In a battle of momentum swings, the 11th ranked Frederick Douglass Broncos (4-1) outlasted the 4th ranked Male Bulldogs (6-2) in a hard-fought 72-64 win at the 2024 Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass tournament. Jaunte Jenkins led the way for the Broncos, earning Central Bank Player of the Game honors with a stellar 21-point, 11-rebound double-double performance.
The Broncos set the tone early with a dominant first quarter, outscoring the Bulldogs 20-8. Jenkins was instrumental in establishing the early lead, scoring four points and controlling the glass with his rebounding. Male struggled to find offensive rhythm, shooting just 23.1% from the field in the opening quarter while Frederick Douglass capitalized on turnovers and second-chance opportunities.
Frederick Douglass extended their lead in the second quarter, with Dakari Talbert and DeMarcus Surratt combining for key baskets. Talbert sank a three-pointer late in the period, and Jenkins added six more points, including a putback off an offensive rebound. The Broncos’ defense held Male to 25.9% shooting in the first half, building a commanding 34-18 halftime lead.
Male came alive in the third quarter, sparked by Jordan Mitchell’s relentless scoring. Mitchell, who finished with a game-high 28 points and eight rebounds, scored nine points in the period, including a three-pointer and a fast-break layup that cut the deficit to six. Jayson Gasaway added key contributions, scoring 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting and helping Male close the quarter trailing 50-39.
In the final quarter, Jenkins reasserted his dominance. He scored eight points, including a critical layup and free throws that kept Male at bay during their comeback attempt. Talbert, who contributed 14 points and four rebounds, hit a clutch jumper midway through the quarter to maintain the Broncos’ lead. Despite Mitchell and Gasaway’s late-game heroics, Male couldn’t overcome their first-half deficit.
The Broncos’ balanced attack was key, with Surratt adding 12 points and five rebounds. Frederick Douglass capitalized on Male’s turnovers, scoring 22 points off 19 giveaways. The Broncos also dominated second-chance opportunities, outscoring the Bulldogs 12-9 in that category.
Male’s rally was commendable, with Mitchell leading the charge and Gasaway providing timely scoring, but the Bulldogs were unable to overcome their slow start. Jenkins’s ability to control the tempo and deliver under pressure earned him the Player of the Game recognition.
Frederick Douglass advances to Friday's 6:00pm quarterfinal against host Fairdale. Male will look to rebound in the consolation bracket as they take on Butler County at 6:00pm Friday.
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