In the first round of the 2024 N.C. High School Athletic Association’s 4A playoffs, Knightdale High School’s varsity boys basketball team emerged victorious in a tough defensive game, defeating Hillside High 49-38 on the road.

Knightdale came in second place in the NAC 6 Conference while Hillside took third place in the DAV-VI Conference.

Antonio Watson, a former player for the Knights, claimed his first victory as head coach of the Knightdale team in the playoffs. He was also recognized as the NAC 6 Coach of the Year for this season.

The match was characterized as a defensive struggle. Initially, both teams struggled to understand the opposing team’s zone defense strategy.

The senior forward Khalel Sanders led the Knights with a total of 20 points. Additionally, the junior forward Zarion Williams contributed eight points and recorded at least 10 blocks.

The offense began to improve during the middle of the second quarter. Hillside scored two consecutive 3-pointers, bringing the score to 17-15 with four minutes remaining in the first half.

At the end of the first half, Hillside was ahead with a score of 22-20.

At the beginning of the second half, a crucial three-point shot from Sanders of Knightdale brought the score to 25-22.

Afterwards, Williams from Knightdale scored free throws, expanding the lead to 29-22. Additional free throws by Isaiah Green increased the lead to 31-22 at the 4:25 mark in the third quarter.

Joshua Basnight from Hillside interrupted the streak with a layup while transitioning, bringing the score to 31-24. However, Jadon Williams from Knightdale quickly countered with a three-pointer, extending the lead to 10 points.

After a two-minute interval, Basnight responded with a three-pointer. Followed by consecutive lay-ins from Hillside’s Khaliq Lassiter, bringing the score to 34-31.

The score was altered to 36-31 in the final quarter due to Knightdale’s successful free throws in the last minute.

There wasn’t much action in the first 2 and a half minutes of the fourth quarter. Following a break, Knightdale was ahead 38-32 with 5:32 remaining.

Sanders’ rebound and shot increased the score to 40-32. A time out was requested with 4:18 remaining.

The time left on the clock was 3:55 when Jayde Braswell from Hillside was fouled and successfully made both of her free throws.

Meanwhile, Sanders scored a basket and drew a foul, giving the Knights a 43-34 lead with 3:30 remaining.

Unable to find a match between a make and a stop, Hillside was unable to reduce the lead.

Source: highschoolot.com