Kendall edges past rival Holley

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Austin Wakefield puts up a shot against Holley defender Destin Kuyal during the Eagles home court win over the rival Hawks this evening.

Avenging an earlier season 61-58 loss, Kendall edged rival Holley 53-47 in a Genesee Region League boys basketball game this evening at Kendall.

Leading by a narrow 49-47 margin, Kendall put a lock on the victory as Austin Wakefield made four pressure free throws in the final 8 seconds.

Wakefield finished with 19 as Louis Conte added 14, Hunter Richards 13, Jacek Kwiatkowski 5 and Austin Werth 2 for the Eagles.

Vinny Golisano took game high honors with 25 for Holley as Josh Silpoch netted 12 and Destin Kuyal 10.

Breaking away from a 11-11 tie at the end of the opening period, Kendall used a 20-14 second quarter scoring edge to grab a 31-25 lead at the half.

Conte scored 7, Richards 6 and Wakefield 5 to lead the Eagles during that stretch while Golisano had 9 to keep the Hawks close.

Holley closed the gap to just two, 39-37, at the end of the third quarter as Golisano had 8 and Silpoch 4 during the stanza. Wakefield and Kwiatkowski both hit threes for Kendall.

Holley regained the lead for what proved to be the last time at 43-42 early in the final period after a three-point play and a three by Golisano.

However, Conte answered back with two baskets and a three-point play to put Kendall back on top to stay at 49-47.

A basket by Kuyal rallied Holley back to within two at 49-47 but the Hawks could not pull even as Wakefield made four clutch free throws in the final seconds to clinch the win for the Eagles.

In a non league contest, DeHostos downed host Lyndonville 67-24.

Kendall’s Hunter Richards and Holley’s Destin Kuyal battle for a rebound.

Vinny Golisano puts up a shot for Holley as Hunter Richards defends for Kendall.