Jan. 13--There was little evidence of a highly ranked team in Kenwood's first-quarter effort against Hyde Park on Tuesday.
The Broncos' first six possessions ended in turnovers, with four by star forward Nick Robinson.
The second quarter showed a different side of the No. 5 Broncos, who took control and rolled to a 62-44 Red Central win. Kenwood outscored the Thunderbirds 12-2 in the second period.
Robinson recovered from a slow start in which he scored two points in the first three quarters to finish with 15 points, 12 rebounds, three blocked shots and three assists. He also had seven turnovers.
Displaying a scratched arm and a bloody jersey, Robinson said the Broncos displayed their toughness in the physical contest.
"Our coach got on us to pick it up because we weren't playing well," said Robinson, a former Indiana State recruit. "We showed what type of team we were to still win big."
The Broncos (12-1, 7-0) defeated the Thunderbirds (12-5, 4-3) for the second time this season to strengthen their hold on first place.
Senior guard Zion Morgan (15 points) carried the Broncos through the rough opening quarter. In the first half, Kenwood shot 1-for-7 on 3-pointers and committed 11 turnovers.
"I was playing aggressive and just taking it the hole," Morgan said.
The Thunderbirds never recovered from their two-point second quarter, especially with 6-foot-6 senior forward Tajuan Agee sidelined with a broken toe for the next four weeks.
Hyde Park made one of its first 11 3-pointers and finished 5-for-20.
"We knew we had to play better defense because defense wins games," Robinson said. "We know we can play better. We normally hold teams to 30 points or so in conference."
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Player of the game: Nick Robinson, 15 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks.
Key performers: Hyde Park -- Brandon Daughtry, 17 points, 3 3-pointers; Myhkal Oliver, 10 points. Kenwood -- Manny Patterson, 10 points, 9 rebounds; Zion Morgan, 15 points, 3 steals.
