Metro Sports Report

Defense leads Cougars in opener

Kennedy’s defensive intensity limited Burlington to only six points in the second quarter and it was that defense that proved to be the difference as the Cougars downed Burlington, 54-46, in boys basketball Friday night at Kennedy.

The Cougars built an eight-point lead at half and maintained it throughout the second half for the victory.  Defense and fresh legs were the difference in the game.

“It’s not easy to play with that kind of intensity,” said first-year Kennedy Coach Jon McKowen.  “We are deep and we can play a lot of kids.”

A.J. Carter and John Bardsley led Kennedy (1-0) with 13 points apiece and Drew Heitland came in off the bench to contribute 11.

Seales sparks Lancers by Prairie

North Scott junior Cortez Seales has developed a "motor" on the basketball court this year, and that's more bad news for anyone who has to play the Lancers.

The Prairie Hawks found out Thursday night.

Seales poured in 22 points with unstoppable moves around the basket as North Scott spanked Prairie, 80-65, in the Prairie gym.

Seales, a 6-foot-5 junior, was North Scott's point guard last year when the Lancers finished 20-4, but Coach Shamus Budde has moved him to center to utilize his versatility and help the ballclub.

Xavier pins Washington, 66-12

Xavier used five pins and five forfeits to put Washington away 66-12 in prep wrestling Thursday night at Washington.

Sean Ickes, Mike Maher, Jeff Vipond, Andrew Billick and Caleb Billick each pinned their opponent for the Saints (1-0).  Maher’s pin at 220 took place just 27 seconds into the match.

“I’ve wrestled him before,” said Maher.  “I know he’s a headlock guy so I went for a trip and pulled him in tight and got the pin.”

Down 2-0 in the first period, Saints senior 138-pounder Andrew Billick went to work and picked up his pin.

J-Hawk grapplers stun No.8 IC West

WATERLOO - Josh Allen upset Micah Kelsay at 195 pounds to seal Jefferson's 37-19 upset win over the No.8 Trojans Thursday night in a season-opening double dual wrestling meet at Waterloo East.

Jefferson also whipped Waterloo East, 72-3.

The J-Hawks won 9 of the 14 bouts against West and got pins from Brenden Baker at 106, Tavian Rashed at 145 and Dalton Kuehl at 220.