TOWAMENCIN – North Penn put on a dominant display of team basketball Tuesday night, topping CB East 55-33 for their first conference win. The Knights defensive ignited a furious second quarter run, improving the Knights record to 2-3, 1-1 in conference. The Patriots offensive attack went cold, and they struggled to move the ball and convert three point attempts, while lagging on the defensive end, unable to keep pace with the Knights transition game, sending them to a 4-2 start for the season, 0-2 in conference.

The Knights were led on the offensive end by senior Kyle Hulmes, who paced the Knights with 14 points, establishing the Knights offense in the post. Fellow senior Jared Melone also contributed 12 points down low, diversifying a Knights offense and hitting the glass hard. Senior Joe Richards also had 12 points, going 6-6 from the free throw line down the stretch to ensure the blowout.

The Knights began the game slow, struggling to establish themselves in the face of a solid 2-3 defense from the Patriots. Their half court sets muddled, the Knights looked sluggish, but CB East failed to capitalize. Cold from three point range all night, the Patriots struggled on the defensive glass for the entire first quarter, but found success breaking a 1-2-2 press from the Knights. The quarter ended tied, 7-7.

North Penn came out strong to start the half, turning up the defensive pressure. A few quick baskets forced the Patriots to move away from the 2-3 zone that worked so well in the first quarter, and they were simply unable to keep up with an athletic Knights roster. Picking up at half court, the Knights went on a furious run the entire quarter, ripping down rebounds and pushing the ball up court. Led by lightning quick senior point guard Cordell Lord, North Penn was able to score 14 unanswered points, holding the Patriots scoreless to end to half 21-7.

CB East was visibly exhausted, and their struggles in transition only continued in the second half. The Knights were able to feed off the energy of their home crowd and bench, their transition game igniting cheers from the stands. Coach John Conrad recognized the gravity of the high speed attack, and the importance of establishing their own tempo.

“I thought we played our press very well, we were able to get the tempo we wanted,” said Conrad. “That comes with the rebounds.”

A three to beat the third quarter by junior J.J. Melchior sent the Knights into the fourth quarter both energized and determined. The defensive pressure and glass gobbling held steady, and North Penn took care of the game down the stretch, putting the Patriots away at the line. The game ended with a lopsided score in the Knights favor: 55-33.

“I thought we did a real nice job on the defensive end,” said Conrad. “And I thought we rebounded very well.”

The Knights will look to build a winning streak this Friday at home against conference opponent Quakertown.