O’Brien: Nick Robinson steps up to lead Kenwood to city title game

Kenwood’s students were loud and proud on Friday at Quest Multisport. They sensed that school history was about to be made and it was, thanks to senior Nick Robinson.

Red-Central rivals Curie and Kenwood were all tied up with 22 seconds to play and the ball was in Robinson’s hands. He somehow managed to dribble 15 seconds off the clock in the face of tremendous pressure from the Condors. Then he attacked the basket with seven seconds to play.

There was contact with a defender and a block was called. Robinson sank one of two free throws to clinch a 52-51 win for the Broncos in the semifinals of the Public League playoffs.

“I was just trying to get to the basket as quick as possible,” Robinson said. “When I got there I saw he set a charge and I tried to avoid it.”

This is the first ever trip to the city title game for Kenwood.

“It’s really important to leave a mark,” Robinson said. “You want to be able to come back and show your kids you were part of history.”

Robinson finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Kenwood (19-3) is a very talented team, but the Broncos have lacked a dependable finisher in big games the past two seasons. Robinson was that guy on Friday.

“This is big for us, for the school, for the team,” Robinson said. “We’ve never been this far. I was just trying to keep control, keep my composure. My first half was horrible, I was turning the ball over too much.”

Miles Curry scored 13 for the Broncos and Manny Patterson added 12 points and four rebounds. He left the game with a shoulder injury early in the third quarter. He’s expected to be able to play in the city title game against Simeon on Sunday.

Devin Gage led Curie (20-5) with 14 points and Elijah Joiner added 13.