JEFFERSON TWP — Kyle Reiser prefers to beat a cornerback instead of getting a putback.

He'd rather wrap up a charging runner instead of taking a charge.

The field goal he likes the best is the one kicked through the goal post instead of shot through the hoop.

But don't get the 6-foot-2 Knoch High senior wrong. He still takes basketball seriously.

A standout on the' football team as a receiver and a defensive back, Reiser was a big reason why the team shared the section crown with Pine-Richland and advanced to the second round of the WPIAL playoffs.

His niche was on offense, where he caught 28 passes for more than 500 yards.

Now a guard-forward on the basketball team, he's getting defensive.

"Kyle is able to guard because of his physical presence and athletic ability," said Knoch coach Chris Andreassi. "He can guard a point guard. He can guard a big guy. He's usually matched up against the other team's best player. That's pretty valuable right there."

Reiser is proving to be very valuable for the Knoch basketball team this year.

But he makes it no secret that football is his game.

"I love football more. I don't know how to explain it," Reiser said.

You'd never know that was the case the way Reiser is dominating the basketball season so far.

He had 24 points against Highlands in a 95-94 triple overtime win Tuesday night and is averaging 10.8 points per game in an offense that revolves around Knoch's big man,Rob Briggs.

Reiser also is doing the little things well on offense: getting assists, rebounds and strawberries on his knees from diving for loose basketballs.

But Reiser's main responsibility is on defense. It's a role he loves.

"That's what I've been asked to do," Reiser said.

His strength on offense is his quickness to the hoop, and he drives the baseline as well as anyone in the section.

"Kyle is still reaching his potential. He hasn't gotten there yet," Andreassi said. "His ability to explode and get to the basket is as good as anyone in our league. He's the one guy who can get to the basket."

AllReiser wants is to get back to the playoffs.

Reiser has no personal goals. Points per game mean little to him if they are not accompanied by wins.

He doesn't feel the urge to peer at the scorebook to see how many baskets he has made, assists he has tallied or rebounds he has snared.

"I don't look at them, ever," he said.