The Kenwood boys basketball team had a big weekend, winning a pair of games in the Eastside Challenge as they downed Chesapeake-BC, 56-45, on Friday and Mount Carmel, 59-57, in overtime, on Saturday.
Against Chesapeake, the Bluebirds opened the fourth quarter with a three point lead and extended it to nine. Akeem Echols led the way with 15 points in the contest, while Jonathan Richardson had nine rebounds and Travis Jenkins added five assists.
On Saturday, Kenwood raced out to a fast start against Mount Carmel, building a 33-22 halftime lead. The Cougars rallied in the third quarter with an effective pressure defense, cutting the Kenwood lead to two. Mount Carmel surged in front in the fourth quarter and led by four with just 45-seconds to play. The Cougars, however, went cold from the free throw line, allowing the Bluebirds to tie on consecutive baskets by Davonte Alston and Richardson and force overtime where they eventually prevailed.
Alston finished with a double-double, scoring 19 points and collecting 10 rebounds. Richardson just missed a double dip, scoring 13 points and grabbing nine boards. In addition, Terry Harris added 10 points and six rebounds off the bench and Jenkins added six more assists.
The victories allowed Kenwood to start its season at 3-0. This week the Bluebirds will travel to Dulaney before playing their home opener on Friday night against Eastern Tech.
