Patriots Drop First Round Game to Reading

The Reading Rockets (15-6) suffocated the (12-9) on Tuesday night beating them 54-38 in front of a packed Hawkes Field House in the opening round of the MIAA Division II North Sectionals. The Rockets defense was stout through four quarters and Heach Coach Paul Morrisey was very pleased with the team’s defensive effort.

“I thought defensively we were excellent,” Morrisey said. “We were flying and did what we wanted all night.”

The Patriots certainly didn’t roll over and play dead, but the combination of Reading’s defending and their predilection towards the fast break proved a bridge too far for C-C.

J.P. LeDoux paced the Patriots offense with 11 points, while Blaine Taylor added 8 points. Tyler Kimble (6 points), Jamir Henderson (5 points) and Evan Boynton (4 points) contributed as well. 

The Rockets were out to a commanding lead after one quarter by a score of 15-4 behind the strong point guard play of Kenny Reed. Reed contributed with 19 points and was all over the court offensively and defensively.

“Kenny is a senior and he wants to leave his mark,” Morrisey said. “He played very well offensively and defensively.”

It was much of the same at halftime where the Rockets pulled away with a 28-14 lead at the break. The Rockets were not letting any Patriot players penetrate to the hoop and were forcing turnovers all night, much to the liking of Morrisey.

“When we get out to a quick start offensively and defensively, we are tough to beat because we like to run,” Morrisey said.

The Rockets held off a late comeback from the Patriots to hold on to a 54-38 victory. The Rockets were led by Kenny Reed with 19 points, Jerry Ellis-Williams with 12 points and Drew Belcher with eight points. Guard Nate Clements only added five points but his vision on the court was phenomenal along with his relentless defense.