Royal still undefeated in conference play
Pete Christensen photo - Owen Ellis (23) and Corbin Christensen (20) team up to stop a bucket by a Connell player. The Knights beat the Eagles by 20 points on the hardwood in Royal City Saturday.
ROYAL CITY — The Ellis brothers combined for 34 points and Royal (7-2, 4-0) rolled past Connell 62-42 on the Knights home court Saturday. Isaac led the Royal attack with 18 points. Owen added 16.
This one was never really in doubt as the Knights took a 28-21 lead into the locker room at the break, and then pulled away with a 34-21 run in the second half of action. It was the fourth win in a row for Royal and the seventh win in nine games this season. The Knights at 4-0 in conference play, are at the top the standings with a one game lead over the Eagles (7-4, 4-1).
Royal 53
Wahluke 45
Owen Ellis hit for 15 points, Corbin Christensen added 14 and four steals and the Knights picked up an 8-point win at Wahluke Friday, Jan. 5. Royal held a 46-35 lead at the end of three quarters. The Warriors were able to narrow the gap a bit with a 10-7 run late in the game, but Royal was able to hold on for the win.
“I thought Isaac (Ellis) turned in a superb defensive effort over the weekend — stepped up against a couple of the highest scorers in the league,” coach Ray Valle said. “In fact the effort our players are giving as a whole on the defensive end is all we can ask for.”
Royal hit the pavement to Walla Walla to take on the College Place Hawks Tuesday, but the results were not available at press time. The Knights host Ki-Be Friday night. Tipoff is 7:30.