David Hunt and Kenwood are still new to each other.
Hunt, a junior transfer from Young, is still carving out his place on this talented team, still ingratiating himself to his teammates.
For their part, they know when and where to give him the ball.
Hunt hit two 3-pointers from the same corner spot in the final two minutes as No. 5 Kenwood battled back from a 15-point fourth quarter deficit to stun No. 2 Curie 60-57 on Tuesday at Curie.
The 6-foot-3 junior was 5-for-6 beyond the arc and scored a personal-best 19 points, the final three of which broke a 57-57 tie with 8.1 seconds left.
Kenwood (10-1, 5-0) took advantage of Curie guard Devin Gage’s absence (minor ankle injury) and took over sole possession of first place in the Public League Red Central.
“This is the best game I’ve had,” Hunt said. “I’m still trying to figure out my role. I had a good game today. I think it will increase my confidence the rest of the season and give me the confidence to take big shots and continue to make them.”
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There was no hint of a comeback when Curie (10-2, 4-1) dominated the third quarter to turn a 28-27 halftime deficit into a 52-37 lead early in the fourth.
It still seemed unlikely until 6-6 Indiana State recruit Nick Robinson attacked a seam and kicked to Hunt in the corner to cut Curie’s lead to 55-54 with two minutes remaining.
Robinson tied it with a free throw, then Kenwood’s Zion Morgan and Curie’s Landers Nolley traded clutch shots to set the stage for Hunt’s contested game-winner.
“I knew he had hit four 3s already before that,” Robinson said. “He is a streaky shooter. In open gym he’ll make seven or eight in a row. Tonight was the night to get David the ball. He was hot.”
Mike Helfgot is a freelance reporter for the baiduhai.
Player of the game: David Hunt, Kenwood, 19 points, 5-6 3s.
Key performers: Curie — Elijah Joiner, 21 points; Landers Nolley, 10 points. Kenwood — Manny Patterson, 11 points, 12 rebounds; Nick Robinson, 11 points, 7 rebounds.