James Kania's 20 Point Performance Leads Eagles to Road Win Over Archrival Knights

It's been a tough year for the Eagles and Knights. Regardless of their success however, it is always a fun and intense rivalry, and Wednesday night was no exception.

The Eagles led 16-14 after one quarter, and the Knights led 22-21 at the half after sophomore Uros Mitrovic hit a three before the first half buzzer. Both teams struggled to get their shots to fall in in the second quarter.

The first half buzzer beater didn't ruffle the Eagles' feathers (no pun intended) as James Kania and company led the way to a 50-42 Eagles win, outscoring the Knights 29-20 in the second half. The Eagles outscored the Knights 19-12 in the third quarter and 10-8 in the fourth quarter.

Kania scored 13 of his 20 points in the second half, including 8 points in the third quarter alone. The 6-3 senior snagged 3 rebounds and shot 2/4 from three.

Seniors Thomas Mercure, and Round Lake transfer LaMarr Pierce contributed as well, as did baseball recruit J.J. Jackson. Mercure had 9 points, 7 of which were in the second half. Pierce finished with 8 points (6 in the first quarter) and 6 rebounds. Jackson had 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Junior point guard Jayden Hunt led the young Knights with 23 points including 12 points of the Knights' 14 points in the first quarter. The formerly mentioned Uros Mitrovic finished with 9 points, 4 boards, and a block. Senior Sergio Janneau had 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals.

The Eagles (3-3 NLCC) and Knights (1-5 NLCC) both head into MLK Weekend with identical 5-12 records. They will next meet at Lakes Friday February 9th.