Staff photo/Neel Madhavan Warren JFK Michael Condoleon goes up for a contested layup during the Eagles’ win over Mogadore.
WARREN – Despite being undefeated, Warren JFK has started slow in most games this season.
Friday night was no different, as it took about 2:30 for the Eagles to score their first point. But once they did, they didn’t look back, as Kennedy beat Mogadore 72-43 to improve to 5-0 and remain undefeated.
“Every match was like this. We didn’t start the matches well.” said head coach Mark Komlanc. “We’re just feeling it and seeing what teams are doing. Even on offense, it took them a while to figure out what was going on. But if they keep playing defense the way they have been, they’ll be absolutely fine.
The Eagles limited the Wildcats to a meager 26.3% shooting percentage, as they went 15-for-57 from the field. Kennedy raised Mogador’s tally to 22 points in the first half and only 21 points after the end of the first half.
“Defense is obviously their No. 1 priority this year, and they know that and they talk about it every day.” Komlank said. “They know this is their last chance to paint the picture, and I think when push comes to shove, they know they have each other’s backs and come forward.”
Kennedy spent most of preseason practice and the start of the regular season focusing on defense, and it showed. So far, JFK has held Division II Cleveland Central Catholic to 49 points, Division III Cardinal Mooney to 59 points and defending Division I state champion Archbishop Hoban to 52 points.
Overall, the Eagles hold opposing teams to an average of 46.0 points per game,
Their collegiate bond and chemistry with each other has helped push Kennedy and her defense to new heights, as the upperclassmen’s core continues to progress through their final season together.
“Over the last few years, I don’t think we’ve played selfishly, but we haven’t played to our full potential as a team.” Junior Nick Ryan said. “This year, it’s been really successful. I’ve been playing with these guys since I was in fifth or sixth grade, so we have good chemistry. But this year, I think it’s all coming in and we all have the same goal — we just want to go far and we want To do our best day and night.
Opposing teams have to choose their poison with the Eagles, because with chemistry comes familiarity, and any member of that core is responsible for a big night in any game.
For example, Nico Ciminero led JFK with 26 points in a win over Hoban earlier this week, while Ryan and Condoleon each scored 21 points on Friday against Mogador. But Jaden Rishel is also capable of doing that or someone off the Eagles bench could get hot as well.
“Because of the chemistry and ability to score, it makes it really difficult to defend,” he added. Komlank said. “I really think they understand that the reason we’re good offensively without being good is because we have five or six guys on the floor who can shoot the ball and spread it around. We’re not a one-on-one team, but if (opponents) are going to get up and try to clear the 3-point line, we can execute “A two-and-three dribble attack and finishing at the rim this year. I think in the past we’ve struggled to finish at the rim.”
But, even with the individual performances and scoring output, the offense is not yet at the level they want it to be. Comlanc said his team will use the winter break to improve things on the offensive side of the ball.
“Once a crime happens, they will understand that when they are driving, they don’t need to shoot, anyone can cut them off.” Komlank said. “I think we have to get better spacing and read the defense off the ball, if we’re not involved with the ball. We have to understand the proper cuts. … We talk about doors and windows, and if you’re standing behind a door, I can’t pass it on to you. But if you find a window Open, and it’s a step here or there – when we watch the film, they all see it. So we’ll be watching a lot of film over the break, so hopefully we can emulate some of those things that we need to work on.”
Next, JFK will host defending No. 2 Lutheran West on Tuesday.
nmadhavan@tribtoday.com
In a shocking turn of events, MMA fighter Kennedy strangled his opponent Mogador in a brutal match that has sent shockwaves through the sports world. The intense battle took place in front of a packed arena, leaving fans in awe of the sheer intensity and skill displayed by Kennedy. This monumental victory has solidified Kennedy’s status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of mixed martial arts, and has left the competition quaking in their boots. Stay tuned for more updates on this explosive story as it unfolds.