BUFFALO TWP — There were stretches Thursday night when Knoch's offense was frustrated by a bevy of missed shots and turnovers.

There was also a two-and-a-half minute span in the third quarter when the Knights displayed their potential and it proved to be the difference in the game.

Knoch (15-5, 9-1) used that period to reel off a 13-0 run, turning a two-point lead into a lead Freeport never threatened in a 56-43 basketball victory over the host Yellowjackets.

The win, coupled with Highlands' triumph at Derry, means the Knights and Golden Rams will share the Section 1-4A title.

Knoch managed just a single section win last year.

“I'm happy for the coaches, but I am thrilled for our kids,” said Knoch coach Ron McNabb. “Winning a section title is hard to do and they worked so hard for it.”

They made it look easy during the game's decisive period.

Freeport's Garret Schauffhauser scored two quick baskets at the start of the second half, pulling the 'Jackets to within 26-24. The Knights then commenced their run, beginning with Brady McKee's trey with 6:25 left in the period.

Freshman Ryan Lang added a pair of 3-pointers, the second one pushing the Knights' advantage to 39-24 with 3:50 left.

“Sometimes, we lose focus and allow an opponent to come back,” admitted Knoch senior Julian Sanks. “We talked things over at halftime tonight and knew what we had to do to put the game away.”

But due to a lackluster fourth period, the win was not assured until late. The Knights did not score a point in the quarter until Jake Scheidt's free throw with 2:40 left and their only field goal of the quarter came from McKee just before the final buzzer.

The poor offensive showing late could have been due in part to the Knights losing their legs.

“We spent a lot of energy (Monday night) against Derry (a 78-61 win),” said McNabb. “We didn't get a chance to prepare for this game like we normally would.”

The opportunity was there for Freeport (10-8, 4-5) to make a run of its own, but as coach Wayne Greiser put it, “We struggled on offense, too.

“In the second half, we couldn't put the ball in the ocean,” he added.

Garret Schauffhauser scored 14 points for the 'Jackets, but none in the final 15 minutes of the game. Jalen Brown led the team with 15 points, though he had just six through three quarters.

“We had a game plan and I thought for the most part, we executed it,” said Greiser. “But like the first game against Knoch (an 82-59 win for the Knights last month), we got pushed around a bit. They're a bigger and more physical team. We lost Nolan Plocki (junior center) for the season and he's our inside guy.”

Despite their lulls, the Knights ended the game with balanced scoring. Lang led the way with 15 points, McKee scored 13 and Sanks dropped 11.

Lang's night included a trio of 3-pointers.

“We knew what we had in Ryan coming into the season,” said McNabb. “We have all the confidence in the world sticking him in any situation.”

Sanks, a two-year starter, remembers the frustrations of last year and the turnaround has been sweet.

“It's crazy,” he said. “Nobody expected us to do anything this year and now we're section champs. I'm grateful to be here, grateful for the guys around me.”

The 'Jackets have already qualified for the playoffs and are hoping to get junior Aiden Skradski back soon from injury.

“That's two starters we didn't have tonight,” said Greiser. “We have some things we need to work on, but I'm happy with the effort so far.”

KNOCH 56

Julian Sanks 4 2-2 11, Jared Schrecengost 2 0-0 5, Scott Fraser 3 2-2 8, Jake Scheidt 1 2-5 4, Brady McKee 5 2-4 13, Ryan Lang 4 4-5 15, Adam Bajuzik 0 0-0 0. Totals: 19 12-18 56.

FREEPORT 43

Vinnie Clark 2 0-0 5, Jalen Brown 4 6-8 15, Garret Schauffhauser 6 2-8 14, Christian Waronsky 1 0-0 3, Matt Aulicino 2 0-0 4, Patrick Keeley 1 0-0 2, Colin Gaspersic 0 0-0 0, Bradyn Clark 0 0-0 0. Totals: 16 8-16 43.

Knoch 18 8 18 12 — 56

Freeport11 9 11 12 — 43

3-point goals: Knoch 6 (Lang 3, McKee, Schrecengost, Sanks); Freeport

Today: Freeport at Yough

Monday: Armstrong at Knoch