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The sold-out crowds say it all. Kokomo High School basketball is something to watch this year. The Wildkats traveled a few miles down Alto Road to visit the Western Panthers on Feb. 14, and rolled to an easy victory, 66-41. The star of the show, as per usual, was top national prospect Flory Bidunga.
The big man didn’t disappoint the capacity crowd, sending a Valentine to Kokomo fans in the form of a 23-point, 19-rebound performance.
Western tried to establish itself at the start, scoring all seven of its first-quarter points in the first four minutes of the game. But the Wildkats went on a 15-0 run immediately afterwards, jumping to a 19-7 lead in the first quarter. The Kats extended their lead to 42-11 at the half.
Kokomo relaxed after the break and gave time to its bench players, confident of a victory. And Western did find some success in the second half, outpacing the Wildkats, 30-24. But it was not nearly enough to repair the damage from a crushing first half.
The Kats enjoyed a solid performance from junior Karson Rogers, who finished with 11 points and five rebounds.
Western’s Logan Nelson led his team with 17 points, while the Panthers’ big man, Spencer Dean, scored 10 to go with nine rebounds.
The Wildkats (17-4) travel to Anderson tonight for a North Central Conference title bout. Both teams are ranked. Both teams are undefeated in conference play. And the Indians’ record is one win better at 18-3.
Western (11-9) plays at home tonight against an evenly matched West Lafayette team.
Visit the Kokomo Lantern’s website — www.kokomolantern.com — or its Facebook page or group for additional photos of this game, including galleries devoted to each team.