By David Sharp
Knox County ran their varsity boys record to 14-4 with a 68-47 win over North Shelby in February 12, 2021 non-conference action. The Eagles scored from all over the court, avenging a 65-60 loss to the Raiders during the semifinal round of the North Shelby Tournament.
The Raiders went on to win both the boys and girls tournament championships. Knox County took third place in the boys bracket. The homestanding Eagles defended well, opening play on a 14-3 run.
Rylan Roberts tossed in two second quarter Knox County home run balls during an 18-11 Eagle edge during period two. Knox County led 32-17 at the half.
A solid North Shelby team found their shooting range more often in the second half. JD Rich and Kyle Smith hit three balls, accounting for half of the 12 North Shelby points tallied in the third quarter.
Knox County got to the free throw line and converted, outscoring North Shelby 17-12 in the third period for a 49-26 lead. Knox County made their free throws in the fourth quarter and on the night.
The Eagles sank 16 of 19 free throws. North Shelby went 8-14 from the charity stripe on the night. Knox County tossed in six three pointers to five for North Shelby. North Shelby made 12 field goals to 16 for Knox County.
The Raiders outscored Knox County 21-19 in the fourth quarter. The damage had been done in the opening eight minutes for a 68-47 Knox County win.
Nelson Shinkle led all scorers with 20 KCHS points. Conner Hayes scored 13 points. Braydon Miller was the third Eagle in double figures with 12 points. Jacob Becker scored eight points. Rylan Roberts finished with six points.
Coltin Morrow scored three Knox County points. Elliott Ogden, Blake Parrish and Tanner Gillaspy scored two Eagle points each.
Kyle Smith led North Shelby with 15 points. Silas Presson scored seven Raider points. Carson Orr scored six points. Casey Shockley and JD Rich scored five points each. Landon Bender scored four points and Robert Uhlmeyer added three Raider points.
