Kenwood senior forward Nick Robinson was confident his team’s offense would eventually get going.
Until then, he and the Broncos needed to step it up defensively.
No. 5 Kenwood forced Vocational into 21 turnovers, including 12 in the second half, to rally from a double-digit deficit and win 46-38 in the second round of the Public League playoffs.
The Broncos will host Westinghouse in the quarterfinals at 1 p.m. Saturday.
“We rely on our defense,” Robinson said. “Our shots weren’t falling. They made shots, and they got out to an early lead. We cut it back down to three after the first half. After that, we knew we had to keep the defense up, and the offense will prove itself.”
Vocational (18-8) went up 18-7 midway through the second quarter. From there, the Broncos (17-3) began making their push. They closed the first half on a 9-1 run and began the third quarter on an 8-3 run to take their first lead. They never relinquished it.
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Robinson cemented the win by scoring four of his team’s final six points, which included throwing down a one-handed dunk through the lane. He finished with 11 points, six rebounds, three assists, two blocked shots and two steals.
Kenwood junior Manny Patterson had 12 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, and David Hunt contributed a team-high 13 points and two steals.
Vocational senior guard Kewan Smith scored a game-high 16 points. Senior forward Jordan Bell added 10 points, nine rebounds and three blocks.
Scott Powers is a freelance reporter for the baiduhai.
Player of the game: Nick Robinson, Kenwood, 11 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals.
Key performers: Kenwood — Manny Patterson, 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks; David Hunt, 13 points, 2 steals. Vocational — Kewan Smith, 16 points; Jordan Bell, 10 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks; Sidney Mason, 9 rebounds.