By Gerardo Bolong

KENT - NPSL 4A Kennedy Catholic gave a good account of itself, but lost the rebounding battle in a 54-47 loss to SPSL 4A Olympia in a boys basketball game at the ShoWare Shootout presented by the U.S. Army on Sat., Dec. 22.

Head coach Don Hoffman acknowledged what cost the Lancers while also highlighting the positives.

“The difference was our rebounding and we didn’t finish,” he said. “It’s going to be good. Young players are getting some experience while Junior Alexander and AJ Keys are gone. Right now, we're grinding.”

Neither team gained much separation as the Bears led 16-13 after the first quarter.

Kennedy Catholic caught fire to lead 28-26 at halftime following baskets by Reece McAllister and Sam Huard, respectively.

Gaining control of the inside area, Olympia fought back to eventually grab a 35-32 lead before holding a 37-33 edge heading into the fourth quarter.

Kai Johnson, Jackson Grant and Andrew Lindsay powered to a 47-32 and the Lancers tried hard, but could not get closer than seven points the rest of the way.

Huard scored 10 points for Kennedy Catholic along with four assists. Chancellor Hilliard squirmed his way to 10 points, as well. Adam Olufson added nine points and Michael Spitzer collared seven caroms to go along with six points.

Johnson paced Olympia at 14 points. Lindsay notched 10 points. Six-foot, nine-inch Grant garnered nine points with 13 rebounds. 

Total rebounds favored the Bears 38-32.