BUFFALO TWP — Seven different players scored for Freeport's girls basketball team as the Yellowjackets defeated visiting Knoch, 53-39, in a big Section 1-4A showdown Thursday night.

“We had a lot of contributions from a lot of players,” Freeport coach Fred Soilis said. “It was a great team win, is what I told them in the locker room.”

Knoch (8-4, 5-1), was riding the wave of a five-game winning streak in section games heading into the 'Hive,' and coach Chris Andreassi was particularly excited about freshman Nina Shaw returning to the lineup from an injury.

Shaw saw plenty of action throughout the contest, but couldn't manage to sink a basket, scoring only one point off a free throw in the second quarter.

“(Shaw) will make those shots down the line,” Andreassi said. “It's her first game back, she hasn't played in a few weeks.”

“(Shaw) is quick,” Soilis said. “We kept her in front of us with our defense and we didn't allow her to do too much penetration.”

Freeport held a 17-8 advantage entering the second quarter.

In that period, both teams totaled 14 points, which allowed Freeport to take their 9-point lead into halftime.

“What they did is what we game-planned for,” Andreassi said. “One of my first thoughts is they got too many second-chance points. (Sidney Shemanski) really hurt us on the boards.”

Shemanski ended the game with 11 points off four field goals while sinking both free throw attempts.

“Sid had to at least have had 10 rebounds,” Soilis said.

Missed opportunities in the second half hurt Knoch's chances, but the Knights were still hanging around heading into the fourth quarter, down 42-29.

Freeport was able to manage the clock in the final frame, allowing the Yellowjackets to secure the 14-point victory over their neighbors.

“We're starting to peak a little bit and get into mid-season form,” Soilis said. “We've put together two straight wins and we need to take care of business Monday.”

Nevaeh Ewing scored 15 points to lead Knoch.

Freeport will square off with host Indiana on Monday while Knoch will look to turn the page at home against section leader North Catholic.

“They (North Catholic) haven't lost a section game in how many years,” Andreassi said. “It's a pretty good basketball team we got coming up.”

KNOCH 39

Abbey Shearer 1 1-2 3, Nevaeh Ewing 6 0-0 15, Nina Shaw 0 1-2 1, Madilyn Boyer 3 2-2 8, Lauren Cihonski 4 3-4 12. Totals: 14 8-11 39.

FREEPORT 53

Harley Holloway 3 0-0 7, Samantha Clark 4 0-0 9, Madeline Clark 3 1-2 8, Grace Soilis 3 0-1 6, Sidney Shemanski 4 3-3 11, Louisa Fennell 1 0-0 3, Melaina Dezort 2 4-4 8. Totals: 20 8-10 53.

Knoch 8 14 9 8 — 39

Freeport17 14 11 11 — 53

3-point goals: Knoch 3 (Ewing 3); Freeport 5 (Holloway, S. Clark, M. Clark, Soilis, Fennell).

Monday: North Catholic at Knoch; Freeport at Indiana