Posted by
Mark Kusenberger on January 23, 2010 at 9:43 am
Lady Rockets dominate fourth quarter of 48-37 victory over Memorial
by Mark Kusenberger
SAsports.com Senior Writer
Gabby Ramos scored 9 of her 18 points in the decisive fourth quarter, as the Kennedy Rockets held off their sister school in a 48-37 victory over Memorial Friday night at Edgewood Gym.
Memorial (0-23, 0-9 in 28-4A) led 29-27 with 15 seconds left in the third quarter. Then Ramos took matters in her own hands, scoring the last two points of the quarter on the way to a personal 6-0 run which gave Kennedy the lead for good at 33-29.
Ramos, who averages 17.1 points at game, had been limited to seven points before her scoring burst. Memorial would pull within one point at 36-35 on a basket by Kristie Cisneros with about four minutes left, but Kennedy closed the game on a 12-2 run.
Kennedy started strong, building up a 13-6 lead first quarter lead before a 7-0 Memorial run tied it with 5:42 left in the half. Kennedy retook the lead on a Lorie Hildalgo scored, assisted by a pass from Melissa Aragon, then Memorial went on a 6-1 run, taking their first lead in the process.
The Lady Minutemen, who led at the half 19-18, got five second quarter points from Ruth Gutierrez. Gutierrez’s five points led all scorers at the half.
The back-and-forth action continued through the third, as Kennedy built a 25-21 lead, only to have Memorial surge ahead 29-27 before Ramos took over the ballgame.
Winless Memorial suited up only seven players for the ballgame, including two juniors and four sophomores. While Memorial’s 7 players were whistled for 18 fouls, Kennedy’s 11 players were called for 14 fouls. Although none of the players fouled out, only two Lady Minutemen completed the game with fewer than three fouls. Ramos was 8 for 11 from the line for the ballgame; Cisneros, Memorial’s leading scorer with eight points, sank all six of her free throws attempts.
With the victory, Kennedy (9-16, 4-5 in 28-4A) takes over fourth place in district, pending Jefferson’s game Saturday afternoon against favored Edison. A Jefferson victory would create a tie for fourth win the Lady Rockets. Kennedy defeated Jefferson 45-32 in the first round of district; the rematch between Kennedy and Jefferson will take place next Tuesday at the Alamo Convocation Center.
Posted by
Mark Kusenberger on at 9:39 am
Minutemen dominate third quarter in 79-63 victory over Kennedy
by Mark Kusenberger
SAsports.com Senior Writer
Memorial High School has struggled at athletics.
The struggles are highlighted by their football team’s 41-game losing streak, which is officially at 14 thanks to a forfeit victory over Burbank in 2008, but they extended to all the sports programs.
Until this season.
With the first round of District 28-4A play completed for all but two teams, the Memorial Minuteman are now alone in third place after a 79-63 victory over the Kennedy Rockets Friday night before a standing-room-only crowd at Edgewood Gym.
With the win, Memorial is one game ahead of Kennedy and Burbank. Should favored Edison defeated Jefferson Saturday afternoon, the Bears will created a three-way tie for fourth with the Rockets and the Bulldogs.
Memorial (15-11, 4-3 in 28-4A), who suited up eight returning lettermen out of their nine players, overcame a halftime deficit by outscoring Kennedy 18-5 in the third quarter. Sophomore Justice Godley-Williams produced nine of his game-high 25 points in the quarter, driving the baseline for a reverse layup early in the quarter, changing speeds to drive to the basket for another layup later. Godley-Williams then opened the fourth quarter with a steal and a breakaway dunk.
Kennedy (11-15, 3-4 in 28-4A) took an early 4-0 lead on baskets by Joshua Garcia and Joshua Cisneros, and had Memorial shut out though the first two-and-a-half minutes. But even then, one of the Rockets’ problems was foreshadowed, as sophomore post Jalen Garcia committed his second foul with 5:28 remaining in the first quarter. Godley-Williams, Chris Martinez, and Isaac Rodriguez drove relentlessly to the hoop throughout the ballgame. Thanks to their aggressiveness, Jalen Garcia, John Gubanche, and Chance Bouldin were plagued with foul trouble throughout the game, severely hampering Kennedy coach Gilbert Vasquez’ rotations.
