TOWAMENCIN- Despite not making a single three-point shot throughout the game, the Knights’ second-half lockdown defense secured their spot in round two of the States.

The North Penn Knights girls’ basketball team (24-5) secured a 48-34 victory over the Enamuss Hornets on Friday night.

“We just got back to what we are good at, which is strong defense all year and pushing the ball, and it was nice to see us bounce back after two hard losses,” Knights head coach Bri Cullen stated.

Caleigh Sperling scored an impressive 22 points, with her third-quarter play particularly awe-inspiring. During that quarter, she contributed 9 out of the team’s 13 points, showcasing her explosive play on the court.

“Knowing that we couldn’t hit our threes during the game, it was important to drive to the basket, and we were looking to get fouled,” Sperling stated.

Sperling has been a dedicated leader who takes games personally, carries the team’s weight, and consistently gives her best effort. 

“She is a leader and she takes games like this personal she puts them on her back and she’s always going to give 100% and just to see her be that leader that she has been for the last couple of years was nice,” Cullen stated.

During the second quarter, the Knights outscored the Hornets 10-4. Lily Brown had an impressive offensive performance, scoring 8 of the 10 points for the Knights in the quarter. As a result, they took a 24-14 lead at halftime.

“She’s just a fearless freshman. Nothing rattles her; she comes in and does what she is good at, and she does it well,” Cullen stated. 

“She was really strong and aggressive towards the basket and she was able to read the defense and drive which is her main thing,” Sperling said.

The Knights displayed a remarkable turnaround in their defensive performance during the second half of the game, particularly in transition defense. Despite struggling in the first half, they regrouped and strengthened their defensive efforts after halftime.

“Liv Stone did a really good job pressuring up top, and I think sliding out into defense and boxing out will help us down the stretch,” Sperling explained.

The Knights will face North Allegany (23-3) in round two of the state tournament on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Bald Eagle High School. 

“We have a tough matchup coming up. North Allegany is an excellent team so right now we live in the moment and tomorrow morning we start to prepare,” Cullen concluded.

PIAA 6A GIRLS’ BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET, Courtesy of piaa.org