[Laurel, MS] On November 15 & 16, the Laurel Knighthawks played back-to-back days. Due to a pleasant schedule change, Laurel enjoyed playing on their home court for both games. These dates were their first home games since October 26. On November 15, Laurel defeated Russell Christian Academy. The Knighthawks’ game plan was to pound the ball inside of the paint because this team was new to Laurel’s schedule. Without a scouting report, heavy reliance on the inside game was how Coach Cliff Jenkins prepared his players. The game plan worked.
Caleb Jenkins and Kai Welch combined for 33 (Jenkins: 13, Welch: 20) of the Knighthawks’ 63 points, or 52% of Laurel’s offense. Silas Ensign stole the show again, scoring 11 of his 18 points in the second half. The night concluded with a hard fought win; the final score being 63-46.
On November 16, Laurel played Wayne Academy. The Knighthawks found themselves in familiar territory by playing a team for the first time. They knew that Wayne Academy would be athletic; Laurel needed to play physically and with finesse.
Laurel dug themselves a hole; but, in true Knighthawks fashion, they came back to be victorious by a score of 55-46. Kai Welch led the Knighthawks in scoring (13 points). The inside duo of Jenkins and Welch combined for 24 (44%) of Laurel’s 55 points.
In both of these games, three of the starting five for Laurel, scored double digit points. In these two games, Jenkins and Welch combined for 48% of the Knighthawks’ total offense. This presents more evidence that the early season trend of sharing the ball isn’t a fluke. The Knighthawks will have a refreshing break after a long string of games. Laurel’s next game will be on November 30. The Knighthawks will travel to take on the Mt. Zion Lions.
