Knights fought through

their malaise to defeat

Olympic at home

George Edgar

(Sports Writer)

It may not be the old days of East vs. West, but when the Bremerton Knights and the Olympic Trojans play on the court, it can evoke the Warren Avenue Bridge rivalry of old.

The Knights jumped out to an early first quarter lead before they had a second quarter malaise and a sudden spark from the Trojans that made things interesting between the two, as well as a fight that broke out in the stands.

In the end, the Knights fought through their malaise and regained control of the game en route to a 66-48 win over the Trojans.

“I told the boys this was our rival, but it seemed the rivalry was in the stands,” Bremerton coach Miah Davis said in the locker room. “Nevertheless, we played down to their level, we missed 13 or 14 layups. We had a better start today, But it was one of the ugliest wins we’ve ever had.”

Bremerton had a 22-9 lead after one quarter, as D’Angelo Moore and Ruppe Wilson hit threes early for the lead. But the Knights lost their rhythm in the second quarter, making only two field goals, as Olympic made it close and only trailed 26-16 at halftime.

“We missed a lot of layups,” Davis said, “and when you miss layup you give the other team the opportunity to run and crash the boards. When we miss layups, it takes the air out of us.”

Olympic showed signs of life, cutting the lead to six at one point early in the third quarter before they reasserted themselves and began to pull away.

The game was stopped with under a minute left in the third quarter when a fight broke out in the upper rows of the bleachers. Security went into the bleachers and escorted some fans out before play was allowed to resume. From then, the Knights were in control the rest of the game.

“It wasn’t too bad,” senior post Faizon Frost said about the melee in the stands. “It doesn’t really happen here. We got a bad reputation but we don’t do all things they say. That was crazy, but it didn’t really mess with us.”

D’Angelo Moore led Bremerton with 18 points, and Wilson added 16 points and 10 rebounds. Kanye Taylor had an off night but still scored 13 points.

The Knights also got good minutes from bench players Frost, Oliver Christian, and Dayton Moore. With Bremerton playing five games in six days this week, rest and preparation will be key for both starters and bench players.

“I’m ready to put my body on the line,” Frost said. “I’ve been rested all season. I’m ready for this big stretch.”

That stretch includes two games with the top ranked North Kitsap Vikings, both Tuesday in Eathorne Gym and Saturday in Poulsbo.

“That’s the game plan,” said Davis. “I told everyone be ready when they get in there, stay in there. Faizon and all the guys played well.”