Knox Double Dips On Culver In Doubleheader

The Knox Redskins defended their home court in two games against the Culver Cavaliers in Hoosier North Athletic Conference action on Saturday Night. With the crowd enjoying a festive atmosphere created by the Knox administration, which had a special, Christmas themed photo station, as well as the Redskin Brigade Pep Band, which had Weinberg Gym rocking with Christmas tunes throughout the evening, the fans on both sides were thoroughly entertained!

Oh yeah, there was also some pretty impressive basketball played as well!

Game one of the doubleheader featured the two girls teams taking charge at one another. Neill Minix’s Lady Redskins would jump out to an early lead on the visiting Lady Cavaliers, and would feature a balanced scoring attack throughout the evening on their way to a 54-27 win. The Lady ‘Skins relied on veteran guard Felicity Olejniczak in the first half to carry the bulk of the scoring, as she was able to score 13 of her game-high 19 points in the first half. It would not be a one woman show for the Lady ‘Skins, however. Forward Remi Jordan continued to show her abilities as one of the most effective post players in the area, as she put in 15 points of her own, scoring 8 in the first half and 7 in the second.

Utilizing a lineup that at times consisted of three girls listed at 6’0 or taller (Megan Bolen 6’1, Jordan 6’0, Brianna Korcha 6’0), the Lady Redskins provided defensive headaches for the visitors from Culver all evening. By the end of the game, Knox would tally 17 steals as a team, with 8 of those coming from the 6’0 trio. On the offensive end of the floor, the Redskins would have a great deal of success, with the team doing an incredible job of sharing the ball.

Tammy Shedrow’s Lady Cavaliers were able to put together bright spots as well throughout the evening. Perhaps the biggest boost of the night for Culver came from Senior Alex Temme, whose tenacity from start to finish, earned her a team-high 18 points in the effort. Temme was able to score in all three facets of the game, as she played well inside, knocked down 4-5 free throws, and also was able to connect on two 3-pointers in the effort. She also led the Lady Cavs in rebounding with four.

The Lady Redskins improve to 4-1 on the year and 1-0 in the HNAC, while the Lady Cavaliers drop to 1-5 overall and 0-1 in the HNAC.

In the evening’s second game, the results would be similar as the Redskins were able to pull out a 17-point win against the Cavaliers. It would not be until late in the game that the Redskins would feel comfortable, as the Cavaliers were able to hang in with Redskins fast, physical style of play, countering with their own dose of strength and speed.

The Redskins were able to put together great consistency from start to finish against the Cavaliers. While neither team put up “mind-blowing” statistics, the fundamental play throughout the game was on display in great quantities. The Redskins would be led in scoring by Junior Gunner Wagner who had 18 points, followed by Sophomore Kole McIntire with 16. The Cavaliers would be led in scoring by Senior Donavan Ziaja, who had 12 points in the effort.

Knox was able to outscore the Cavaliers by 9 points at the free throw line, going 14-18 for 77%, compared to Culver’s 5-11 for 45%. The Cavs would have the advantage behind the arc, as they were able to knock down six 3-pointers, with Senior Hunter Manns hitting three of them, while Knox’s lone three-pointer came from Junior Braxton Geller. The Redskins would also hold the advantage in the rebounding category, with guard Zac Rose leading the way pulling down six. Each team had a good deal of success defensively as the Redskins were able to tally seven steals, while Culver put up five. Knox Junior Cade Short would lead the game in that category with four, while Hunter Manns and Jalen King each added two for Culver.

Both teams saw six individuals reach the scoring column. In the end, it would be Knox’s ability to put the ball in the hoop with more consistency, that would be the difference in the ball game. The first half defensive pressure by the Redskins would also prove to be a major factor, as the Redskins would have six of their seven steals in the game recorded in the first two quarters.

It was a very fun, entertaining night at Harold Weinberg Gymnasium in Knox. As we get closer to the Christmas Holiday, it warms the heart to know that we have so many students throughout the Kankakee Valley, who are willing to put in the time and effort to help make memories, not just for themselves, but also for the hundreds of fans and spectators, who look forward to each and every game or competition night, wanting nothing more than to see the young people of their community have success, and help bring pride to their respective communities. With the Holiday Spirit growing each moment, we need to be sure that we take time to fully appreciate how the student athletes of the Kankakee Valley are working to keep our area in a positive light. Whether our favorite teams win or lose, the thing that matters most is the student athlete’s growth as human beings. It has been a great winter sports season thus far, and that is due to the effort of our student athletes. The future is beaming with nothing but hope, as should be the case this time of year!

Individual Scoring

Girls

Knox (54): Felicity Olejniczak-19, Remi Jordan-15, Preston Minix-8, Megan Bolen-6, Katie Fitzgerald-3, Brianna Korcha-3

Culver (27): Alex Temme-18, Sarah Walters-3, Madi Shedrow-2, Lily Hayes-2, Alina Pizur-2

Boys

Knox (56): Kole McIntire-16, Gunner Wagner-16, Cade Short-9, Austin Taulbee-4, Zac Rose-3, Braxton Geller-3

Culver (39): Donavan Ziaja-12, Hunter Manns-9, Owen Valiquet-7, Owen Clingler-4, Braxton Conley-4

*Statistics Provided by Kankakee Valley Broadcasting Staff. These Are Not Official Game Statistics*