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Knights use huge comeback to defeat Arrows

By Craig Olson, 03/07/19, 11:00PM CST

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The Ashby Arrows came into Barrett and started the game hitting 11 of their first 12 shots and 5-5 from the 3-point line to take a commanding 24-9 lead.  The Knights had to battle back the whole game and never led until Grant Beuckens hit what proved to be the game winner with sixteen seconds left to make it 49-48.  Jack VanKempen sealed the game with two free throws giving the Knights a 51-48 victory.

Knight Coach Kraig Hunter said, "First off, hats off to the kids from both teams.  The Knights and Arrows both played their hearts out.  It is always hard in such a tough sub-section to get two very good teams facing off in the first round and someone has to lose.  I have all the respect for Coach Holsten and the Arrow players.  You can tell the Ashby players have high character and are good kids. Their three seniors have had outstanding careers."

 

"This game was much like our first game versus Ashby earlier this season where we fell behind 22-8 and came back and won by four.  Tonight was a helpless feeling watching them hit 11 of their first 12 shots and we couldn't make anything.  We had to withstand the storm and claw and fight back the whole game. It is a credit to our kids grit, composure, execution, and clutch under pressure to hang in there and find a way to make enough plays to win"

 

The Arrows did not make another three in the second half finishing 5-14 on threes for the game.  They shot 16-36 overall for 44%.  They made 11-18 free throws.

 

The Knights only shot 19-51 for 37% and 7-24 on threes for 29%.  The Knights hit 6-8 free throws.

 

The Arrows held a 35-27 edge on the boards.  They turned the ball over 12 times and the Knights had 8 turnovers.  The Knights only turned the ball over twice in the second half.

 

Jack VanKempen led the Knights with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists, and 2 blocked shots.  Teigen Moritz had another solid game with 12 points, 7 rebounds, an assist, and a steal.  Grant Beuckens had 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal.  Jacob Bright had 5 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal; Gage Staples had 4 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocked shots.  Blake Koloski added 3 points and 2 assists, and Tate Christenson added 2 points.

Jaden Norby led the Arrows with 17 points, Scott Johnson 10, Chirstian Norby 9, Noah Johnson 7, Dakota Ecker 3, and Hunter Norby 2.

 

“We didn't shoot the ball well in the second half making just 4 of 18 attempts,” reported Ashby Head Coach John Holsten.  “Credit the Knight defense for that.  Our guys gave every ounce of energy they had.  West Central made more plays than we did down the stretch.  Unfortunately this was the final game for our seniors Dakota Ecker, Scott Johnson, and Christian Norby.  The coaching staff is grateful for their contributions to the Ashby basketball program and wish them nothing but the best.  They have served their teammates, school, and community with honor.  We hope they continue to make a difference in the lives of people they meet.  They have certainly made a positive difference in our lives.”


The Arrows end their season with a record of 16-8.

 

Weather permitting, the Knights will play in the South Sub-Section Semi-Finals at 1:00 pm vs Parkers Prairie at UM-Morris on Saturday, while Hancock will play Ortonville in the other semi-final at 2:45.