Knights Basketball Weekend Wrap-Up

The Knights men’s basketball team started their season with a bang, as they exploded out to a 2-0 record, cruising by the overmatched International Sports Academy and a cohesive, persistent Coventry team.

To begin their vicious tear, the Knights etched a commanding victory against ISA, 62-28.

The improvements to the Knight’s defense during the off-season was demonstrated during this affair, as their efforts held ISA to below ten points in each quarter.  

“I thought we really got at it defensively,” said head coach T.K. Griffth. “They do have a couple of guys who are division 3 caliber players, so they are not terrible. Allowing at most nine points in a quarter is a great outing, no matter the opponent.”

Along with a stellar defensive performance, three-point specialist Colin Jaroch showed up well with 21 points. All of his points were beyond the arc, giving Hoban an unexpected offensive surge off the bench.

“I definitely wanted to leave everything on the court,” said Jaroch, commenting on his performance. “This is my last first game of my basketball career, so I wanted to make it the best. With the support of my teammates and family members, I was motivated.”

While Jaroch had a lights-out performance, senior Isaiah Young picked up right where he left off from last season. The veteran guard added 13 points to the blowout, providing the spark on offense in the first quarter.

“We threw a lot of guys out there just to see what they could do,” added Griffth. “I love the effort that our everyone gave. We aren’t NBA caliber players, but their effort all around was great.”

However, the Knights were not able to celebrate their victory for long, as they had to play an underrated Coventry team for their senior night the following evening. Despite not receiving any time to rest, the Knights prevailed, 76-52.

Continuing his hot streak on offense, Young proved once again he is a force to be reckoned with when the ball is in his hands. Young built on his performance from Friday night, scoring a fluid 24 points, with nine of those in the first quarter.

“Anytime I play I try to give my all, but over the weekend there was a different level of effort because I understand that at any time we can get shut down and our season can end,” stated Young. “As a senior, the team is expecting me to lead. I also understand that as the returning leading scorer I need to be able to provide for us.”

Young started the season just shy of an 80% field goal percentage and looks to keep improving his efficiency each game.

Senior Thomas Crowe proved to be a key contributor for the Knights, as he found his groove in the second contest as well. To accompany Young’s 24 points, the senior forward scored a career-high 16 points on seven of seven from the field, six of those spurring the Knights to a 25- point third quarter.

“I definitely found a rhythm,” stated Crowe on his 16-point effort. “I was especially happy to be able to accomplish a career high on senior night. My teammates were setting me up with beautiful passes, and I was able to convert.”

Crowe looks to keep a consistent presence on both sides of the floor, as he will be giving it his all in his final season in the navy and white.

Looking ahead, the Knights will begin a challenging four-game series against Benedictine, Gilmour Academy, Green and Jackson to complete the month of December.

“We don’t have an easy game for a long time,” Griffith commented. “We will be up against some of the best programs in the state. Benedictine is loaded with athletes, and they have three key guys back. We are also looking forward to the rematch against Gilmour, as they handled us last season.”

The Knights will look to continue their undefeated season in December, despite the adversity ahead.