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The West Central Area Knights faced another top 20 state ranked team on Thursday night and this time they came away with the win as they defeated the talented Hancock Owls 62-58.
"This game had a playoff atmosphere," said Knight Coach Kraig Hunter. "We are extremely proud of our grit and effort against a team with so much height, athleticism, and multiple good shooters. Give credit to both teams. Both teams played hard in a competitive, fun game."
Grant Beuckens led the Knights with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals; Brady Reeve added 14 points and 5 rebounds; and Tate Christenson was also in double figures with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. "That's how it should be," said Hunter. "Seniors stepping up in big games. All three of them had big moments in that game."
Cole Anderson and Jacob Strunk each added 5 points apiece and Ryder Staples scored 4 points. Xander Bontjes contributed 2 rebounds.
The Owls 6'7 Center Matt Thompson led Hancock with 22 points, followed by Brandon Kellenberger with 12, Preston Rohloff with 11, Kody Berget 5, Adam Shaw 5, and Luke Joos 3.
The Owls hit 21-39 shots for 54% and 7-21 threes for 33% and made 9-13 free throws. The Knights hit 21-43 shots for 49% and 9-18 threes for 50% and made 11-18 free throws. The Knights won the rebounding battle 28-22.
"The difference was our 3-point shooting and rebounding. We really emphasized rebounding against them and limited them to very few second chances. The way we blocked out and rebounded is the thing I'm the most proud of with our guys tonight," concluded Hunter.