Introduction to the Rivalry
Several historic Public League rivalries are struggling. Shifting conference alignments and schedules that prioritized matching the best teams up regularly short-changed the neighborhood showdowns that had been the lifeblood of Chicago basketball.
Revitalizing the Rivalries
Chicago Public Schools returned to a more sensible geographic-based setup this year. That should help revitalize some of the old rivalries.
The Kenwood vs. Hyde Park Rivalry
Kenwood vs. Hyde Park, a five-decade long neighborhood grudge match, is still alive and well. There was electricity in Kenwood’s second-floor gym on Thursday. Maybe too much.
The Game
Both teams shot poorly, and the game was sloppy overall. It’s early in the season and for many players it was the first major Public League game of their varsity career.
Kenwood junior Damari Stephens, the best-known player on the floor, had a rough game overall. He battled foul trouble and never really got going.
But with the game tied in the final seconds, Stephens found a way to the basket and scored to give the No. 18 Broncos a 42-40 victory.
“I just had to show up,” Stephens said. “That was a big moment for me. I had to help my team win. [Hyde Park] was talking a lot, talking real crazy. I had to shut them down.”
Key Players
Junior guard Osiris Bell (10 points) and 6-7 senior Prince McCord (14 points, nine rebounds) led the way for the Broncos (6-0, 3-0 Red Central). But McCord fouled out with 3:02 left, and Bell twisted his ankle and left the game with 56 seconds left.
“I knew [Stephens] was going to take over,” Bell said. “That’s what he does. He was going to show up when it was time. I had all faith in him.”
Kenwood’s Prince McCord gets an early dunk against Hyde Park.
Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times
Game Statistics
Hyde Park (6-2, 2-1) had 18 turnovers and Kenwood had 15. Stephens’ game-winner with 1.5 seconds left was the only field goal in the final 3:15 of the game.
Stephens finished with six points and six rebounds. Senior Jordan Walker added 11 points, four rebounds and two steals for the Broncos.
Coach’s Perspective
“A win like this helps tremendously,” Kenwood coach Mohammed Cookbey said. “We have a lot of new guys in new roles. [Bell and Stephens] both have much bigger roles now. They both have Division I offers and they are getting accustomed to leading a team.”
Guard Lonnie Mosley led Hyde Park with 10 points, and 6-6 senior Jacobi Walls added eight points and eight rebounds.
“We had too many turnovers and too many missed free throws,” Thunderbirds coach Jerrel Oliver said. “We gave the game away.”
Conclusion
The game was a testament to the enduring rivalry between Kenwood and Hyde Park. Despite the sloppy play, the game came down to the wire, with Stephens’ game-winner securing the win for Kenwood. The Broncos’ ability to adapt to the pressure and come out on top will serve them well as they continue through the season.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The final score was 42-40 in favor of Kenwood.
Q: Who made the game-winning shot?
A: Damari Stephens made the game-winning shot with 1.5 seconds left.
Q: What is the current record of the Kenwood Broncos?
A: The Kenwood Broncos are currently 6-0, 3-0 in the Red Central conference.
