Friday was one of the biggest basketball nights The Mill has seen in some time.  With all the packed houses this year (e.g. Turpin, Mason, Lebanon), with all the exciting basketball that’s been played… there was nothing quite like this. 

GAME STATS | STANDINGS | SLIDE SHOW (Courtesy of Jenny Haralamous)

It was Senior Night at The Mill, it was for first place in the Cardinal division, there was media coverage (TV and Internet), the top north tier was jammed for the first time in memory… and it was the only opportunity the Knights would have to avenge any of the 5 last second losses they’ve suffered in the 2007-8 season.

 Unfortunately, they were playing a young Wilmington squad that has improved significantly since December.  It was an uphill battle all the way, with the Knights never quite able to get over the hump, finally succumbing 51 to 42.

The Knights struggled with their offense from the beginning.  The Hurricane, who lead the conference in steals, were able to shake the ball loose time and again, eventually forcing the Knights into 16 turnovers.  The Hurricane took the lead with 4 1/2 minutes left in the first quarter and never relinquished it.  The Knights pulled within 26-24 with 1:50 left in the third quarter on 2 by Danny Hagee, but the Hurricane responded with 4 quick points, and the Knights were never able to get within 6 after that.

The Knights were led by Aaron Gayhart, who was fighting off the flu, and Derrick Harris.  Both managed 13 points.  Gayhart also contributed 6 rebounds, and Harris had 4 assists.  Danny Hagee and Matt Stevens each chipped in 7 points.

 Now the Knights stand at 11-7, 7-2 Cardinal, with 2 games remaining in the regular season.   They’ll be at Harrison next Tuesday and Little Miami next Friday, before starting their postseason run against Anderson at Lakota East on Friday the 15th.

GO KNIGHTS!!