Starting the season 3-4 and struggling to string together wins was not the way Bayfield High School senior shooting guard Turner Kennedy envisioned his final season in purple and gold would begin.
The defending Colorado High School Activities Association’s Class 3A state champions returned four of five starters from last year’s championship team but had to find many new pieces for the bench and adjust under new head coach Klint Chandler. With starting point guard Keyon Prior sidelined from a nagging football injury for the team’s first seven games, Kennedy stepped up to serve as the team’s point guard while still trying to score at a high level. He did just that with two 30-point games against Kent Denver and San Juan, Utah.
Last weekend at the Southwest Classic tournament hosted by Ignacio High School, Kennedy helped Bayfield go 2-0 on the weekend while he averaged 14.5 points a game. He had entered the weekend leading the team with 20.7 points per game.
With two wins in the new year and a 5-4 record in non-league play, he has the Wolverines ready to run into Class 3A Intermountain League play this weekend with two crucial home games at 7 p.m. Friday against Alamosa (5-3) and 3 p.m. Saturday against Montezuma-Cortez (9-0).
“Part of the reason why we’ve been inconsistent at times is because for a lot of these guys, it’s their first year at the varsity level,” Kennedy said.
“They are getting used to the speed of the game and are getting better every game. But, last year we started off slow, so I’m not too worried, but I do know that league is going to be tough this year.”
Bayfield went on a three-game losing streak before Christmas break, and Chandler said Kennedy was a major reason why the Wolverines were able to get out of the slump.
“He was so huge for us during that time, and really, even from the first game of the season,” Chandler said. “Keyon was out, and we needed Turner to be both a point guard who could facilitate and run the offense, but also score at a high level. He’s one of the hardest workers out there, and you’ll always get his all.”
Kennedy, who plays basketball year-round, is eager for the Wolverines to begin league play and look to add to the two-game winning streak this weekend. With Prior back on the floor, Kennedy can play his more natural shooting guard position.
“I’m just looking forward to the early big games against Alamosa and Cortez,” Kennedy said. “We’re both defending league and state champions. We have to play well and keep up the good defensive effort because we all know how tough it is to win in conference because we all know each other so well. There are some really, really talented teams, and it’s always so fun when you get to this time of year. This is where you really find out what you’re made of as a team.”
Chandler knows how tough the conference will be on Kennedy but said he thinks his production will stay the same, or even improve, if he can stay in the moment.
“If he can stay consistent like he’s been, we will be fine, and he doesn’t need to try to do anything different,” Chandler said. “There will be teams that will try to take him out and shut him down, while others will play him straight up on defense. He just has to stay calm and continue to be a playmaker, and I think it’ll all work out.”
Kennedy, son of Kelly and Tiffany Kennedy, said he expects to win at a high level coming off last year’s state championship. It was during last year’s title run that Kennedy emerged as a big-time player for the Wolverines, as he went from bench player to key starter with 6.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.
“Coming into this season, there was a little bit of pressure because we lost so many guys from last year’s team,” Kennedy said. “But we just want to prove everybody wrong, and people are seeing us as a middle-of-the-road type of team in league or just even in 3A as a whole, but I can still see us playing at a high level, and I think we’ll get there.”
bploen@ durangoherald.com
Behind the Scenes
What is your favorite sports movie?:
“Coach Carter.” It’s such a great basketball movie and really pumps me up whenever I see it.
Who is your favorite musical artist?:
Ed Sheeran. He’s so versatile and I’ve always liked his stuff.
What is your dream car?:
I’ve always wanted a Bugatti, but I don’t know why.
What do you like to eat before a game?:
I usually eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, plus I usually do eggs for breakfast.
If you could have any superpower, what would you pick?:
The ability to control your molecular structure, because then you could transform into anything you wanted.
If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?:
I really want to go to New Zealand. It looks unbelievable there.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?:
I really like hiking around, really anywhere, but I’d say the mountains up by Buena Vista.
Who are your favorite athletes?:
LeBron James and Russel Westbrook. Their styles are so different, and it’s amazing to watch them.
What is your favorite book?:
“The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien. It’s a classic, and he gets so into the details and I just love it.
What teacher has had a great impact on your life?:
Miss Tara Henderson. She’s my AP English teacher at BHS right now, and I love her class.
Do you have a role model?:
My dad. He’s the one that pushes me to get better every day.
