Kiona Benton upsets Royal Boys on the hardwood
BENTON CITY — The Kiona-Benton Bears did what no other team in the SCAC East Conference was able to do during the regular season; beat the Royal Knights.
It was a real barnburner of a contest Friday night with the lead changing hands several times through the game. Ki-Be jumped up top 15-10 at the end of first quarter. The Knights answered back with 25 second quarter points to take a slim 35-31 score into the locker room at the break. Both teams offense cooled off in the third quarter with each posting 10 points on the board. The final eight minutes of the battle was Royal’s undoing as the Bears outscore the Knights 11-5 to come away with the upset win and end Royal’s 13-game win streak.
“Both teams played really well — it was a shame someone had to lose,” coach Ray Valle said. “It was a great experience for our players and they’re excited to get back on the court and battle.”
Corbin Christensen led the Knights attack with 22 points. Owen Ellis chipped in 14 and pulled down a team-high eight rebounds.
Royal now heads into first round district action with a home game against LaSalle
“They are athletic and well-coached,” Valle said. “The Kershaw kid is a great player that can take over any game, which makes them scary. We’ll have to contain him if we want to come away with a win.”
Royal 64
College Place 33
The Knights blew out the Hawks in Royal Tuesday, Jan 30. Royal left little doubt as to which team was superior on hardwood with the home team racing out to a 30-15 halftime lead. Royal kicked it into high gear in the second half with a 34-18 run to come away with the lopsided win.
Three Knights scored in double-figures led by Owen Ellis who knocked down 11 points. Corbin Christensen and Isaac Ellis finished with 10 each.
The split of games moved Royal to 13-1 in conference play and 17-3 overall on the season.
The district game against LaSalle took place on Tuesday. The results were not available by press time.
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