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Knights Move on after Win over Ashby

By Craig Olson, 03/07/20, 9:30PM CST

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The West Central Area Knights jumped out to a 34-9 lead over Ashby on Saturday afternoon in the Section 6A playoffs at UM-Morris enroute to a 73-55 win over the Arrows.

 

"I thought we set the tone early in the game with our defense. I loved how our guys were ready to go from the start," said Knight Coach Kraig Hunter.  "Everyone played very unselfish again getting assists on 20 of our 26 baskets.  Rebounding and free throws are huge at playoff time and we were excellent in both. Very proud of our guys."   

The Knights hit 26-56 shots for 46% and knocked down 15--19 free throws.  The Arrows made 22-62 shots and only 2-8 free throws.  The Knights had a dominating rebounding performance out-rebounding the Arrows 48-28. 

The Knights once again had great balance in scoring led by Brady Reeve with 17, Tate Christenson 14, Grant Beuckens 14, Gage Staples 11, Jack VanKempen 10, Jacob Bright 5, and Ryder Staples 2.

VanKempen led the dominant rebounding effort with 16 rebounds.  Gage Staples added 9, Ryder Staples 7 and Christenson and Reeve with 6 each.

Bright had a team high 6 assists, while Beuckens, VanKempen and Gage Staples had 4 each.  

Scoring for Ashby were Hunter Norby14 , Jaden Norby 11, Noah Johnson 10, Jacob Cook 10, Torin Olson 8 and Ashton Ecker 2. 

Jaden Norby just missed a double-double grabbing 9 rebounds to go along with a team leading 5 assists. 

"WCA was dominant in most phases of the game especially on the glass," noted Ashby Head Coach John Holsten.  "They didn't allow us many second shot opportunities.  There isn't much margin for error when playing the Knights.  Despite the discouraging start of the game, our guys continued to compete until the end.  The loss unfortunately brings the high school basketball career of Noah Johnson to an end.  Noah's been a leader by example.  He's completely fearless and his contributions to the Ashby Arrow basketball program will be missed."

The Knights 26-2 will play Hancock 20-8 for the South Sub-Section Championship on Monday night at Concordia College in Moorhead at 7:30 pm.

Henning 27-1 will play Mahnomen-Waubun 17-10 at 6 pm for the North Championship.