JEFFERSON TWP — A win over Highlands Tuesday would have secured for Knoch's boys basketball team at least a share of the Section 1-4A title.

Instead, the Knights still have some work to do to earn the crown.

After a healthy 19 points in the first quarter, Knoch was held to no more than 10 points in each of the final three periods in a 54-45 loss to the Golden Rams.

“We didn't shoot the ball well tonight (15 of 46), but give credit to Highlands,” said Knoch coach Ron McNabb. “They played very well defensively and contested shots.”

The Knights' last lead of the game came at 2:07 left in the third quarter when Jared Schrecengost drained a trey for a 37-36 edge. The Rams took the lead for good when Johnny Crise sank a basket in the final minute of the period, giving his team a 41-39 lead.

Down 50-45, the Knights' Julian Sanks missed a 3-point attempt with 1:29 left in the game. The Rams rebounded and put the finishing touches on the win from the free throw line.

The result ties the Knights (13-5, 7-1) and the Rams (12-5, 7-1) for the top spot in the section standings.

“We had some guys in foul trouble tonight and had to put guys in different positions,” McNabb said. “That's something we're not accustomed to. Usually, we can play good defense without picking up fouls, but we were getting whistled tonight.”

The victory avenged for Highlands a 74-59 loss to Knoch earlier this month.

“This one means a lot,” said Rams' coach Tyler Stoczynski. “After the first game at our place, we heard Knoch cheering (in the visitor locker room). They just kept cheering and cheering. We didn't want to forget what that felt like.”

At the center of the Ram's success Tuesday was the play of Crise, a 6-foot-7 junior center, and junior guard Luke Cochran.

Crise totaled 22 points and nine rebounds and Cochran offered 20 points.

“Johnny does a lot of things for us,” said Stoczynski. “He's athletic and has a motor.”

After falling behind 18-8 in the first quarter, the Rams rebounded with a 23-11 run to lead 31-29 at halftime. Their first lead of the game came with Crise's dunk that put Highlands up 27-26 with 1:55 left in the first half.

“I respect him because he's a great player,” McNabb said of Crise. “He's been a pain in my neck. I only wish he was a senior and not a junior.”

Highlands' ability to come back after an early deficit on the road is a sign that Stoczynski is putting a lot of stock in as the WPIAL playoffs near.

“Earlier in the season, that 10-point deficit could have been insurmountable for us,” he said. “What we did tonight, it shows the growth in this team. There were some calls that went against us late in the game, but staying together gets you further than playing as individuals.”

Scott Fraser paced Knoch with 14 points and Jake Scheidt scored 11, including a trio of 3-pointers.

The Knights have lost two straight games, including a 68-53 non-section loss to Quaker Valley last Saturday.

“The good news is, both losses were to two really good teams,” said McNabb. “Our guys are disappointed right now, we had a chance to clinch the section tonight. But there is no shame in losing to Highlands and we have to stay confident.”

HIGHLANDS 54

Seth Cohen 0 1-2 1, Korry Myers 3 2-2 9, Dom Pesci 1 0-1 2, Johnny Crise 8 6-8 22, Luke Cochran 7 5-6 20, Mason Swanger 0 0-0 0, Antonine McDaniel 0 0-0 0. Totals: 19 14-19 54.

KNOCH 45

Julian Sanks 1 1-2 4, Jared Schrecengost 3 0-0 8, Scott Fraser 3 7-10 14, Jake Scheidt 4 0-0 11, Brady McKee 2 0-0 4, Ryan Lang 2 0-0 4, Adam Bajuzik 0 0-0 0. Totals: 15 8-12 45.

Highlands 14 17 10 13 — 54

Knoch19 10 10 6 — 45

3-point goals: Highlands 2 (Myers, Cochran); Knoch 7 (Scheidt 3, Schrecengost 2, Fraser, Sanks).

Friday: Derry at Knoch