News > Boys Varsity > Wilson
12.06.06
Defending champ Fairport opens with impressive win
Downey's 28 power Red Raiders past Wilson
James Johnson
Staff writer
(December 6, 2006) — Some may wonder what a team has to work with after it loses two All-Greater Rochester players and another league all-star. Fairport has the answer: plenty.
Kyle Downey scored 28 points, one of four Red Raiders in double figures Tuesday night, during Fairport's impressive 77-70 non-league high school basketball victory at Wilson.
The Red Raiders, Section V's reigning Class AAA champions, led by 17 points early in the fourth quarter before Wilson improved its side of the scoreboard during the final three minutes.
"Some people say that we're underdogs because we lost Cory Magee, Corey McAdam and Kelly Condello,'' said Downey, a junior who made five 3-pointers. "I don't think we've gone down.
"At Fairport, we always fight and compete.''
Kevin Borden scored 12 points, David Kozar 10 and 6-foot-6 inch senior Tyler Launer 13 for Fairport (1-0). senior guard Brian Gephardt had nine assists.
All eight Red Raiders who checked into the game scored to help pick up a win over one of the City-Catholic League's top teams and last season's Class A champions.
"They swing the ball really well,'' said Wilson's leading scorer, Kwamaine Much (20 points). "We couldn't get back on defense.
KARIN VON VOIGTLANDER staff photographer
Fairport's Brian Gebhardt, left, takes a shot as Wilson's Aaron Adomako goes for the block in the second quarter. The Red Raiders won, 77-70, Tuesday in a matchup of defending Section V class champions."Shooting-wise, they are all pretty good shooters. It took us awhile to adjust to their defense. It was like an (extended) 2-3 zone.''
Downey, who also finished with nine rebounds, made three 3-pointers within a minute early in the first quarter.
Wilson fans were moaning as Downey connected on the third one, from a wing. The Red Raiders meanwhile, stayed hot and led by 12 points at halftime.
"We have a lot of guards and big men who can shoot,'' Downey said. "It's a nice luxury to have.''
Fairport was nearly cruising after yet another Red Raider, this time Borden, made a 10-foot jump shot early in the fourth quarter.
A 10-0 run by Wilson with under three minutes to play cut Fairport's lead to seven points, 71-64.
Much put a little more pressure on the Red Raiders after his 3-pointer made the score 72-67 with 1:05 remaining.
The Wildcats (0-1) drew no closer after Borden made a pair of free throws and Downey hit three of four during the final 60 seconds.
"We get, like, a B-minus, I think,'' Launer said.
"We definitely can get better defensively, taking charges and rebounding, but we did well overall.''
JAMESJ@DemocratandChronicle.com
KARIN VON VOIGTLANDER staff photographer
Fairport's Kyle Downey, left, guarding Daniel Taylor, scored 28 points. Downey had five 3-pointers as the Red Raiders put four players in double figures in the non-league game.
