Yavneh defeated Cambridge 68-52 Thursday evening. The win improves the Bulldogs record to 4-1.
Yavneh got healthy by coasting to an easy double-digit victory Thursday, taking some of the sting away from their previous game and giving themselves a springboard for Monday’s big early-season test. In his first career start, Freshman Elan Kogutt had a breakout game by tallying a game-high 23 points and 15 rebounds. Cambridge brought early pressure in the game’s very first minute but the Bulldogs easily beat it for a David Naxon layup. Naxon would score eight quick points in building a 17-4 lead. With time still remaining in the first quarter, the starting unit failed to find the wide open underclassmen Kogutt. Next thing they knew, the starting unit were seeing a whole lot of the underclassmen…for the rest of the game as they watched from the bench. Yavneh led 20-10 at the end of a quarter, and would build on the lead into the second. Kogutt and Sophomore Josh Karnett, who recorded a career high for the second time in three games with 14 points, put on a second quarter show with dazzling inside moves and three pointers respectively. Kogutt scored three quick buckets and Karnett burying a trio of triples to build up a 34-18 halftime lead. Cambridge could not match the size or athleticism that Yavneh could throw at them but did somehow manage to grab 8 first half offensive rebounds on their way to 14 for the game. The Bulldogs would lead by as much as 18 in the second half, coasting to the finish behind Kogutt’s array of spin-dribble moves while showcasing his many talents. Another underclassman, Ethan Prescott, recorded his first varsity basket in the third quarter. Cambridge trimmed a 17 point game in the fourth period by hitting on several outside shots. Cameron Sparks and Alexander Weir both worked their way into double figures by game’s end. On this night, the only drama at game’s end was Jared Katz’s first career statistic on a nice assist to Joe Lerer. Baruch Shawel played a solid game, adding 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Elan Kogutt’s strong double-double was clearly the first of many for his Bulldog career.
Yavneh (4-1) sets their sights on 5A Sunset Public High School, whom they play at home on Monday night. The game presents a chance to erase the bad memories of a loss to Shelton on Tuesday.
The Kennel Report is written by Zack Pollack.