Kelly dropped a 56-45 nonconference matchup against visiting Horizon-McKinley on Jan. 30, but the Trojans still had reason for rejoicing.
Kelly beat Acero-Garcia by 31 points the day before to finish tied with Gage Park — a team the Trojans beat earlier this season — for the Public League Blue-Central title at 8-1. This marked the first conference championship in boys basketball at the Brighton Park school since … well, no one was quite sure.
“I know it’s been beyond 25 years since we won conference,” Trojans coach Jim McNicholas said. “The whole school was so excited and the principal even took pictures after the game (Wednesday). Our basketball banner in the gym (for conference championships) is blank, but this will mean so much to the players today and 30 years from now that we won the conference.
“This was the No. 1 goal. Some of the kids wanted to win the conference before they graduated and that’s a big accomplishment of a goal they set as freshmen. At the time, it seemed out of reach, but they worked hard to accomplish the goal.”
One of the primary contributors for Kelly both this season and against Horizon-McKinley was forward Armani Rubio. The 5-foot-11 sophomore had 18 points, 12 rebounds and one blocked shot against the Hawks. Rubio, a two-year starter, scored all of his points in the first half, highlighted by four 3-pointers (three in the first quarter).
Devin Zuno also reached double figures for Kelly with 13 points.
“Someone said it’s been over 30 years since we won the conference,” Rubio said. “This means a new generation of Kelly basketball and we represented our school (well).
“Before the season, we talked about winning it and we did. I just love being around my teammates and coaches. We communicate with each other and we push each other to the limit.”
Rubio helped the Trojans (12-7) get off to a great start and take a 16-8 lead at the end of the first quarter as he connected on back-to-back 3-pointers from the left corner.
“My teammates got me going,” Rubio said. “I needed their motivation because they felt upset from the last game against Horizon (a 45-31 loss on Nov. 26). I knew I had to improve myself from our last game against them.
“I’m a scorer and I think that’s from practicing every day. I love rebounding, I love shooting, I love all of that.”
Rubio concluded the first half with his final 3-pointer of the game from the right wing with 17.9 seconds left in the second quarter, giving the Trojans a 25-19 advantage at halftime.
“(Thursday) was the first opportunity to showcase Armani’s 3-point shooting ability,” McNicholas said. “He’s been solid all year and (Thursday), I built our offense around Armani.
“He’s a really good kid and he just loves basketball. He has a huge grin on his face when he’s playing. Armani’s so happy to be on the court.”
Horizon-McKinley (14-7) outscored Kelly 37-20 in the second half. The Hawks were led in scoring by Jonathan Bebley (15 points), who had 13 points in the final two quarters. Travez Sutton (14 points) and Jacob Hurst (13) also reached double figures.