JEFFERSON TWP — Nathan Junk turned an eventful night into a truly unforgettable one.

After being honored as one of the Knoch boys basketball team's five seniors Friday, the forward scored a game-high 29 points, including two late free throws that iced the game in a 57-55 season-ending win over rival Mars.

A Planets win would have given them a share of the Section 1-AAA title, something they haven't had in the past 24 seasons.

Making his night even more memorable, Junk received the 2011 Karen Shoop Award, which is named for the late wife of former Knoch coach Les Shoop.

“It's given every year to the player who shows the most courage, determination and dedication,” said Knights coach Josh Shoop. “Nathan exemplifies all of those.”

Junk was 13 of 14 from the free throw line, with his last two giving Knoch a 57-53 lead with 5.5 seconds left.

“There's no way you can top this,” said Junk. “Going up against our rival, I don't have words to describe it. It means everything to me.”

Junk also scored the winning basket in Knoch's 52-50 win over Mars Jan. 18. In two games against the Planets, he totaled 51 points.

“Knoch's a difficult matchup for us,” said Planets coach Rob Carmody. “They're a bit bigger and more sturdy than we are. Give credit to (Junk). He's been around this rivalry for a while and he had a great game tonight.”

Junk's performance Friday included eight field goals in the game and nine points in the fourth period.

“You obviously have to credit Nathan for finishing the shots, but a lot of it was our guards beating their guards off the dribble,” said Josh Shoop. “That opened things up for him.”

The Knights' backcourt included Dan McCormick, Ryan Schultheis, Alex Strezeski, Tavita Lio and Adam Seger.

With just over five minutes left in the game, Mars held a 51-45 edge. But a pair of baskets by Junk sandwiched around one from Adam Tuzikow tied the score.

Junk added another basket and teamed with Schultheis to make a combined four free throws late to cap the Knights' scoring.

Knoch outscored the Planets 12-4 in the final five minutes.

“We lost our poise,” said Carmody. “I told the guys in the locker room that if they want to win a section title, go out and come up with a big defensive stop, grab a big rebound and make a few layups and free throws. If we do those things tonight, maybe things are different.”

Seger had 10 points for Knoch while the Christian Locher's 20 points and Brad Weischedel's 19 paced the planets.

Knoch ends the season 8-11 overall and 7-7 in section play. The Knights are responsible for two of Mars' four losses.

“It makes me happy and sad at the same time,” Josh Shoop said. “It shows what we could have done this season.

“It's a lesson for the younger players,” he added. “You may not always be the more talented team, but you can win games with effort and desire.”

As for the Planets (17-4, 11-3), the team plays at Shenango Monday before entering the WPIAL playoffs.

“Monday's game is very important,” said Carmody. “Mentally, it will be nice for the kids to just get back on the court. We need to get this out of our system because our season is not over.”

Note: Also playing their final game for the Knights were seniors Dan McCormick, Ryan Schultheis, Adam Seger and Adam Tuzikow.

MARS 55Jake Lee 1 3-4 5, Christian Locher 7 4-8 20, Andrew Moraca 2 0-1 4, Brad Weischedel 6 6-7 19, Garrett Ashbaugh 1 0-0 3, Mitch Buzard 1 0-0 2, Owen Nearhoof 1 0-0 2, Josh Goetz 0 0-0 0.

Totals: 19 13-20 55.

KNOCH 57Dan McCormick 2 0-0 5, Ryan Schultheis 2 1-3 5, Jack Boros 1 2-2 4, Tavita Lio 1 0-1 2, Adam Seger 3 4-6 10, Adam Tuzikow 1 0-1 2, Nathan Junk 8 13-14 29, Dakota Bruggeman 0 0-0 0, Alex Strezeski 0 0-0 0.

Totals: 18 20-27 57.

Mars 7 20 15 13—55Knoch 10 17 16 14—573-point goals: Mars 4 (C. Locher 2, Weischedel, Ashbaugh); Knoch 1 (McCormick).

Monday: Mars at Shenango