deckzone3000

I don't think Cell took Gohan serious at first, and that those 3 failed attempts to hit Gohan were at a lower level than what he used against Goku.
After blocking his attacks, Cell realized Gohan wasn't a joke so he decided to use his "real speed", and that's when he went back up to the level he fought Goku at. That's when he started pounding on Gohan.
But since Gohan wasn't fighting back, it's hard to tell what the difference between them is. When Gohan actually tried, he did kick Cell, and he was able to dodge all of Cell's death beams. And Cell never really did injure Gohan, even with Gohan letting Cell beat on him.

So I'd guess they'd be close in power, maybe equal. But that wouldn't put Gohan much ahead of Goku though.