Knights buck way to Continental’s top spot
TOWAMENCIN- Fighting for the top spot in the SOL Continental Conference, the North Penn Knights (5-1 SOL) went head to head against the Central Bucks West Bucks (5-1 SOL) in a game that totally changed after half time. Playing from behind has been a reality for the Knights, and Tuesday night was no exception, as the Knights came back to defeat the Bucks 63-53.
I think the fouls come with playing. With the way we were competing and the intensity of the game, it was going to happen. We were just focused on what we needed to do and I think we did a nice job against them tonight
— Head Coach John Conrad
From tipoff, the Knights gained possession, but with tight defense by the Bucks, CB West was the first to score. Points went back and forth between the Bucks and Knights for the first quarter with seniors Reece Udinski and David Giuliani constantly driving to the basket. Being such a close game in score, defense was important causing an abundance of fouls. By the end of the quarter, the Knights were down 9-12.
“I think the fouls come with playing. With the way we were competing and the intensity of the game, it was going to happen. We were just focused on what we needed to do and I think we did a nice job against them tonight,” said Head Coach John Conrad.
In the second quarter, as the Bucks scored, the Knights followed, but they struggled to keep the score up in the end. Using height as an advantage, Giuliani, Udinski and senior Ricky Johns at one point were all fighting to tip the ball into the net but couldn’t get it to go in.
West had good spacing, which benefitted them on offense and played tight man to man defense making hard for the Knights to score. Giuliani and Johns returned the favor in tight defense with two big blocks, but they only resulted in fouls. By the end of this tough quarter, the Knights still trailed behind the Bucks with a score of 19-22.
“I thought the game went well. We came out flat, but we knew this was a big game coming in. We had to respond at halftime,” said Udinski.
The bucks began with the ball in the third quarter, but stolen by Johns, senior Nate O’donnell drove the ball to the basket to tie up the game. Giuliani followed with a 3 pointer to pull ahead. Focused in on defense, the Knights played more backcourt press toward the end of the quarter. Two “and 1’s” by junior Chris Coleman and senior Noah Kwortnik expanded the scoring gap, which put the Knights ahead 39-27.
“I think our halftime adjustments were big, and we had a great second half. We stepped up big when we needed, and I think overall we played a great game in the end,” said Udinski.
I think our halftime adjustments were big, and we had a great second half. We stepped up big when we needed, and I think overall we played a great game in the end
— Senior Reece Udinski
With the Knights having a strong start to the 4th quarter the Bucks began to foul more. Getting to take a lot of foul shots, the Knights surged ahead even more. With 5 minutes to go in the game the Bucks got back to strong man to man defense, trying to stop the Knights from scoring. At 3:35 a technical foul was called on the Bucks’ coach, and Udinski was chosen to take the free throws. With minutes left, the bucks tried full court man to man defense, but it was too late; the Knights had secured the win.
“I thought we played exceptionally well on the defensive side of the ball in the second half, and I think that was the difference. I’m pleased with the outcome of the game,” said Coach Conrad.
The Knights host the William Tennent Panthers on Friday, January 20th.
SCORING
NP: Giuliani; 17, Udinski; 15, Ford; 10, Johns; 7, O’donnel: 6, Kwortnik; 3, Heiserman; 3, Coleman; 2.
CB West: MacAdams; 20, McCusker; 12, Reichwein; 7, Cooney; 7, Traina; 4, Mulhearn; 3