Gubanche, Bouldin, and Jalen Garcia all fouled out for the Rockets; Godley-Williams and Rodriguez fouled out for the Minutemen. Memorial shot 77% from the free throw line, hitting 23 of 30 attempts. Kennedy made 19 of 27 free throws.
Kennedy built a 20-14 lead after one quarter, led by eight points each from Anthony Terrazas and Esteban Gonzales; each sank a pair of three-pointers. Memorial adjusted to defend the perimeter, and slowly closed the gap, tying the game at 34 before going to the half trailing 36-35.
The Minutemen must hope head coach Clyde Schmittou recorded the half time speech. Memorial spent the first five minutes of the second half on a 12-0 run, with Godley-Williams providing 7 of the points. Jalen Garcia and Chance Bouldin were each whistled for their third fouls during the run; Garcia, Bouldin, and Gubanche were all assessed their fourth fouls during the run as well.
Midway through the fourth quarter, a section of Memorial fans began chanting “we want Sergio!” referring to Sergio Luna, a 5’7 senior guard who was the last Minuteman to play. He entered to an ovation with 1:35 left in the game, and Memorial holding a 20-point lead.
This means Luna is Memorial’s “human victory cigar”, the player whose entrance into the ballgame means his team has locked up the victory. Some people might feel slighted by such a label, but hopefully Luna can see it as a compliment.
After all, when was the last time the Memorial Minutemen had a human victory cigar?
Posted by
Jay Tope on October 18, 2009 at 7:58 am
Congratulations to the Kennedy Rockets on their Division I rating at Saturday’s UIL marching contest at Gustafson Stadium.
With the Division I rating, the Mighty Rocket Band advances to the Area Marching Contest next week in Corpus Christi.
Posted by
Jay Tope on July 21, 2009 at 7:54 am
On Saturday July 25, 2009 the John F. Kennedy High School Band Boosters are having a fundraiser at Caliente Harley Davidson. It is located on 410 at Culebra.
If you will be out in the area, please stop by and support the Mighty Rocket Band Boosters. They are selling Chopped BBQ plates from 11am-2pm. The band boosters, and your appetite, will thank you!
Posted by
Jay Tope on March 3, 2009 at 8:16 am
To all…Band Alumni, Families and Friends!
We want to continue to instill TRADITIONS for new generations. And I truly believe WE can make the difference.
We are having our biggest fundraiser of 2009.
I am asking ALL former band members, families and friends to please get involved and support this organization. And those of you who are out of town…Please ask your family or relatives here in San Antonio to support us on March 21, 2009.
On Saturday, Feb. 28, we made the final arrangements for our Plate & Bake Sale.
Angel & Larry Leal have your tickets waiting for pick up. We encourage you to sell at least 20 tickets each. You can also make arrangements with them for pick up.
They will be at their studio on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 7:00-9:00pm at 1026 Donaldson… San Antonio Street Dance and Co. (it’s located in a small strip of mall/businesses).
Volunteers needed to serve plates from 12noon-5pm at 2323 Quintana Rd. “THE HANGAR 18 TOO”. We are asking that you arrive at least by 11:00am for set up. You can contact Richard Escobedo at rbedo5@yahoo.com
We are also having our Bake Sale and are asking for donations.
Here are a few things still needed:
Cakes
Cookies
Pan de dulce
cup cakes
donuts
pies
napkins
plastic grocery bags(to go plates)
styrofoam warming boxes
2-warmers(can be borrowed)
4-6 table cloths(8 ft. long)
Posted by
Jay Tope on at 8:04 am
Everyone here at SAsports.com wishes the best for the freshman, sophomores, and juniors who are taking the TAKS test today. Think positively, eliminate distractions, and success will follow.
God bless you guys!
- Jay Tope
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