Knights come up big on the hardwood
ROYAL CITY — The Royal Boys took all three contests on the court last week to run their win streak to seven games and remain undefeated in league play. The team holds a 2-game lead in the East Conference standings, and are now 10-2 overall on the season.
“I was proud of the boys efforts this past week,” coach Ray Valle said. “They faced some adversities and never gave into them.”
The first game of the week saw Royal blow past College Place 65-46 on the road Jan. 9. The Knights held a slim 16-14 advantage at the end of the first quarter, but then kicked it up a notch to go up top 31-21 at the break. Royal increased the gap to 50-37 heading into the last eight minutes of the contest, and then outscored the Hawks 15-9 down the stretch to run away with it.
Owen Ellis led the Royal attack with 15 points. Corbin Christensen added 11 points and 8 rebounds.
Game 2
The Knights got off to a slow start offensively in the second game of the week at home against the Ki-Be Bears Friday, Dec. 12, but was able to come away with a 47-46 overtime win.
Kiona held an 18-10 lead after the first quarter was in the books. Royal trailed 27-17 at the half, but came out with a stellar effort on defense in the third quarter and limited the Bears to just two points while posting 15 to take a 32-29 score into the fourth quarter.
Thirteen points by Ki-Be and 10 from the Knights knotted the game 42-all at the end of regulation play. Royal one-upped the Bears 5-4 to complete the comeback win. Ellis continued to sizzle with 21 points in the ball game. Corbin Christensen finished with 10 points and 8 rebounds.
Game 3
The third game of the week was all Royal as the Knights rolled over the Cougars 57-32 in Warden Saturday. Ellis led the squad once again with a double double 24 points-10 rebound effort.
The Knights were back in action at home Tuesday for a non-league matchup with Othello, but the results of the game were unavailable at time of press.
Royal hosts River View Friday night. Game time is 7:30.