Boys basketball: Sluggish Roosevelt prevails in win over 21st Century

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Updated: January 4, 2012 11:53PM

GARY — The first day back to school was also a return to basketball for Roosevelt. The last time the players graced the court, they walked dejectedly off of it after a championship loss in the Gary Holiday tournament. However on Wednesday night, Roosevelt left the Panther Den victorious — and a bit unsatisfied — after taking down familiar foe 21st Century, 78-71.

Roosevelt senior Michael Jenkins finished with a season-high 32 points while senior backcourt mate Christopher Porter added 20. However, after the game, Panthers (6-3) coach Larry McKissack did not appear celebratory.

During the Holiday tournament, Roosevelt blasted 21st Century with a rousing 75-57 result. So McKissack believes that his team did not fully play up for the occasion on Wednesday night.

“When our kids beat them the other week, we beat them by 20 and our kids thought this was going to be an easy game,” McKissack said. “You’re glad to get the win (but it’s) back to the drawing board. That’s all it is.”

McKissack could not be pleased that his team left 15 points off the board through missed free throws. 21st Century coach Rodney Williams left with the same bitter feeling — his team missed six of 17 free throws and committed 30 turnovers. The most glaring mistakes came during a stretch in the final 58.4 seconds.

Roosevelt led 73-69 when Denzell Walls missed both of his shots at the foul line. Though 21st Century secured the rebound, Panthers senior Drevon King (10 points, seven rebounds, seven blocks) stole the pass and dished to Porter who rimmed in the layup.

Then, Roosevelt’s Brandon Hollingsworth swiped the ball at midcourt and once again, Porter finished with a bucket.

A four-point deficit had doubled and the comeback chances for 21st Century — a Class 1A team (2-6) that has played all eight games against higher competition – melted away.

“We just continue to beat ourselves,” Williams said. “Roosevelt’s a good team, a good program, but we could’ve won this game.”

21st Century guard Mykell Mayes led his team with 23 points.