Cedar Rapids Kennedy hands Bettendorf its first loss at Crossover Challenge

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids Kennedy is getting healthy.

Injuries had limited a trio of Cougars both during the offseason and through the first five games of the boys basketball season, which resulted in three losses (two in lopsided fashion).

But after five productive practices during winter break, the Cougars pounced on one of the last remaining unbeaten teams in Class 4A.

"Any time you can get a big win, especially for young guys and guys new to the program, they realize they can play at a high level," Kennedy Coach Jon McKowen said after the Cougars convincingly handled No. 8 Bettendorf, 63-45, at the Crossover Challenge on Saturday at Alliant Energy PowerHouse. "Until they are in the moment having success, they don't really truly believe in themselves. A game like this will really help all the guys believe they can bring something."

Kennedy (3-3) scored 16 of the game's first 21 points and were never threatened.

Junior guard Jaxson Bean led the Cougars with 17 points, while Deacon Kucera – limited to just three starts before winter break – added 14.

Bettendorf is now 6-1.

Norwalk 60, Cedar Rapids Washington 54

At a boys basketball showcase featuring some of the best individual scorers in Class 4A, Tillman Papcun got things off to a rousing start.

The Norwalk junior supplied more than half of his team’s points, including a flurry of crucial shots down the stretch, as the Warriors defeated Cedar Rapids Washington, 60-54, in the first game of the Crossover Challenge Saturday morning at Alliant Energy PowerHouse.

Papcun entered the game ranked 11th in 4A with 21.5 points per game and drilled four three-point baskets en route to a 31-point performance. Papcun was pivotal as Norwalk (5-2) broke a 44-44 tie with a 12-6 burst that provided the necessary breathing room to finish off the victory.

Sophomore Chuck Crawley posted 21 points for Washington (2-4).

Johnston 58, Iowa City Liberty 54

Iowa City Liberty seemingly had things under control.

A 7-0 Lightning burst provided a 32-26 cushion midway through the third quarter against Johnston in the second game of the Crossover Challenge boys basketball event Saturday at Alliant Energy PowerHouse, but the Dragons responded with a stunning explosion.

Using a combination of efficient offense and stifling defense, Johnston (3-5) scored 25 of the next 30 points over a nine-and-a-half minute span and led by as many as 14 points at 51-37 before it staved off a late Liberty rally to win, 58-54.

The Dragons had three players in double figures, paced by 15 from senior forward Caleb Gbarjolo. Jerimiah Washpun led all scorers with 27 points for Liberty (3-4).

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