Knights Nip Rockets

It will be a change of scenery for Kingsland girls basketball this season.  Just one year after winning an SEC-East title (shared with Houston), the Knights got exported to the SEC-West.  It’s the conference’s tougher division, given the presences of recent-memory state-ranked squads Grand Meadow and Lyle/Pacelli.  In their first tough conference test of the year, the Knights eked out a 68-67 victory over solid Randolph. Kingsland led by four late only to foul a three-point shooter.  Megan Erickson made all three for the one-point margin.  The Knights missed a bunch of free throws (8 of 20 in the second half, 18 of 35 for the game), but used their depth to get the victory.  Starter Shelby Beck missed most of the game to injury.  Ellie Buchholtz (13 pts, 6 rebs) missed most of the first half due to fouls.  Merredith Farlinger (11 pts, 9 rebs, 4 blks), plus bench players Audrey Webster (12 pts, 6 rebs) and Emily Miner (10 pts, 16 rebs), gave team double-K four in double figures.  Alyssa Link added 7 points (all in the second half).  Anika Reiland hustled to 8 rebounds.  Alexys Harwood actually had the game-deciding point, a late free throw.  Erickson had 23 to lead Randolph (2-1).  Kingsland improves to 1-0, 2-1.