by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
If Kansas City Kansas Community College’s impressive 78-56 win over Fort Scott Saturday is a valid indicator, the Blue Devils may be gaining momentum heading into the final eight games of the Jayhawk Conference and Region VI season.
The win pulled the Blue Devils (6-16) into a tie for the region lead with Highland, both at 3-1. Johnson County (3-2), Fort Scott (2-2) and Labette (2-2) are right behind with Labette (10-11) invading KCKCC Wednesday in the second half of a doubleheader at 7:30 p.m.
KCKCC got another big scoring performance from 6-0 sophomore guard Kellen Turner, who had 26 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field and a lusty 6-of-11 from 3-point territory. Turner leads the Division II region in both scoring (18.3) and 3-point shooting accuracy (48.3).
“It was good for Kellen to see the ball go through the net,” KCKCC coach Kelley Newton said. “We hadn’t been getting him good looks the last couple of games.”
Sophomore guard Mike Lee quarterbacked the win, dealing out 11 assists along with four rebounds and four steals. Forward Jon Murray, the region leader in rebounding with 9.1 per game, led with seven while scoring 12 points. Donald Metoyer also had 12 points and five rebounds; Lane Hartley 11 points including three 3-pointers; and Artavious Banks 9 points.
Ahead 30-25 at halftime, the Blue Devils broke the game wide open in the second half with 19-of-31 shooting for 61.3 percent. Turner led the way in the second half with 15 points including all three of his 3-point attempts. Guilty of just eight turnovers, the Blue Devils forced the Greyhounds into 14 and also won the rebound battle 34-31 with Garrick McCuller adding five.
“It’s a good start to be 3-1 in region play,” Newton said. “We’re beginning to learn more about ourselves every game. Now we need to get ready for Labette.”