JEFFERSON TWP — Hands in his face.

Bodies on him.

Off balance. Fade-aways. Deep 3-pointers.

It doesn't matter for Knoch junior guard Julian Sanks.

He says bring it on. The tougher the shot the better for the Knights' emerging star.

“J.R. Smith said, 'I like shots, but tough shots are better,'” Sanks said, smiling. “That's kind of my motto now. I like to shoot. Shooters shoot, you know what I mean?”

And Sanks is shooting with the best of them.

He had an 8 of 11 night from the floor against Deer Lakes in a Knoch win Wednesday, including a perfect 4 for 4 performance from 3-point range.

Earlier this season, he became the first Knoch player since 2007 to score 30 or more points in a game, dropping 33 on Montour.

In 10 games this season, Sanks is averaging nearly 18 points per contest.

Sanks isn't shy about taking shots.

“After I make my first couple of shots, I feel energized,” Sanks said. “I feel like part of the game.”

When the season started, Knoch coach Ron McNabb didn't give Sanks the long leash he has now.

McNabb said Sanks' shooting touch compelled him to give his leading scorer more freedom.

“I've loosened the reins on him a bit,” McNabb said. “I don't think he takes bad shots — he takes tough shots, but I don't think they're bad shots. You have to let him shoot.

“Julian, he has confidence in shooting the ball,” McNabb added. “He just has ice in his veins, and that's good because he's worked so hard the last couple of years.”

Sanks has put some muscle on his 6-foot-2 frame.

He's a tough matchup for teams because of his outside shooting touch and his ability to slash to the hoop.

Sanks is also a good passer and has worked on his game on the defensive end, McNabb said.

“I'm really proud of him for that,” McNabb said. “We really stress defense around here.”

With success comes scrutiny and Sanks is beginning to see a fair share of it.

Deer Lakes double-teammed him at times Wednesday night and other teams have also tried to bracket Sanks.

For the most part, it hasn't worked against Sanks or the 5-5 Knights, who were scheduled to clash with section leader Moon Friday, but that game was postponed because of bitterly cold temperatures.

“I know the defense is going to hop on me,” Sanks said. “So, I have to do other things — rebounds, pass, play defense — to help my team win.

“It feels good to be able to score, too, when people are on me,” Sanks added. “When my shot's on, I just pull it.”

His exploits this season have garnered him a prestigious nickname.

Dr. J.

Sanks smiled when asked about carrying on the moniker of former NBA great Julius Erving.

“I do watch some old films of Dr. J,” Sanks said. “My dad grew up watching him so we'll watch some of the old highlights together.”