Knighdale bounces back from slow start to snatch victory from Harnett Central

Tuesday February 16, 2010

Knightdale used a 15-3 run over the first five minutes of the 4^th quarter to put away #7 seed Harnett Central.  The Knights trailed by as many as 12 points in the 1^st half, and were down 36-28 at the half. 

The Trojans seemed poised to pull off the upset, as they came out in 3^rd quarter and got what they wanted on offense.  Harnett Central played at a controlled pace and got multiple buckets from back door cuts, leading by as many as 9 in the period.

Maybe the Knights were looking past Harnett Central, maybe they had to adjust to not having coach Battle Watkins on the bench.  Watkins has been ill all week and could not coach tonight, handing the coaching duties to Brandon Kimble.

The momentum shifted when Kimble decided to go with a smaller quicker line-up and extend the man to man defense fullcourt.  The pressure caused several turnovers and forced the Trojans to play faster than they would like. 

The pressure continued in the final period as the Knights mounted their comeback.  At the 4:43 mark, Aaron Smith’s three game Knightdale their first lead of the 2^nd half.  Later in the period, Tyler Nicholson’s trey broke the back of Harnett Central as the host Knights cruised to the 78-65 victory.

Knightdale moves on in the Greater Neuse Tournament to face East Wake.  Smith led all scorers with 20 points, Nicholson finished with 15 points.  Senior guard Aerial Chatman had 19 points for Harnett Central, Brian Taylor and C.J. Hill added 15 an13 points respectively for the Trojans.

Steven Geter was huge in the 2^nd half for Knightdale, scoring all 10 of his points after halftime.  Adrian McDowell chipped in the Knight effort with 10 points as well.

Kerry Smith

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