Royal's big boys key in opening hoops win
Royal senior forward Kent Christensen drives the lane for two of his team-leading 25 points against Cle Elum last Saturday in a non-league high school basketball opener.
ROYAL CITY - There may be a new day in 2012-13 for Royal High School boys basketball, if Saturday's opener was an indication. There's power at the hoop.
Royal's big boys asserted themselves to lead the Knights to a 56-51 win over Cle Elum in an opener that was delayed by the state football championship game.
"With only five days of practice under our belts, these young men came out and fought hard for a well-deserved victory," coach Pete Christensen said.
The Knights were led by the 25 points of 6-3 senior Kent Christensen and 16 of 6-4 senior Reed Lefler. They outscored Cle Elum, 16-6, in the second period to race to a 29-16 halftime lead. The Warriors won the third quarter, 24-14 to get back into the game.
"It was a wild night," coach Christensen said.
Christensen was impressed with the abilities his boys demonstrated. They played an excellent man to man defense for much of the game. And the boys pounded the inside in a way they did not last season.
"Our scoring was a little bit bunched up, with only four guys scoring. I am hoping we will have a bit more balanced attack as the season progresses," Christensen said.
The Knights will have little chance to practice this week. Starting at Cascade Tuesday, they'll play four games in five nights.
Royal will be at Quincy on Thursday.
On Friday the Knights will host River View to start the South Central A Conference East season. Saturday they will travel to rival Wahluke for another SCAC East contest.