PERKASIE – North Penn has often relied on their peers’ support at their home games when games come down to the wire. The same can usually be said for other schools. But on Friday, the Pennridge Rams and their student section were no match for the energy the Knights brought on and off the court.

In the second game of their season, the Knights (2-0) outscored the Rams (2-1) 79-66 advancing their record to an early undefeated 2-0 record. 

Although the action of the players on the court was enticing, the real takeaway from this game is the atmosphere on the sidelines and in the bleachers. North Penn Coach John Conrad passionately kept his players focused on the court amid the heated atmosphere.

“Sometimes it gets emotional, animated. Both teams played really hard, and the officials did a really great job. It was pretty even, and both teams got some calls in both halves. Just excited and emotional, that’s all,” Conrad said.

The sidelines were full of enthusiasm throughout the match, with both student sections cheering energetically. The noise was quite distracting for the players, but they persevered. 

“It was a good win and a really fun atmosphere. Very loud, and I thought our guys had a great performance to match it,” senior center, Ryan Zeltt said.

The team had a strong offensive performance, with their leading scorers being junior point guard Norm Gee III and senior power forward Ryan Deininger, both scoring 21 points. Gee shot an impressive five for eight from three, with two layups and two free throws. 

“We both came in locked in, and we knew we were gonna be hot shooting the ball. We both talked to each other before the game and kind of hyped each other up a little bit,” Gee said. 

In addition to being one of the team’s offensive weapons of the night, Gee also led the team with three steals in the game, proving to be both an offensive and defensive weapon for the Knights.   

“I’m really known for my speed, so I use it to my advantage to get those steals. Normally I am the more defensive player, not offense. I think it’s really important to get that momentum going on defense, so our offense doesn’t have to worry,” Gee said. 

On the defensive side of the ball, the Knights totaled 18 rebounds and four steals. Zeltt and Deininger each had six rebounds and six other Knights added a rebound to their stat sheet. 

“I thought all around it was a good game. We were scoring when it came down to the wire, and defense stepped up to get some stops. Pennridge got hot for a little bit, but we were able to put them down,” Zeltt said. 

Even with an impressive offensive and defensive performance, each game comes with its mistakes. The Knights had a total of 15 penalties called on them, the majority from Zeltt. 

“It’s only our second game. As our season goes on, we’re going to limit those. I think it was just a matter of our guys getting a little bit tired out there, but I think we’ll be better about it in the future,” Zeltt stated. 

With the victory against the Rams, The Knights remain perfect and move to 2nd place in the Colonial Division for the Suburban 1 bracket (behind CB East, 4-0). Their next matchup is against the Central Bucks West Bucks (0-4). Last year, the Bucks finished with a 6-16 record, putting them second-to-last in the division. The game starts at 7 P.M. at the CB West Gym on Tuesday, December 13th.