Crete-Monee’s Robert Kennedy Jr. realizes his name has been quite popular this week.
The more famous Kennedy was in Washington in front of the Senate for his confirmation hearing. The other Kennedy, a senior forward for the Warriors, went about business as usual Friday night.
And, yes, the local Kennedy knows all about sharing a famous name.
“I’ve been dealing with it my whole life,” he said. “But it’s fine. I’m used to it.”
Kennedy also is getting used to having big moments while coming off the bench. He scored 21 points to lead the host Warriors to a 50-48 Southland Athletic Conference win in overtime over Bloom in Crete.
Jayden Preston, who delivered a huge steal with 36 seconds left in regulation, added 13 points for Crete-Monee (17-9, 5-3). Jaylen Blakes added seven points and six rebounds.
Junior guard Zyheir Gardner scored just five points but hit the game-tying free throw with 16 seconds left in regulation to help send the game into overtime. He hit two free throws to open OT.
Payton Edwards led Bloom (14-8, 5-3) with 17 points, while Brian Johnson added 11.
It’s the second time that an extra four minutes was needed to settle things between these two teams. Bloom beat Crete-Monee 54-51 in overtime on Jan. 7 in Chicago Heights.
The Warriors entered with signature wins over Oak Lawn, Joliet West and Simeon this season and also gave heralded Brother Rice everything the Crusaders could handle Jan. 26 in a 45-44 loss.
The loss to Brother Rice stuck with Crete-Monee for five days before taking to the court Friday.
“We felt like we shouldn’t have lost that game,” Kennedy said of the setback to The Associated Press’ top-ranked team in the state for Class 3A. “It came down to a call, and we shouldn’t have let it come down to that. I won’t say we felt good about that game because we can play better.”
“Coming into this game, we had a chip on our shoulders,” Preston said. “We wanted to show everybody that, even though we lost to Brother Rice, we’re still one of the top teams in the state.”
The 6-foot-4 Kennedy was born in the area but moved to Iowa. At age 3, he played in a YMCA league against players who were five years older before eventually moving to Chicago Heights.
“I was a big 3-year-old and I was almost as tall as they were,” Kennedy said said. “I was doing what I could, but I still shot and I made some baskets.”
Early baskets weren’t easy to come by Friday as Bloom held a mere 6-3 lead after the first quarter.
Kennedy, however, scored eight points in the final 4:28 of the second quarter to help Crete-Monee force a 17-17 tie — which didn’t surprise his teammates.
“He brings us everything,” Preston said of Kennedy. “He’s big on the defense end. He’s a good rebounder. He talks a lot on the floor and that helps us communicate. And he brings energy.”
Crete-Monee coach Jawan Nelson said Kennedy has made several starts this season but has been more valuable off the bench.
“It’s been back and forth,” Nelson said. “Sometimes, we need that extra spark off the bench, and as you saw, we came out pretty slow. He provided that spark.
“Rob can play, man. If he does what he’s supposed to, he can play.”
Kennedy, who is hearing from Kellogg, Prairie State and Black Hawk, hopes to play in college.
“I love everything about the game,” he said. “I love the feeling that it gives me. I can go out there and play my heart out and give it my all.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
