kennedy Defeat Troy

Jim Barker scored 16 points off the bench to lead Kennedy High School to a 63-51 victory over Troy in the first round of the 3-A Southern Section boys’ basketball playoffs Friday at Kennedy.

Kennedy (18-7) led, 26-11, at the half. To start the second half, Kennedy’s Maurice Keith made two quick baskets to give Kennedy a 30-11 lead. Barker made a three-point basket as time ran out in the third quarter to give Kennedy a 45-25 lead.

Troy (17-9) came back in the fourth quarter with six three-point baskets, including two from Pat O’Curren, who ended with a team-high 19 points.

Sean Scalon, Richard Wesley, Jim Bridges and Mike Hanna also made three-point baskets for Troy to cut the lead to 58-51 with two minutes left.

But Kennedy was able to hang on with a pair of free throws by Keith. He added a layup in the closing seconds.

Wendell Lauderdale scored 12 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and blocked three shots for Kennedy. Keith ended with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. Kennedy was the Garden Grove League champion this season.

Kennedy will play Antelope Valley on Tuesday.