At 10-1 on the season the Rockets already have as many wins as they had all of last season (10-11). Reading is 5-0 in the League and has won 10 straight since losing by a point opening night. They hold sole possession of first place in the league, with a two-game edge over both Arlington and Lexington, who sit at 2-3.
The tandem of Jerry Ellis-Williams and Kenny Reed has been central to Reading’s success. Reed, the team’s starting point guard for the past four seasons, became the fifth Rocket to eclipse the 1,000-point mark when he scored 22 points in a 73-62 win over Arlington Jan. 13.
Reed followed in the rather large footsteps of Ellis-Williams, the team’s emotional leader, who has moved his way up to second all-time in scoring at Reading with 1,160 points. Only Brian Wilson’s mark of 1,547 in 1985 stands in front of him.
“So far it’s been a fantastic season for us,’’ said Morrissey. “With Jerry and Kenny getting to 1,000 points, and doing it together, it’s been impressive. Both of them have worked extremely hard and I’m happy for them.’’
Ellis-Williams plays power-forward, but he can also shoot the three with the best in the league. His versatility is something that Morrissey appreciates, “Jerry can score both inside and outside,’’ he said. “He can do a lot for us.’’
For the season, Ellis-Williams is averaging 15.5 points per game and seven rebounds. Reed, who quarterbacks the offense, is averaging 14 points and 7.5 assists per game.
“Kenny leads us by example,’’ said Morrissey, who likes to keep his offense spread out, allowing the senior to drive on his man and create high percentage shots for the team.
“Kenny runs our offense and distributes the ball,’’ said Morrissey. “But he’s also strong at taking the ball to the hole. Most of his points come from inside the paint. He’s just a strong kid.’’
