Lady Eagles race past KIPP King

The hottest show in town isn’t Hollywood’s new James Bond movie, but rather the Kennedy High girl’s basketball team. And with an 85-39 defeat of KIPP King of San Lorenzo Monday night, the Eagles didn’t disappoint.

Now entering its sixth year as a charter school, KIPP King (4-1) never stood a chance. By half time Kennedy (4-1) raced off to a 20-point lead.

Concerned that players were focused more on individual stats than team play, Eagles assistant head coach Tim Logan told the girls at halftime to step off the gas pedal.

“We want the W,” he told the team as they sat in their locker room. “That’s the most important thing. But take your time and relax. You’re rushing passes and shots that you shouldn’t have to.”

Slowing down an offense that is primed with high octane is hard to do. Four of Kennedy’s five starters scored 10 or more points, with Julian Robinson leading the way with 28. As a team they went to the free throw line 22 times, compared to KIPP King’s lone attempt.

“Pass and score, pass and score,” is how senior shooting guard Susan Vilaiphone described their game.

But it was Kennedy’s trapping press defense that impressed KIPP King head coach Curt Goehring. “Our girls don’t see anything like that during the regular season,” he said after the game. “So that’s one reason we wanted to come over here and play—to see a tempo they’re not used to.”

Eagles head coach Rae Jackson wasn’t as amazed. “We’re not closing and rotating on our traps,” he said describing their lack of technique. “We looked sloppy.”

Sloppy or not, this is a team off to its best start since it won league in 2001.

“I’m excited,” Jackson said about his team’s potential. “I like the energy. The school is starting to create a buzz in the community. Hopefully we can duplicate what the 2001 team did.”

Kennedy’s next game is at home Tuesday against Fairfield. Tip off is at 7 p.m.