GIRLS: Kennedy 4-2 at Jefferson 3-7
Tonight both teams return from break looking to start hot. Kennedy is coming off a two game losing streak to Prairie and Washington. Kennedy should still be without Junior center Morgan Martin who suffered a knee injury in the second game of the season against Dubuque Wahlert. Kennedy’s leading scorers are Juniors Madi Meier and Paige Hendrickson who both average just less than 10 points a game.
Jefferson is currently on a three game losing streak, suffering losses to Xavier, Waterloo West and Prairie. Jefferson’s leading scorer is senior Maddie Koolbeck who averages 12 points a game while shooting an impressive 58 percent from the field.
KEYS TO THE GAME: Kennedy still has a solid inside presence with Stephanie Botkin, who will have an advantage inside as Jefferson isn’t very deep inside. Jefferson will use freshmen Amanda Ollinger to try to counter Botkin inside. Kennedy has had problems breaking press this season and Jefferson will look to press them for most of the game.
BOYS: Kennedy 4-2 at Jefferson 6-2
Kennedy returns from break with a 4-2 record on the season. Kennedy is coming off a win against Center Point-Urbana which came after an ugly loss to Washington. Senior Ben Struss leads the team in scoring with 10 points a game. Kennedy will be without guards, sophomore Zach Daniels and senior Riley Fergus. Daniels broke his collarbone and Fergus tore his MCL. Both injuries were suffered in the same practice. Junior guard Brandon Buck is eligible to play after serving a suspension.
Jefferson has an impressive record of 6-2 and is coming off a win against Washington. Junior guard Jacob Olson can score a lot as he averages just less than 19 points a game. Junior forward Layne Sullivan is questionable for the game as he had been sidelined from action because of an injury.
KEYS TO THE GAME: Who will Kennedy head Coach Bob Fontana start? The starting lineup has been in a flux. After their loss to Washington, Fontana benched all seniors from the starting lineup. Kennedy will need to contain Jacob Olson and have an emphasis on getting the ball inside to Ben Struss has he should have a good size advantage inside.
