Finishing 11-11 and missing the playoffs was not how the Knights wanted to end last season. The Knights are looking to change the narrative this season and have already shown success with their big victory Friday night. 

Friday night, the Knights boy’s basketball team (1-0) started their season by securing their first season win against the Freire Charter Dragons (0-2). 

The Knights had a slow start to the game with a scoreless first two minutes. The Dragons were the first to strike, putting two points on the board. They scored four more points throughout the next two minutes, shutting out the Knights 6-0 with four minutes left in the first quarter. 

Senior Ryan Deininger came through for the Knights, scoring their first two points of the game. After that, the Knights brought their intensity up and were able to close the gap and get ahead to make the game 10-6 with eight more points from Deininger.

With only seconds left in the first quarter, the Dragons scored two ending the quarter with the Knights leading 10-8.

“I think we came out a little slow, but after we found our feet, I thought we played really good together and were able to close the point gap,” Senior Ryan Zeltt stated.

Starting off the second quarter, the back-and-forth between the teams continued. While in the Knight’s possession, Zeltt continued to set up the Knights to score. The Knights took advantage of these opportunities as the Dragon’s defense lacked. 

“I feel like a lot of people stepped up. We have a lot of young kids playing, and I think they are doing a great job for us,” Zeltt explained.

Seconds later, senior Mario Sgro was fouled while taking a shot from three and made all three points after completing all his free throws. Followed up by another foul, Deininger put two more points on the board after making two more free throws.

 “I thought we put in hard work all preseason and that we were going to come out ready to play and have a good game,” Sophmore Ahmaar Godhania stated.

Throughout the rest of the quarter, five points were scored by Junior Teddy McAllister, five points from Zeltt, and two points from Norman Gee, ending the half with the Knights up 33-14.

The third quarter started with a quick two points for the Dragons. The Knights continued to hold up a good defense allowing the Dragons to score only nine points. Deininger’s offense was impossible to defend after he made three consecutive baskets, putting up six more points. Zeltt followed up with both a layup and a three-pointer. The Knights ended the quarter with a 24-point lead over the Dragons.

The Knights took total control over the last quarter, keeping up the intensity they’ve played with all game. Although the possession continued back and forth, the Knights’ defense held the Dragons to only nine more points. The fourth quarter ended with six points from junior Trey Simpson, five points from Godhania, three from Meade, and two from Gee and sophomore Robbie Sukaly for a final score of 65-32.

“I think winning this game is a good confidence builder, and we have a pretty tough schedule ahead of us, so confidence is going to be key in those games,” Zeltt said.

The Knights travel to Pennridge next Friday to face off against the Rams at 7.

“We have a week to get ready for Pennridge; they are going to be a really good basketball team, so once we get into the league play, we will know a little bit more about us. So far, the guys are working hard, and that’s been positive,” Head Coach John Conrad stated.