Knoch girls roll in opener, post 72-29 win
JEFFERSON TWP — Many high school basketball teams all across the state waited to get on the court for the first time this season.
For Knoch's girls, the anticipation lasted even longer.
The Knights had games scheduled Friday and Saturday that were postponed because of COVID-19 concerns on the opposing teams.
Finally, senior guard Nevaeh Ewing and her teammates took the court Monday night against Highlands.
She was one of three Knoch players to score in double figures as the Knights overwhelmed the visiting Golden Rams, 72-29.
“We were very anxious, really excited to play tonight,” said Ewing. “Jitters often come with the first game of a season, but we were so ready for tonight because of all the preparation.”
Ewing scored 11 of her 15 points in the first half, after which Knoch held a commanding 37-16 edge.
Nina Shaw and Maddie Boyer added 15 and 18 points, respectively, in the win.
Knoch coach Chris Andreassi sees room for improvement, but believes his team can make strides now that the season has officially begun.
“You can practice all you want, but you need to play games to really get better,” he said. “You have to be at game-speed. This was our first opportunity to do that and it showed.”
The Knights had cold shooting spells, several successive possessions that ended in turnovers and struggled at points to get rebounds.
“Things were sporadic at times,” said Andreassi.
The Knights' talent is a mix of upper and underclassmen.
Shaw, Hattie McGraw and Megan Vasas are all sophomores. They combined for 28 points Monday.
“We need the younger players to blend in with the veterans,” said Andreassi. “It's a process.”
“The relationships on this team are awesome,” said Ewing. “Everybody fits right in.
“It helps that the younger players are mature and not just with their attitude. They're really good players, too.”
Knoch's next game is scheduled for next Monday at Freeport, but Andreassi said he hopes to pick up another game for later this week.
HIGHLANDS 29Jocelyn Bielak 3 0-0 9, Casey Teribery 1 0-0 2, Kalleigh Nerone 3 0-0 6, Maria Fabregas 3 1-1 7, Julia DeSanto 2 0-0 5. Totals: 12 1-1 29.
KNOCH 72Maddie Boyer 7 2-3 18, Nina Shaw 6 2-2 15, Hattie McGraw 3 0-0 9, Megan Vasas 1 2-2 4, Nevaeh Ewing 5 3-4 15, Naturelle Ewing 1 0-0 3, Jess Burgard 2 0-0 4, Kenzie McGraw 1 0-0 3, Paige Rogers 0 1-2 1. Totals: 26 10-13 72.Highlands 4 12 13 0 — 29Knoch17 20 18 17 — 723-point goals: Highlands 4 (Bielak 3, DeSanto); Knoch 10 (H. McGraw 3, Ne. Ewing 2, Boyer 2, Shaw, Na. Ewing, K. McGraw).Monday: Knoch at Freeport
