Knights win ninth straight game, improve to 15-5

ROYAL CITY — After starting the year with a 2-3 record and coming off an appearance at the Pro Image Sports Holiday Classic in Boise, Idaho, the Royal Knights have strung together wins in 12 of their last 14 games, including nine straight wins.

“We were feeling really good, even though we started off 2-3,” Royal coach Greg Jenks said. “We played some pretty good teams, including a team that has the leading scorer in the nation, down in that Boise tournament. It was good to see something different and take a trip with basketball behind it. I think that helped the boys make that transition from fall sport to winter sport.”

Royal’s last loss was a 79-55 home game against Zillah on Jan. 5, the state’s No. 1 team in 1A boys basketball according to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association’s Rating Percentage Index. Since that loss, there’s been a strong emphasis on rebounding, according to Jenks.

“It’s just getting into the groove of the season, getting into the groove of basketball,” Jenks said. “Another thing is a focus on rebounding — Zillah really thumped us on the rebounds, so much more emphasis on rebounding. We know defense is going to keep us in most games, but we’ve also been hitting more shots.”

During their win streak, the Knights have held their opponents to just under 53 points per game on the defensive end, while scoring nearly 66 points per game; six of the nine wins have come by double digits.

“One thing is depth; we can go eight, nine guys deep most nights,” Jenks said. “We have a little advantage with the rotation. I think them playing their second year under me and understanding what we want them to do in our system as far as defense, that’s helping.”

Jenks pointed to leadership by seniors Caden Allred and Bennett Brown, as well as the play of freshman Grant Wardenaar as contributing factors toward the team’s success during January.

“He’s got a hunger for us to have success,” Jenks said of Wardenaar. “It’s fun to have him as part of our program.”

Royal’s most recent win came on Saturday, traveling to Wapato to face off against the then-13-3 Wolves. Down 23-10 after the first quarter, that senior leadership came out.

“In between quarters, Caden Allred took charge of the huddle there, and let everybody know ‘Hey, we know we can play with these guys. Everybody calm down,’” Jenks said. “He’s a senior leader, so that was huge.”

The Knights outscored the Wolves 23-12 in the second quarter to find themselves down just two at the intermission. Royal gave up just 23 points during the second half.

“It was throughout the whole second quarter that we made a comeback, it wasn’t, like, a quick run,” Jenks said. “It was way better defense, trying to stay in front of them. Our turnovers were way down in that second quarter.”

Allred led the Knights with 17 points, followed by Brown with 15 and Wardenaar with 15. Junior Ezra Jenks scored 10 points, and junior Lance Allred scored eight points.

“They switched to a man (defense) in the second half, and we definitely felt like that gave us the advantage,” Jenks said.

The win set the Knights at 15-5 ahead of Tuesday’s home game against Connell; Royal closes the regular season with a home game against Wahluke on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Ian Bivona may be reached at ibivona@columbiabasinherald.com.

    Royal junior Ezra Jenks dribbles the ball up the floor.
  

    Royal senior Caden Allred drives toward the rim during a Jan. 13 game against Quincy.