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Kenwood's hard-nosed defense slows down Young star, reaches city semifinals
Junior Cameron Mwachullah's tough defense on Marquis Clark helps Kenwood upset No. 18 Young and advance in the Public League playoffs.
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
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The Kenwood Broncos, the defending city champions, have built a tough, hard-nosed identity this season. That was on full display as they upset No. 18 Young 62-57 in the Public League quarterfinals. Junior guard Cameron Mwachullah was tasked with slowing down Young's star player, Marquis Clark, and he did just that, holding Clark to just 11 points before fouling out in the third quarter. Kenwood jumped out to an early lead and held on late as Young made a furious comeback attempt.
Why it matters
Kenwood has been known as a 'soft' team in recent years, but this year's squad is determined to change that narrative. Their physical, defensive-minded style of play allowed them to knock off one of the top teams in the city and advance to the Public League semifinals, continuing their run as one of the top programs in Chicago.
The details
Mwachullah was the key to Kenwood's game plan, as he was assigned to guard Clark, a Tennessee recruit and the most talented player in the Public League. Mwachullah was up to the task, holding Clark to just 11 points before fouling out midway through the third quarter. Clark scored 17 points in the 12 minutes after Mwachullah left the game, but it wasn't enough as Kenwood held on for the 62-57 win.
- Mwachullah fouled out midway through the third quarter.
- Kenwood jumped out to a 16-6 lead and led by 14 at halftime.
- Young cut the lead to three points three times in the final two minutes, but could not complete the comeback.
The players
Cameron Mwachullah
A 5-11 junior guard for Kenwood who was tasked with slowing down Young star Marquis Clark.
Marquis Clark
A Tennessee recruit and the most talented player in the Public League, who was held to just 11 points before scoring 17 in the fourth quarter.
Kenwood
The defending city champion Broncos, who have built a tough, hard-nosed identity this season.
Young
The No. 18 ranked team in the city, who suffered the quarterfinal loss to Kenwood.
Mohammed Cookbey
The head coach of the Kenwood Broncos.
What they’re saying
“Everybody has been saying all these years that Kenwood is soft. We had to beat that narrative and show them Chicago.”
— Cameron Mwachullah, Junior guard, Kenwood (suntimes.com)
“[Mwachullah] is our iron man. The biggest part of our team is his defensive presence.”
— Mohammed Cookbey, Head coach, Kenwood (suntimes.com)
“[Kenwood] got off to an early start and rhythm. We had to close that gap and we did. They outplayed us, and they were more deserving to win ultimately.”
— Tyrone Slaughter, Head coach, Young (suntimes.com)
What’s next
Kenwood will face Curie in the Public League semifinals on Wednesday at UIC. The Broncos have played in the last three city title games.
The takeaway
Kenwood's physical, defensive-minded style of play allowed them to knock off one of the top teams in the city and advance to the Public League semifinals, continuing their run as one of the top programs in Chicago.
