HHS dynamic duo led senior class
By: Rudy Brandl
Kelsey Kutch, Ebony Jones and their senior teammates are leaving quite a winning legacy as Hillsborough High basketball players.
Four-year letter winner Kutch, three-time letter winners Jones and Heather Neumann and two-year varsity player Lisa Cannellos produced at least one title in all four years of high school. The Lady Raiders compiled an 81-23 record during Kutch’s four-year career, winning three Skyland Conference Delaware Division titles (2004, 2005, 2007) and two Somerset County championships (2005, 2006) in addition to three holiday tournament crowns.
"They put up at least one banner every year," Hillsborough head coach Jim Reese said. "This senior class is going to be remembered. They accomplished a lot."
The leadership and ability of Jones and Kutch made the difference in many tight games, especially in the last two years. This was never more evident than in the last game this group would win in the Central Jersey Group 4 quarterfinals.
Kutch and Jones might as well have worn capes on their backs. They sure played like a couple of superheroes during that memorable fourth quarter when the Lady Raiders pulled out a thrilling comeback victory over Rancocas Valley.
The proud, determined HHS seniors carried their team to its most memorable victory of the season. Although it didn’t produce a championship, that 74-72 overtime triumph may have been the most impressive and thrilling win of their scholastic careers.
It was the Kutch and Jones show in the fourth quarter. Hillsborough’s dynamic duo accounted for all 29 points during a fabulous closing spurt that sent the game into overtime. Kutch and Jones made all the key shots and pressure free throws in the fourth quarter and overtime to lead their team into the sectional semifinals.
Two nights later, the HHS seniors were left in despair after a heart-breaking elimination loss to Howell. Every season-ending loss is tough, but this one signaled the end of a great four-year run.
"Everything we won we earned because we worked hard," said Kutch, who finished her outstanding career with 1,291 points. "We won something every year. We got a banner for something every year."
Kutch made small contributions as a part-time starter and bench player in her freshman year. Jones and Neumann joined her during their sophomore year, when HHS won the county and conference titles.
"Coming in and starting my sophomore year and winning a county championship was amazing," Jones said. "We had a great core of players. Nothing could stop us."
The versatility of Kutch and Jones played a huge part in the team’s continued success during their careers. Both players proved they could excel at various positions on the court.
Kutch arrived in high school as a post player but diversified her game and became a dangerous perimeter force. She went from relying on power moves to hitting 3-pointers. She had one of the best inside-outside games in Central Jersey.
Great athletic ability allowed Jones to be a factor as a guard and forward. She could guard smaller, quicker players and bigger girls under the basket. Jones made her biggest switch this season when she took over the point guard position after two previous years as a swing player.
"They took pride in their game and they developed a lot," Reese said. "They worked on their games and they added new things. They’re not the same players they were a year ago. A lot of the success of the program was built on the foundation of Kelsey and Ebony. They are leaving some big shoes to fill."
While they were disappointed to lose their final game, the HHS seniors won almost 80 percent of the time. Very few athletes in any sport can make that claim.
"I have no regrets," Kutch said. "I played with some of the best players in the county and against some of the best players in the state."
"They allowed me to coach in a lot of big games," Reese said. "I’ve been telling these seniors that this four-year period is going to be remembered as a golden era."