January 11, 2008

            The conference leading Eagles of Walnut Hills flew into Kings Mills on Friday evening sporting a perfect 12-0 season record, which included a 5-0 record inside the FAVCC.  Walnut Hills had downed Kings at the Eagles Nest, by three points, earlier in the season for the Knights only loss of the year.

            The Eagles Head Coach was not pleased with the Zebras’ early whistles and earned a Technical Foul for arguing calls. He would spend the remainder of the game making those observations on the officials while seated on the bench.  Michael Olds buried both free throws, which was all the more amazing because of Michael’s new face mask he was wearing to protect a broken nose he had received in the previous day’s practice. Several of Michael’s teammates were asking where they could obtain such a fashion statement. Perhaps everyone should have worn such a mask as a sign of team unity! The Knights continued to battle and when Tyler Smyth buried a three point shot at the buzzer, the Knights lead by eight at 18-10. The Eagles clawed back in the second quarter and narrowed the Knight lead to 25-23 as the teams retired to the locker room for half-time refreshments and instructions.

            The Knights jumped out to a 32-27 lead in the third quarter, but an Eagle bucket and a quick trey off a turnover knotted the score at 32 with just over a minute remaining. The Knights were able to gather another bucket which sent them into the final frame with a 2 point advantage at 34-32. Both teams’ defenses tightened and the score was knotted at 37 with just seven ticks left on the clock. Nick Shackelford calmly buried two free throws which gave the Knights a 39-37 advantage. A Desperation Three at the buzzer went long for the Eagles and the Knights left the court tied for the FAVCC lead.

            Michael Olds and Hunter Jones shared high scoring honors with 9 points apiece. Spencer Berlekamp knocked in 6. Matt Rumelhart, Nick Shackelford and Andrew Winebrenner each contributed 4. Tyler Smyth chipped in 3 to round out the Knight scoring. Kings finished 12 for 16 from the stripe for a much improved 75% Free Throw shooting percentage. Walnut Hills completed the night at 3 for 8 for 38%.

 The victory brings the Knights season record to 11-1 and 5-1 in the FAVCC. They will now turn their attention to backyard rival Mason as the Comets come to visit the K-House on Tuesday evening. A Standing Room Only Crowd is expected with over 300 students from Mason already planning to be in the house.  It’s an evening of basketball that you won’t want to miss.  Tip off will be at 6PM. Go Knights!

- Scooter Knight