On Saturday, in the middle of a beautiful afternoon, the Lopez Lobos put up a strong fight but fell 36-54 to the Knights in a grueling and well-matched game.

The Lobos and the Knights spent the first five minutes of the game feeling each other out, trying not to telegraph shots, probing for offensive openings in the key and in the formation of defensive set ups under the net. Both teams were careful and clashed in guarding, but both also exhibited great athletic control. The Knights scored first on the rebound. Benching more seniors than Lopez, the Knights played a savvy game and took advantage of fast breaks down the court. Both teams kept up the chatter within ranks, giving feedback and positive assistance to each other as the game went one way, then another.

Shawn Samuels put it in first for the Lobos scoring finally on a hole in the Knights’ defense. But the Knights were quick to answer, and the Lobos gave too much of an opening to one player who scored outside the key. Both teams kept up and Lopez began executing some of its offensive plays; Keldon Jardine had some nice runs down the court, putting him in good position for his teammates’ layups. Alex Buffum put hard pressure on the Knights’ top scorer, and Willam Carson as well fought to shoot for points, in and outside the key. The game was tense in the first half as each team fought for dominance.

Colton Jardine, in bright yellow stockings, came in and leapt in the face of the ball-carrier. He brought an explosive energy to the game that gave a great boost to the Lopez Lobos. The pace began to pick up on both sides. Michael Lease subbed in as well and muscled under the net for rebounds while Kevin Dengler took several shots, and made a three pointer. The teams were well matched in size, temperament, and skill, and each quarter was close in points. Fouling was also kept to a dull roar and in the fourth quarter the Knights began to pull ahead.

The Lopez Lobos played again on Tuesday, Jan. 20, against Grace Academy at Grace.