[Laurel, MS] After experiencing a loss in a crucial game against the PCA Paladins, many people wondered how Laurel would bounce back in conference play. On Tuesday, January 4th, the Knighthawks faced off against the Muddy River Counselors. Muddy River was coming off of a big win against the Jackson Victors, with the final score of that game being 45-67. Clearly, the Muddy River Counselors had the momentum coming into the game; however, the Counselors were in Laurel’s nest.
At the end of the first quarter, the Knighthawks were in the lead 17-23. Silas Ensign led all Knighthawks with 10 points. Laurel never looked back, ending the first half with a commanding 23-43 lead. Ensign at half time lead the Knighthawks in points, pouring in 15.
Counselors guard, Sun Michael Williams stole the show in the second half, accounting for 15 of the Counselors 32 second half points. Williams would ultimately end up scoring 27 of the Counselors 55 points in the game. Despite his efforts, Laurel put together a wonderful half scoring 27 points to finish out the game. When the final buzzer sounded, the final score was 55-70 Knighthawks.
Laurel played great fundamental basketball. They shared the ball well, resulting in three of the Knighthawks starting five scoring double digits. Silas Ensign put up 20, Jacob Moree scored 14, Kai Welch poured in 12. Welch stood out by having a special effect on the game. He played lockdown defense, and rebounded well. Eli Carter also played wonderfully, handling the ball with ease. Caleb Jenkins scored 9 points and rebounded exceptionally.
This game is a true testament that if the Knighthawks play team basketball, they play extremely well. Eight of the fourteen players on the Laurel Knighthawks roster scored in the contest. To me, that shows that the Knighthawks are at their best when they share the ball.
Laurel’s next game is on Saturday, January 8 at 2:00 P.M. The[0-8][0-5] Tupelo Titans will travel down to Salem Heights ( AKA “the Nest” ) to take on the [12-5][5-1] Knighthawks.
