By Gerardo Bolong
Contributing Writer

A change of tempo unleashed Kennedy Catholic in a 70-44 drowning of Highline in a boys basketball game at Highline High School on Wed., Dec. 10.

Both teams played mainly half court offense against similar 2-3 and 2-1-2 zones in the first quarter with Highline taking advantage of missed Kennedy Catholic shots to build a 14-8 first quarter lead behind its own success at ball movement and open lay up chances.

"This is our modus operandi," said fourth year Pirate head coach Shane Steneson. "We worked our offense and had energy for a quarter and a half before a little bit of pressure makes the team forget what to do. Give Kennedy credit. They're solid, have three studs and just keep coming at you in waves because they're so deep."

The dangerous waters for HHS grew deep when the second quarter ensued.

Two quick Lancer baskets within 15 seconds of each other to open the second quarter began the game changing sequences. Kennedy ramped up its aggressiveness on offense and defense to work steals and transition baskets as the tempo quickened in the Lancers' favor.

Ten consecutive KC points vaulted KC into an 18-14 margin after three minutes of second quarter play. From that point, Kennedy Catholic turned into a tidal wave that washed away its opponent completely.
"We came out flat with low intensity, so we changed our defense to force the tempo and wake our guys up," said KC head coach Don Hoffman.

Despite using reserves often and early, the lightning Lancers assumed huge leads, including a 31-point devastation midway through the final stanza of regulation play.

Six-feet, two-inch Parker Diller scored 24 points - including Kennedy Catholic's first eight points of the second half - on an assortment of shots from all over the court while collecting six rebounds. James Jolly added 14 points and pivot man Jacob Thurber notched 10 points and grabbed six rebounds in a balanced Kennedy attack that involved many strong efforts.
For HHS, Dean Tief led with eight points.