Knights, Mustangs, Cardinals roll past opponents in North Central League I action
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KELSEYVILLE >> It’s funny how quickly things change.
Losers of four straight entering play, albeit against some quality competition, the last thing the Kelseyville Knights wanted to do on Tuesday night was to fall two games behind the St. Helena Saints in the North Central League I varsity boys basketball standings just three games into the league season
No worries.
Kelseyville not only snapped a four-game skid, but the Knights did it in style, hammering the Saints 66-52 behind 23 points, including seven 3-pointers, from Brock Barrick and a solid effort from the Knights bench, including 11 points by Tyler Bryant.
While it wasn’t a must-in game for the Knights, Kelseyville treated it like it was, according to head coach Oscar Lopez.
“Everyone was focused and dialed in tonight,” Lopez said. “Of course, it really helps when he’s shooting very well,” Lopez added of Barrick, who broke out of a slump. “It certainly helps Kyle (Watkins) out.”
Watkins, who has carried the team offensively in recent games, drew a ton of attention from the St. Helena defense and still managed to score 11 points.
St. Helena, a winner of 12 straight to open the season, now has its first losing streak of the season as the Saints fell to 12-2 overall. Both teams are now tied with Clear Lake in the league standings at 2-1, one game behind league-leading Middletown (3-0).
Trailing 26-25 at the half, the Knights dominated the second half to the tune of 41-26.
“We shot the ball like we can and more guys got after it,” Lopez said. “We did a good job of taking away their shooters. In transition we get a bunch of points.”
Lopez said reserves Bryant, Sam Arredondo, Adam Astrup and Max Hommer were a big part of the win.
“They all did a great job coming off the bench,” he said. “We knew it was going to be a tough ballgame, but my guys answered the call.”
Kelseyville and St. Helena tied for the league title a year ago.
Gene Holdenried had eight points for Kelseyville while Ryder Leary had five.
Kelseyville, now 7-8 overall, travels to Upper Lake on Friday.
In other boys action Tuesday:
Clear Lake 87, Fort Bragg 56
At Lakeport, Zane McAuley returned to the Clear Lake High School lineup with a bang, scoring 31 points as the Cardinals routed the Fort Bragg Timberwolves in NCL I action.
“The boys are back in town,” Clear Lake head coach Mark Cory said. “We finally played our first home game of the season. We played with great energy and pushed the ball tonight. This was one of our first games we did not have anyone sick or injured.”
Jace Beard (11 points), Jesse Hayes (10 points) and AJ Bruch (10 points) joined McAuley, who is recovering from an ankle injury, in double digits.
Clear Lake is 2-1 in league play and 7-7 overall.
“It’s nice to see us play good basketball and shoot it well,” Cory said.
Middletown 89, Lower Lake 36
At Middletown, Bodhi Moore’s 40 points, the most scored by a Lake County player this season, and a triple-double by Jon Hawkins fueled the Middletown Mustangs’ big NCL I win over the Lower Lake Trojans.
Middletown (3-0, 10-4) led 34-9 after one quarter and 54-13 by halftime.
“We came out fired up and played very disciplined, selfless basketball,” Middletown head coach Jake Diehl said. “This squad is a lot of fun to coach.”
Jon Hawkins finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and seven steals. Jasiah Pike added 13 points and Harrison Brown eight.
“Middletown came out with a great half-court press with intense pressure, and we panicked,” Lower Lake head coach Anthony Farrington said. “Unfortunately, our team was not able to match the physical prowess and makeup of Middletown. They played well and hustled, dominating us on the offense and defensive boards and creating many easy scoring opportunities.”
Noah Hakala led the Trojans (0-3, 2-11) with 17 points and Raijhier McKneeley had 10.
“Their senior, Bodhi Moore, was on fire,” Farrington added. “It was a well-deserved win for Middletown.”
Middletown, the first Lake County varsity team this season to reach double-digit wins, is home again Wednesday to play South Fork in non-league action. Lower Lake hosts St. Helena on Friday.
Cloverdale 55, Upper Lake 47
At Cloverdale, the Cloverdale Eagles notched their first league win at Upper Lake’s expense. Both teams are 1-2 in league action.
No other information was reported.
Upper Lake hosts Kelseyville on Friday.