Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School’s boys basketball team delivered their biggest win of the season this Saturday, Jan. 3, upsetting No. 9 ranked Bettendorf. The Bulldogs received their first loss on the season moving their record to 6-1 and the Cougars improved their record to 3-3.
Kennedy started off hot and established an early rhythm on offense while staying disciplined defensively maintaining a 14 point lead through halftime. The Cougars moved the ball effectively and limited Bettendorf’s scoring opportunities, allowing them to lead the Bulldogs through all 32 minutes of the game.
“It felt like Kennedy Basketball again tonight,” Kennedy head coach Jon McKowen said. “The guys played with a lot of purpose on the defensive end. We were connected and played well off of each other. We are looking forward to keep building off of this great win.”
Offensively, Kennedy received key contributions from multiple players. Junior guard Jaxson Bean led the team with 16 points, consistently finding his way to the basket. Senior forward Deacon Kucera followed up with 14 points where he found most of his success in the paint. Freshmen guards Drew McKowen and Kaden Gomez both shot 66.7% from the field.
“It felt good knowing I could help in different ways. Against a team like that, it’s not just about scoring. It’s about effort, energy, and making winning plays,” Bean said. “It was a good team win and everyone played their part.”
Kennedy relied on free throw shooting throughout the game, converting on key attempts to maintain the lead. The team finished the game shooting over 65% from the free throw line.
On the defensive end, Kennedy focused on rebounding and limiting second chance opportunities. The Cougars secured timely stops during critical moments, specifically when Bettendorf was attempting to reduce the large deficit.
“Defensive intensity and physicality are things that matter in games like these. There will be nights where little things like rebounds make a huge difference,” D. McKowen said. “It was a good team win tonight.”
Kennedy will look to carry the momentum from Saturday’s win against cross-town rival Xavier on Jan. 6. The Saints enter the contest with a 6–1 record, setting up the first of two meetings this season between the two Cedar Rapids teams.
