Fourth seeded Knox County was able to hold top seed LaPlata under 40 points in their January 25, 2020 North Shelby Tournament championship semifinal match. The Eagles advanced to the boys championship game with a 44-35 win.
The teams were even at seven points each after the first quarter. Knox County went on a 13-6 second quarter run to a 20-13 halftime lead. The Eagles were able to defend without putting the normally sharp shooting Bulldogs on the free throw line.
LaPlata was 4-4 from the free throw line on the night. The Eagles were 6-10 from the line. LaPlata held a 5-4 advantage in made three pointers. Knox County led 28-20 entering the fourth quarter.
Knox County made four of six fourth quarter free throws. The Eagles hung with LaPlata in the final period, outscoring LaPlata by a 16-15 margin in the final eight minutes.
Trent Klocke scored a game high 14 Knox County points. Jacob Becker and Rylan Roberts put in 11 points each. Conner Hayes scored five points.
Tel Wheeler led LaPlata with 11 points. Gage McHenry and Jarrett Buesher scored eight Bulldog points each.
Knox County is scheduled to play South Shelby for the North Shelby Tournament boys championship on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 7:30PM. The Lady Eagles defeated Highland’s JV 60-16 in the consolation semifinal round.
At least two North Shelby Tournament session days were postponed due to inclement weather. Knox County is slated to take on LaPlata in the girls consolation championship game on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 4:30PM.
