Royal Knights pull away from Othello

ROYAL CITY — The Knights kept the game close early, and Ray Valle's second-half shooting spree lifted Royal City to a 65-57 victory over the Othello Huskies Tuesday. After making only one field goal in the first half, Valle scored 20 points in the final 16 minutes of the game.

With 3:29 remaining in the fourth quarter and Royal clinging to a 52-51 lead, Valle converted a fast break layup and was fouled in the process. Valle's free throw gave the Knights a four point lead.

On Royal City's next possession, Valle was whistled for an offensive foul on Othello's Mark Valdez. Momentum appeared to shift toward Othello.

The Knights quickly recaptured the momentum and control of the game.

After a defensive stop, Valle drained a 3-pointer at the 2:12 mark to push Royal City ahead 58-51.

"That was huge," said Royal City coach Jason Bafus. "The thing about Ray, he's such a confident person … each shot he puts up, there is an excellent chance it goes in."

"He's a smart player and he knows when he has it," Bafus added. "He's a special kid."

While Valle's second-half shooting from beyond arc was impressive, Royal City's work from the free-throw line was also noteworthy.

The Knights shot 8 of 11 from the line in the fourth quarter, including a 4-4 effort from Pat Dorsing.

"We've really been working on the kids just playing, not worrying about missing shots," said Bafus. "The kids looked nice and calm and relaxed."

While the Knights took control late in the game, they were hanging on for dear life early on.

The Huskies took a 4-3 lead with 6:15 left in the first quarter, and led through the remainder of the first half. Royal City trailed by nine points with 10 seconds remaining before two quick scores cut the Othello lead to four.

Othello built their early lead with aggressive defense; intercepting passes and converting easy transition baskets.

"We did a good job running," said Othello coach Mike Somnis of the team's early success. "We let up (defensively) in the second half."

After holding the Knights to 26 points in the first half, Othello gave up 39 points in the second half.

"Once we learn that defense is where it starts, we will have a chance in these games," Somnis added.

Ray Valle had 22 points for the Knights. Kyle Scroggins added 14 points and Randy Christensen had 10 points for Royal City.