Kennedy defense too much for Marion (w/ video)

MARION - It's just two games in, but this Cedar Rapids Kennedy boys' basketball team looks a lot like last season's Cedar Rapids Kennedy boys' basketball team.

That's from a winning standpoint first off. The Cougars, 21-2 a year ago, improved to 2-0 with a 54-32 romp over Marion last night.

And that's from a defensive standpoint. Kennedy gave up 32 points in its season opener Friday night against Burlington.

“That's what we do,” said Kennedy guard Spencer Fontana.

“We emphasize defense a lot,” said Kennedy Coach Bob Fontana, Spencer's dad. “The thing that has been real encouraging this first weekend is our rebounding effort. That needs to be there for us. Defensively, I think our young guys are finally starting to understand what's expected of them.”

This is a junior-dominated Kennedy team with only four seniors. Two of them start: Fontana and guard-forward Max Martino, who led the Cougars with 14 points last night.

But everyone, young or old, understands the definition of defense. It's not that thing that goes around de-yard, as the old joke goes.

“Coach Fontana always stresses defense,” said 6-foot-6 center Christian French, who had 11 points. “Defense is a big key for us every game. That's what we wanted to come out here and do.”

Marion (2-1) made just 36 percent of its shots, had 23 turnovers and was outrebounded, 34-20. Junior guard Kasey Semler - arguably Marion's best player - was out with an injured shoulder incurred in a Friday night win over West Delaware, but even his presence wouldn't have been enough.

“Speed of the game,” said Marion Coach Mike Manderscheid. “This was the first test for us playing against a team with that speed, that athleticism.”

“There have been some rocky moments in practice where we've had a lot of talks about our defense,” Coach Fontana said. “It's got to be your constant. I don't care what kind of program you are in, defense and rebounding always keep you in the game. With so many football kids, we've got eight of them, until we get into the flow offensively, defense has got to be our constant.”