Kearney High Boys Basketball v. Bellevue West 2024 // Mitchell Brandt
KEARNEY – A tough test for the Kearney Bearcats ended in disappointment at home, as the home team could not keep up with the high-flying Bellevue West Thunderbirds on Saturday night, falling 74-63. Click here to listen to the broadcast replay.
The Bearcats had taken down Lincoln North Star Friday night, surviving a fistfight with the Navigators the night prior. Top-rated Bellevue West was given a day off, having won over Creighton Prep on Thursday night.
It appeared to be the ultimate test for Kearney, who was still searching for their signature win on the season despite entering with ten wins on the season.
The Bearcats bubble nearly burst early, as the T-Birds flexed to an early 10-2 advantage including big shots from future South Dakota State Jackrabbit Jaden Jackson and teammate Robby Garcia. Jackson had a three pointer early, while Garcia controlled inside and outside for seven first quarter points. However, the three-headed scoring monster for Kearney was able to fight back and kept the home team on pace, with Ben Johnson mustering six points, Jacob Webber having a jumper, and Asher Endorf finding four points. Despite the balanced scoring early, Kearney trailed 14-12 out of the first period.
Jacob Webber, Kearney High Boys Basketball v. Bellevue West 2024 // Mitchell Brandt
The Bearcats began cooking in the second period, but with every response Bellevue West had numerous answers themselves. The Thunderbirds lit up the board with 25 points in the second quarter from six different players, led by Garcia’s eight points – including a second three pointer and a three point play. Webber had the first three-pointer of the night for Kearney continuing to add to his total on the season, while Johnson added his own deep shot and two more lay-ins on the rim. Endorf kept steady with four more points, but Kearney could not keep up with the T-Birds trailing 39-31 at halftime.
The fight continued into the second half, as Kearney attempted to draw within one score but never drew closer than six points. Webber and Johnson each hit triples – Webber having two – while Endorf’s inside moves opened up six points for himself. The balanced scoring was not enough for the trio, as Bellevue West six different scorers hit three different three-pointers from three players (Jacob Arop, Steven Poulicek, and Eldon Turner). The third quarter once again stayed in favor for the visiting team 56-46.
Kearney High Boys Basketball v. Bellevue West 2024 // Mitchell Brandt
The final frame had Kearney hit big plays but Bellevue West respond each time. Johnson would not be denied opportunities to score, adding in eleven of his game high twenty-seven total points. Bellevue West handled their business, taking down Kearney 74-63.
Bellevue West improves to 15-1 on the year, and will continue their gauntlet hosting Lincoln Southeast next Saturday.
The Bearcats fall to 10-4 and face their own continued tough stretch next week, traveling to Lincoln Pius X on Tuesday, hosting Omaha Bryan on Friday, Feb. 2, and traveling to Lincoln Northeast next Saturday.
UNOFFICIAL KGFW SCORING TOTALS:
Bellevue West: Garcia (22 points), Jackson (16), Poulicek (12), Turner (8), Arop (7), Isaiah McMorris (5), Jadyn Cascio-Jensen (4)
Kearney: Johnson (27 points), Webber (16), Endorf (15), Colt Straka (3), Karter Lee (2)
Kearney High Boys Basketball v. Bellevue West 2024 // Mitchell Brandt
