On Jan 29 the Middletown High School Boys basketball (8-7) took the 45 minute trek to Liberty High school for a clash with the Lions of Liberty. Coming in on a three game losing streak, the Knights fell to .500 for just the second game this season.
“This was probably the most important game of the season so far,” said Knights senior forward, Ben Panther.
The Knights were tied with the inferior Lions heading into third quarter, and knew if they were to get out of this hole they would need to have a big quarter on the defensive end.
Middletown certainly delivered, and held the Lions scoreless in the third. Senior Tim Schumacher, as always, gave the Knights a huge boost on the defensive end, racking up six steals, and contributing three assists.
“Being tied at the half, we knew we had to come out strong in the third,” said Panther. “Our defense carried us into the fourth quarter with a lead.”
After holding Liberty scoreless in the third, the Knights won the second half by a combined score of 27-15.
Despite the rough second half the Lions, with only one victory on the year, held their own against the Knights in the first half, and winning the second quarter 21-19.
Junior Austin Bode led the way for the Lions with 18 points (8-17 FG), and senior David Downs racked up four assists.
The win was a great way to start off a stretch where the Knights play seven of eight on the road.
“Going into this final stretch of the season it was really important to get a win tonight,” said Panther.
The Knights next play Jan. 31 at Linganore, a team they took down by five on Jan. 8.
“This gives us a lot of confidence,” said Panther. “Hopefully we can get a seed in the playoffs.”
