Knight boys to be more like SCAC's better teams

ROYAL CITY - Royal High had just about the tallest team in South Central A Conference high school boys basketball the last three years, and now coach Pete Christensen is rebuilding with a relatively short team.

Still, Christensen is excited about the upcoming season, which starts at home tonight. This team could be more like Zillah and Granger, which have dominated the league for more than 10 years.

This team will be speedier and have more shooters, especially from the perimeter. Last year you could shut down Royal by forcing the Knights to shoot from outside.

"We can run this year," Christensen said. "We're got enough on the bench who can contribute."

A key player for the Knights will be freshman Kaden Jenks. He just completed a football season at quarterback, and his athleticism is translating well from turf to hardwood. The six-footer will swing between guard and forward.

This will be a young team. The holdovers from last year are all juniors.

Riley Lefler, who played point guard last year, may be more of a wing this year. Christensen believes the team will be better served with the six-footer's shooting ability.

"He's got a pretty good shot, and he's an all-around athlete," Christensen said.

Teddy Mead, who has demonstrated on the football field that he can throw his 6-2 frame around, is scheduled for the post. He's as big as the Knights will get this year.

"He jumps well. He's quick. He's scrappy," Christensen said.

Another 6-2 lad the Knights will count on in the front court is junior Chase Christensen. Because of a collarbone injury in the final football game, he won't be available until after the holidays.

Three others who figure to be in the regular rotation are 5-8 senior Collin Christensen, 6-0 junior Aaron Johnson and 5-7 junior Oscar Ramirez.

The Knights host Quincy tonight, Cascade Thursday night, Naches on Saturday and Medical Lake next Tuesday.