New Ken battles but falls short against York

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. – New Kensington played its most competitive game of the season from start to finish, but came up shy of recording its first victory on Friday, falling to York 67-55. As a result of the setback, New Ken's record dropped to 0-5, including 0-2 in the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC). York, which played for the first time this season, improved to 1-0.

Host New Ken stayed within striking distance for most of the contest, and pulled within four points early in the fourth quarter, at 47-43. York responded with a 13-0 run to regain command, however, ending the upset bid by New Kensington.

The early stages of the contest went in favor of York, as the visitors outscored New Ken 20-8 in the opening quarter. While four different players scored for New Ken in the period, the team shot just 4 of 17, and did not attempt a free throw.

In the second quarter, the offense for New Ken improved, with Erika Finn (New Kensington, Pa/Burrell) leading the way. The senior produced eight points in the frame, as she hit all three of her field goal attempts, and also knocked down both of her foul shots. Additionally, Kierra Rose (Uniontown, Pa/Uniontown Area) and Deshaya Chavis (Penn Hills, Pa/Penn Hills) hit three-pointers, while Shaylynne Boitnott (Meadville, Pa/Meadville) converted an and-one opportunity. Consequently, New Ken outscored York in the quarter, 17-16.

That trend continued in the third, as the hosts scored first to trim the double-digit deficit to 36-27. Keyed by a pair of three-pointers by Ryleigh Beck (Saegertown, Pa/Maplewood), New Ken pulled within six at the end of the quarter.

After Josalind Dennison (Beaver Falls, Pa/Beaver Falls) scored to make it 47-43, however, New Ken went more than five minutes without scoring. That cold spell proved costly, as York regained its offensive rhythm, with Sky Warner compiling six points in the frame to guide her team to the victory.

In the defeat, Finn paced New Ken with 17 points, and she added five rebounds and three assists. Rose also reached double figures, with 10 points, while Dennison produced nine points and a game-best nine rebounds. Chavis registered eight points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

Warner led York with 19 points and seven assists, while three other players reached double figures – Janelle Kress, Natalie Berry, and Nicole Sharp.

New Kensington returns to action on Saturday, hosting Penn State Mont Alto at 1 p.m., while York returns home to host Point Park on Sunday at 4 p.m.

Written by: Sean Meyers