Derek Kinney jump-starts Romulus

By Anthony Fenech
Free Press Special Writer

Derek Kinney didn’t waste any time making his presence felt in the Romulus starting lineup.

Kinney, the Eagles 6 foot, 3 inch senior forward, began the Eagles’ MEGA Red opener against Willow Run on a tear, scoring 18 points by the midway point of the second quarter.

He finished with 24 points and seven rebounds in his first starting appearance of the season as the defending league champions defeated Willow Run, 66-50.

“I just blocked everything out and focused,” Kinney said, crediting his consistency in the paint with his fast start.

After splitting the first two games of the year, Romulus coach Nate Oats felt the team needed a boost and inserted Kinney into the starting lineup.

“He’s a tough kid and knows our offense down low,” Oats said.

When asked if Kinney has found a home in the starting lineup, Oats smiled and replied, “I would definitely think so.”

Junior DeAndray Buckley added ten points for the Eagles with a perfect 10-10 night from the foul line.

Romulus (2-1) now takes nine days off before hosting Detroit Finney in the primetime game of the Romulus Holiday Classic on December 27.