Kokomo/Marion boys basketball, Dec. 16

Photo highlights from the blockbuster NCC varsity game at Memorial Gymn

The Kokomo Wildkats varsity boys basketball team delivered a big win at home on Dec. 16. Facing the highly ranked Marion Giants, the boys in red and blue dominated both ends of the court in the second half of the game, prevailing 90-72 and handing Marion its first loss of the season.

As usual, all eyes were on Wildkats’ center Flory Bidunga, who delivered a triple double with 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 blocked shots. The performance surely caught the eye of Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo, who was in attendance to watch the big man. But Kokomo was victorious because of a full-team contribution.

Senior guard Zavion Bellamy was a workhorse, tallying 22 points while never leaving the court. He added six rebounds and a pair of assists. Sophomore Zion Bellamy complemented his older brother’s play with 12 points, while junior Reis Beard had 19 points and two assists.

Aside from a sluggish second quarter in which the visiting Giants outscored the Wildkats, 20-11, and hung a pair of fouls on Bidunga to send him the bench, there was no sign that Kokomo was outmatched when their starters were in the mix. The Kats came out of the locker room ready to play in the third quarter, missing just one shot during the entire period and claiming a 61-48 lead they would never relinquish.

Kokomo’s fourth quarter was nearly as efficient. The team shot 84 percent from the field in the final stanza; a torrid pace Marion could not match.

See additional photos from this game on the Kokomo Lantern Facebook page and group.