Kezmarsky’s hot shooting leads Red Raiders past Trojans, 79-40
Uniontown's Miles Jackson (15) finds the hoop from between a pair of Derry defenders Friday at Uniontown Area High School.
Uniontown's Josh Linnen (3) shoots the ball during Friday's game Uniontown Area High School.
Uniontown's Jordan Pratt (10) leaps for the hoop and is followed close behind by Derry's Andy Panizzi (2) during Friday's game at Uniontown Area High School.
John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard
Uniontown’s Birdie Winfrey (1) leaps over Derry’s Matt Vasinko (32) on his way to the hoop Friday at Uniontown Area High School. The Red Raiders defeated the Trojans, 79-40. For a complete roundup of Friday’s high school boys and girls basketball action, turn to C6-7.
John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard
Derry’s Lucas Muloy (10) tries to stop Uniontown’s Xavier Ellis (5) during Friday’s game at Uniontown Area High School.
Derry Area hung tough in the first half, but Uniontown’s Christian Kezmarsky found his touch from the outside as the Red Raiders routed the Trojans, 79-40, Friday night in Section 3-AAA play at A.J. Everhart Memorial Gymnasium.
Kezmarsky hand 18 points on six 3-pointers to lead Uniontown’s offensive output.
“Christian had a strong game against Belle Vernon when he had 21 assists,” Uniontown coach Rob Kezmarsky said. “I was very impressed with how we executed in the third quarter. Derry did a good job in the first half in slowing us down. Obviously, we want to get out and run, but I thought we did a great job in our half-court sets.”
Joe Campbell had 16 points on six field goals, including a three pointer, and was 3-for-4 at the line. Josh Perkins had seven points, and pulled down 12 rebounds, while Xavier Ellis had 11 rebounds and nine assists to go with his five points. Drehar Winfrey chipped in with 11.
The Red Raiders (1-0, 4-0) held a 14-4 lead in the first before the Trojans (0-1, 1-3) closed the gap to 14-8 heading into the second.
“We had slowed them down early in the game,” Derry coach Damon Rause said. “I think we had them frustrated, but give them credit. They are the best team in the section for a reason. We had held (Christian) Kezmarsky in check the last few times we played them, but you could see the confidence in his shots tonight.”
The Raider Raiders outscored the Trojans, 21-12 in the second to lead 35-20 at halftime.
Uniontown outscored Derry, 21-7 in the third to put the game out of reach.
“I think our kids got a little tired as the game wore on,” Rause said. “Uniontown is constantly running and pushing the pace.”
The Red Raiders’ Josh Linnen scored nine points on four baskets and one free throw.
Uniontown put up 23 points in the fourth, while Derry scored 13.
Andy Panizzi led the Trojans in scoring with 11 points on three field goals, including one 3-pointer, and was 4-for-4 at the foul line.
Lucas Maloy had six points for Derry, while teammate Nick Clayton added six.
The Red Raiders travel to Obama today, while the Trojans await their first home game against Southmoreland.
“We have played all our games on the road, so it is nice to get one at home,” Rause said. “I was glad to play Uniontown at their place first.”
Kezmarsky was pleased with his team’s effort, and believes if the shooting stays hot, they will be very successful.
“We have a good test against Obama in a non-section game,” Kezmarsky said. “If we can keep shooting well, and running the floor, we will be tough to beat.”
Boys Basketball Sum
Section 3-AAA
Derry Area 14-21-21-23 — 79
Uniontown 8-12-7-13 — 40
Derry Area: Andy Panizzi 11. Uniontown: Christian Kezmarsky 18, Drehar Winfrey 11. Records: Derry Area (0-1, 1-3), Uniontown (1-0, 4-0).