Balanced scoring and tenacious
defense adds another league
win to Knights record

George Edgar

(Sports Writer)

He’s baaaaaack.

But he didn’t play.

Jalen Davis was suited up and ready to go, coming back from a ankle injury suffered on January 3. But it turns out the Bremerton Knights didn’t need him in their Olympic League game against the North Mason Bulldogs.

So, even though he was ready to go, Jalen Davis watched from the sideline, as the Knights broke open a tight game in the second quarter and went on to rout the Bulldogs 81-30 in the Eathorne Gym.

Though he didn’t play, Jalen’s presence on the sideline in uniform was a big boost to his teammates.

“He’s just recovering right now,” said Jr. Davis-McWhorter. “But knowing he’s there, cheering us on, supporting us, always it makes us go harder.”

Added sophomore post Jay Beahan, “He just boosted the team in general with his confidence.”

“His morale is always good,” said coach Miah Davis. “He has a good aura around him, and he’s always there for the team. I know his team understands that it’s for them, whether or not he’s suiting up. It’s all about how we get the W. He’s doing a good job talking to his teammates during the game time situations. It’s good that he was engaged, though he knows he can’t play.”

Though Jalen did suit and more than likely ready to go, the situation was that the Knights didn’t need to play him.

“You need to have an ace in the hole,” coach Davis said. “He’s ready to play, he’s in condition. Another day off for him is going to be beneficial for him Tuesday.”

The Knights were up 18-11 after the first quarter, then proceeded to open up on the Bulldogs in the second. They forced them into 11 turnovers in the quarter, and limited them to nine field goal attempts.

Bremerton led 46-20 at halftime, and continued the onslaught in the third. They had a 40 point lead late in the quarter, triggering the mercy rule clock the rest of the game.

Defense was the name of the game against the Bulldogs, limiting them to 13 of 40 field goal shooting, and forcing 25 turnovers.

“When we practice without Jalen, we’ve been only working on defense,” said Beahan. “Our offense will come if we work on our defense.”

The offense came with Aaron Matthews leading the Knights with 18 points and seven assists. Jr. Davis-McWhorter had 17 points, Enoch Taylor 14 points and six assists, and Beahan had 12 points, eight rebounds, and three blocked shots.

The Knights also got a spark in the second quarter by Kaliam Hunter, hitting a trio of three-pointers, that helped break open the game.

“Everyone’s there’s for a reason,” coach Davis said of Hunter. “He’s one of the hardest worker in practice. Just keep on preparing for today. Your preparation gives you purpose, and your passion takes over. That’s the way he was playing tonight.”

Bremerton will play at Bainbridge on Tuesday night. Jalen Davis will be suited up again, and this time, most likely on the court.

North Mason - 11 9 8 2 - 30

Bremerton - 18 28 27 8 - 81

A. Matthews - 18 pts 2 reb 7 ast 4 stl 1 blk

J. McWhorter - 17 pts 3 reb 1 ast 2 to

E. Taylor - 14 pts 5 reb 6 ast 2 stl 1 to

J. Beahan - 12 pts 8 reb 2 stl 3 blk

K. Hunter - 9 pts 2 reb 2 ast 3 stl 1 to

M. Lomuda - 6 pts 4 reb 1 ast 5 stl 1 to

T. Medina - 4 pts 2 reb 3 ast 3 stl 2 to

George Edgar

(Sports Writer)

edgar7892@yahoo.com