Jai Kellman’s transition from JV to varsity has been littered with ups and downs. Consider Monday the high point.
The junior scored 20 points, including 10 in the deciding fourth quarter, to push George Westinghouse past Bedford Academy, 49-45, in the ninth annual Brooklyn Basketball Challenge at St. Francis College. It was a statement by the undefeated Warriors against the only other previously undefeated Brooklyn Class A team.
“It gives us an opportunity to say we’re the top team in the Brooklyn A division,” Westinghouse coach Everett Kelley said. “We just got to keep going up from here.”
Kellman may just be the key. The 5-foot-11 shooting guard was struggling from the perimeter since the league season started. He was doing other things, such as rebounding, playing defense and scoring in transition. He had averaged 12.8 points in six league games, but he wasn’t where he wanted to be.
“I haven’t been able to find my groove,” he said.
Kellman drew confidence from team leader and point guard Jerry High, who had 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists. The senior knew Bedford would force the ball out of his hands, making others beat the Warriors. He told Kellman Westinghouse needed his best. After a shaky first half, Kellman told High: “I’ll be there for you.”
He then followed up his words with action.
Kellman’s runner got the Warriors (11-0) even at 35 early in the fourth quarter and his 3-pointer from the right wing gave them the lead for good a minute later. He also scored twice in transition and hit a free throw.
“Our coach wanted this game, we wanted this game and I just went out and performed,” he said. “I like performing under the lights. It feels real good. This was one of my best games.”
Said High: “He turned it up. This gives him a lot of confidence.”
The same can be said for the Westinghouse team, who also received 15 rebounds, six assists and five steals from center Curtis Pierce. Rishawd Hendricks paced Bedford (6-1) with 13 points and Anthony Mason Jr. had 10.
After blowing an eight-point, halftime lead mostly because of turnovers and poor execution, the Warriors matched the intense Panthers’ effort by diving for loose balls, controlling the boards and taking care of the basketball.
“We played a lot of close games last year, so my guys have that experience,” said Kelley, the first-year coach who was an assistant for eight seasons at Westinghouse before taking over. “We made our run after they made their run. That was the key.”
The victory meant even more than sending a message to a future playoff opponent. If Westinghouse takes care of business in Brooklyn A West, it could be in line for a top seed in the postseason and separate itself from other contenders. Plus, High said, the Panthers were talking trash about the upcoming match-up, predicting victory even.
“We learned today we have a lot of heart,” High said. “This tells us we can be one of the best (Class A) teams.”
High then stopped and paused, reminding himself of the tough victory that was just earned.
“We,” he said, correcting himself, “are the best (Class A) team.”
