Kennedy Streaks Back for Victory

Paul Pappas hit his fifth three-point basket of the game with 1:10 remaining in the third quarter to give Kennedy a lead it never relinquished in a 75-70 victory over Pomona Garey Tuesday in the second round of the Division II-A boys’ basketball playoffs.

Pappas’ basket was part of a 9-0 run by the Fighting Irish, who overcame a couple of injury scares to record their 24th consecutive victory.

Pappas missed part of the first quarter when he hurt his ankle, and Patrick Kunz had to be assisted off the court early in the second quarter with an ankle injury.

Both returned to play important roles in the final outcome.

“Our kids are tough,” Kennedy Coach John Mayberry said.

Garey (13-13) held a 35-33 lead at the half and built a 46-39 advantage before Kennedy (25-3) took control of the game.

A field goal by Jeff Cummins and a three-pointer by Pappas cut the Garey advantage to two. Following a Jesse Lidge basket, Kunz scored a field goal and Cummins hit two free throws to tie the score at 48-48.

Another three-pointer by Pappas and another Cummins field goal completed the 9-0 run.

“We didn’t let their press bother us,” said Mayberry, as the Fighting Irish committed only four turnovers in the second half.

Kunz’s three-point play off a rebound with 1:56 left to play gave the Fighting Irish a comfortable 66-61 lead, preserving Kennedy’s quest for a second consecutive appearance in the Southern Section finals. Kennedy will meet Mira Costa, a 58-56 winner over Ventura, in the quarterfinals Friday.

Cummins led all scorers with 25 points. Pappas added 18, Kunz 16 and Richard Anderson 12 for Kennedy.