Jacksonville Fl- The Atlantic Eagles boys basketball used a strong second half and a hot shooting night to defeat the Bishop Kenny Crusaders boys basketball 64–47 in an exciting matchup that featured momentum swings and several standout performances.
Early on, Bishop Kenny came out sharp and ready to compete. The Crusaders struck first when #32 Jack Lyons scored a two-point field goal to give Bishop Kenny a 2–0 lead. Soon after, #22 Alex Haddad added another basket, pushing the score to 4–1.
Atlantic quickly answered, but Bishop Kenny stayed aggressive. #0 Drew Jackson knocked down a two-point shot to make it 6–3. However, Atlantic’s offense began to find a rhythm as #35 Emmanuel Martin scored inside to bring the Eagles within one point.
Before the first quarter ended, Lyons scored again in the paint to keep Bishop Kenny in front. At the end of the opening period, the Crusaders held a narrow 8–7 lead in what was shaping up to be a tight contest.
Bishop Kenny 8-7@DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/oahydnIr3F
— @Isbellphotos (@isbellphotos) March 10, 2026
The second quarter, however, belonged to Atlantic. The Eagles heated up from beyond the arc, and the momentum quickly shifted. First, #5 Cris De La Pena drilled a three-pointer to give Atlantic its first lead of the night. Moments later, De La Pena struck again from long range, energizing the Eagles and their fans.
Atlantic kept pouring it on. #11 Caleb Wiggins joined the three-point party with a deep shot that extended the Eagles’ advantage. Soon after, #32 Mekhi Yan added a strong finish inside, helping Atlantic stretch the lead to 26–16.
Bishop Kenny 19-29 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/QkFjLlX2ZQ
— @Isbellphotos (@isbellphotos) March 10, 2026
Bishop Kenny tried to slow the run late in the half. #12 Thomas Haen completed a three-point play, converting a free throw after a basket to cut the deficit to 26–19. Still, Atlantic responded quickly as De La Pena hit yet another three-pointer before halftime, sending the Eagles into the locker room with a 29–19 lead.
After the break, Atlantic continued to control the game. Yan took over early in the third quarter, scoring three straight field goals to spark another big run. His scoring helped push the Eagles ahead 35–21 and gave Atlantic even more momentum.
Atlantic 37-23 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/5IazWBK6Xq
— @Isbellphotos (@isbellphotos) March 10, 2026
Bishop Kenny fought hard to stay in the game. #30 James Davis III scored inside to make it 37–23, and Jackson added another basket later in the quarter. Despite those efforts, Atlantic kept finding ways to score. Martin added another field goal, helping the Eagles build a comfortable lead.
By the end of the third quarter, Atlantic was firmly in control with a 46–30 advantage.
Atlantic 46 Bishop Kenny 30. @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/EfgrAg3zRS
— @Isbellphotos (@isbellphotos) March 10, 2026
In the fourth quarter, the Eagles focused on finishing strong. Yan continued his impressive night with another two-point basket, helping extend the lead to 62–45. From there, Atlantic controlled the pace and closed out the game.
When the final buzzer sounded, Atlantic secured a convincing 64–47 victory.
Overall, the Eagles’ balanced offense and outside shooting made the difference. De La Pena’s three-point shooting gave Atlantic an early spark, while Yan’s strong scoring performance helped put the game out of reach.
Meanwhile, Bishop Kenny and head coach Jerry Buckley showed determination throughout the night, and all year going 26-4. Lyons, Jackson, Dowdle, Kosciulek, Ransom, Labyak, and Davis all contributed important baskets, but the Crusaders struggled to slow Atlantic’s offensive rhythm.
In the end, Atlantic’s big second and third quarters proved to be the key as the Eagles soared to an impressive win. They will face Suncoast in the Class 4A State Championship.
Photos by Heather Isbell
