Yavneh defeated Cambridge 61-38 Monday evening. The win improves the Bulldogs record to 2-0.
If there were any lingering bad memories from last year’s disappointing loss at Cambridge, it is safe to say that they are all but gone. After the decisive season opening mauling at home over Cambridge, the Bulldogs took everything but the sweatshirts being sold at the door. While it is nearly impossible to view the dim and most often incorrect excuse for a scoreboard at the Cambridge gym, Junior sensation Elan Kogutt had no problem providing some extra lighting. He tallied 21 of his 23 points during a 6-minute stretch in the second quarter with a shooting display that rivaled any in Yavneh history. History seemed doomed to repeat itself as Cambridge jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead on the back of post Alex Weir, who shared game high honors with Kogutt (23 pts) The Bulldogs benefited all night from more Cambridge turnovers just as they did in the first meeting. Yavneh grabbed a 16-12 edge after the opening quarter. Nearly doubling their three point field goal attempts from the first game in one period, for whatever reason Yavneh was determined to survive from the outside. It would be feast or famine, and Kogutt made his choice well known early in the second stanza. Over six minutes plus, Kogutt drilled three trifectas and an array of other offensive maneuvers to compile 21 points in the blink of an eye. For every field goal, Sophomore Reid Cohen notched an assist giving him 8 in that second quarter and a career high 9 for the game. His precision passing freed up Kogutt to make the big push. That 28-3 run during the second period made a laugher out of this game even more so than the opener. Usually a tough gym to shoot in, Kogutt and Sophomore Jordan Prescott used its baskets as target practice on this night. Post Jake Grief did his damage in limited action with 2 more blocks (his season average) and a nice inside performance. The lead had ballooned to 44-15 at halftime and the Bulldogs would indeed have the opportunity to dust off its bench for most of the final 16 minutes. Senior Joe Lerer scored a (US) career high 8 points off the bench and Freshman Josh Lynn recorded his first Yavneh basket, fittingly a three ball. The fourth quarter was highlighted by a 3 rebound, 2 assist, and 1 steal performance by Senior Ethan Prescott who made the most of his 10 minutes. In a rare turn of events, Senior Josh Karnett did not take a charge for the first time in 12 games dating back to his Junior season but did knock down a three pointer. Sophomore Kevin Sulski also contributed with two nifty fourth quarter baskets. They are not all this easy.
Yavneh (2-0) travels to Dallas Academy Tuesday night, another tricky gym to navigate. The Bulldogs have never lost to DA despite always taking their best shot. The game could present a hurdle as the team looks ahead to a tough road trip Thursday (Hill Country) in Austin.
The Kennel Report, now in its sixth season, is written by…
Zack Pollack M&M
LF 4-2