Kingston struggles on the perimeter in season debut

The Kingston boys basketball team was defeated by the Foster Bulldogs 81-60 in its season opener.

Although the Buccaneers transition game was nearly unstoppable, their one-point free throws and two-point layups did not compare to Foster’s three-point showcase.

Kingston’s offense was blazing early when Dakota Standley made a few layups and a free throw within the first couple of minutes. However, Foster responded with a couple of three-pointers to equalize it within seconds.

Kingston’s offense kept clicking as it earned opportunities at the free throw line often in the first few quarters. The Buccaneers held a 14-13 lead before Kingston’s Louis Merlina earned a technical foul for kicking the ball.

Afterward, the Bulldogs went on a 14-point run to take a 27-14 lead midway through the second period. Kingston tried to respond as Kerr Hernandez took the Bucs first three-pointer of the game. However, his shot was blocked in the corner and the Bulldogs answered with a few more threes.

Kingston ended the first half with one made three-pointer while trailing 46-31.

In the second half, the Bucs picked up a few more points from behind the arc. However, Foster ended the night 13-for-28 from the three-point line. Ronnie Toms led the Bulldogs with four 3s and 28 points.