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The West Central Area Knights led 37–31 at halftime in a 67–60 win over the Wheaton/Herman-Norcross Warriors on Saturday afternoon. The Knights were 23–51 from the field for 45% and the Warriors were 21–45 for 47%. Both teams hit 8 three-pointers. From the free-throw line the Knights were 13–17 for 77% and the Warriors 10–16 for 63%. The teams both had 28 rebounds. The Knights only turned the ball over nine times and the Warriors 13 times.
Cole Anderson had a huge game for the Knights as he was a perfect 10-10 from the field on his way to scoring 29 points while also getting 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Cam Anderson was also in double figures with 11 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished out four assists and recorded two steals. Ryder Staples scored eight points, with five rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots. Nasir Dotts had six points, along with two assists, two steals and a team high five deflections. Mitch Dewey also had six points, Bryce Kjesbo had five points, four rebounds and three assists, and Jake Strunk had two points and a great all-around floor game with five rebounds three assist, five steals and 4 deflections.
Knight‘s Coach Kraig Hunter said, “we are really proud of our team’s effort going on the road and beating a quality team like Wheaton. Cole Anderson probably doesn’t get the recognition he deserves, he just goes to work, does his job and gives us consistent performances night in and night out.”
“But they all contribute in so many ways. All year, these guys have been a true team in that way. An example of this is Jake Strunk tonight. He didn’t get a lot of offensive opportunities but he was out there rebounding and playing defense and that’s what they all do.”
“I also want to give a lot of credit to our bench. They’ve really made our team good this year with the depth they provide. Bryce Kjesbo played really well today all around and is becoming another defensive stopper for us and Mitch Dewey hit a couple of big shots at key points in the game again. Roman Mihailovschi and Isaac Kreft didn’t score, but in games where every possession matters, they made some key plays. Roman had two rebounds and a great assist and Isaac had two rebounds and a steal.”
Wheaton was led by Clint Determan with 18 points, Dylan Bainbridge 16, Zach Braaten 7, Caden Spilde 6, Andrew Walker-Henneman 5, Brayden Hofer 3, Holden Rinke 3 and Kyle Kramer 2. Bainbridge dished out a team high 7 assists and Determan added 4.
The Knights 18-4 will play at Hancock on Monday night.
Wheaton 15-7 will play at Barnesville on Tuesday.