By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Cincinnati, OH---James Kelly made his presence known early and often en route to a game-high 27 points in an 80-57 win over Cincinnati State Technical and Community College in the district semifinals.
Kelly had more points by himself than the entire Cincinnati State team through the game's first 10 minutes, while he finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds and one block. He was 9-for-14 from the field, 3-for-6 from 3-point range and 6-for-7 from the foul line.
Meanwhile, Kelly had plenty of help as Tony Boykins had 13 points, Jay Marquette had 12 points and Andy Bachman had 10 points.
Bachman made several huge plays and shots in the second half as the Express led by as many as 27 points.
Joe Retic II added four points, nine rebounds and a game-high 10 assists.
Thomas Jackson did his best to lead the Surge as he finished with 25 points, four assists and four rebounds, while Devonte Smith added 14 points and nine rebounds.
The Express finished 27-for-56 (48.2 percent) from the field, 10-for-27 from 3-point range and 16-for-23 from the foul line. The Surge finished 23-for-76 (30.3 percent) overall, 2-for-17 from 3-point range and 9-for-13 from the foul line.
The Express also held a 45-40 advantage in rebounds, and they led 34-21 at halftime.
Notes
The Express (23-8) advance to the district championship for the second straight year. They will take on Lakeland Community College, who the Express met and lost to in last year's championship game.
Kelly, with his one block, broke the program's career block record previously held by Rodney Hughes. He is now the first player in program history to have at least 1,000 career points, 600 career rebounds, 100 career steals and 100 career blocks.
He has now broke the program's career rebounding and block records this year. He set the single season blocks record last year.
