Kokomo's varsity squad tallies win as part of seven-game winning streak

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The Kokomo Wildkats spent the last weekend in January visiting the last of the area schools on their schedule. During the latest Kokomo versus Lewis Cass boys’ basketball contest, the Wildkats handled the Kings without any major challenges. The visitors won the contest handily, 75-40.

Kokomo had four players in double figures, as senior Korbyn Hammel led all scorers with 26 points. He was joined by sophomore DJ Nash, who had 12 points, while sophomore Austin Moos and junior Daniel Gak each registered 11 points.

That output was the result of some hot shooting from the Kats, who hit 60 percent of their attempts. Moos was at the top of the accuracy list with a perfect night from the field. He hit all five of his shots, including one from three-point land. Hammel also had a hot hand, sinking 12 of his 17 shots, including a thundering dunk that encapsulated the freedom with which the Kats scored against the outmatched Kings.

Gak proved effective on the boards, pulling down eight rebounds whule managing a pair of steals and a blocked shot. Sophomore D.J. Nash collected seven rebounds and dished out six assists. Hammel managed to hand off five assists in the midst of his hot scoring night and also picked a pair of pockets.

The Kats’ Gak, Nash, Caleb Taflinger, and Jo Kanyinda combined for 27 of the Kats’ 44 total rebounds.

On the Lewis Cass side of the ledger, senior Brennan Deeter led the way with 12 points, though it took 16 shots to amass the points. senior Trey Johnson also hit double digits with 11 points; five of them coming from the charity stripe. Still, Cass shot just 30 percent from the field.

Johnson led the Kings with four rebounds, and senior Julian Levine handed out four assists. Junior Karston Gray showed flashes of defense with a steal and a blocked shot.

The junior varsity teams also faced off in Walton, and the Wildkats prevailed in that contest as well. Kokomo’s leading scorers were Kimoni Wright and Tyler Causley with both in double figures. Bentlee McCauley was the lone JV King in double figures on the night.

Lewis Cass stumbled again at Southwood on Feb. 2, before running off three wins against Wabash, Madison-Grant, and Fort Wayne Canterbury. Now sitting at 12-6, the Kings face Caston (13-5) on the road on Feb. 17.

Kokomo packed the Cass victory in the middle of a seven-win streak, which continued with wins over Culver Academies and Richmond. Sitting at 14-5, the Kats next face Indianapolis Metropolitan (7-10) at home on Feb. 17.

See additional photos from this game, courtesy of Goad Sports Media, with galleries featuring both teams in varsity and junior varsity action, as well as a gallery featuring the cheerleaders and coaches, on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.