Spartans win first battle with the Knights

After Glenn Hills beat Evans on Tuesday in the first meeting between the new region rivals, players from each team had parting shots for the other side.

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The Spartans' 53-46 victory on Evans' home floor was dotted with 71 free throws. The Knights missed 21 of their 37 attempts at the line.

"They weren't better than us," Evans' Tony Davis said. "We beat ourselves at the free-throw line."

Glenn Hills, which claimed the Class AAA title last season before being bumped up, was ranked No. 7 in the Class AAAA coaches poll entering Tuesday's game. The Knights were ranked No. 10. The teams are expected to contend for the top spot out of Region 3-AAAA.

It was understandable, then, that the two teams haven't exactly struck a quick friendship.

"They wasn't all up to the big hype," Spartans forward Shawn Allen said. "Looks can be deceiving."

Evans won its first five games before playing host to the Spartans. Glenn Hills looked to be one of the more athletic teams the Knights have faced.

The Spartans used it to their advantage during the fourth quarter.

Glenn Hills coach Travis McRae wanted to spread the floor to bring the Knights out of their zone and also to run some clock. When Evans went man-to-man, the Spartans converted two quick layups.

"I kind of think with the lineup they had in there at the time, we could kind of control the clock," McRae said. "And if we needed to get to the basket, we could."

McRae's team found it difficult to get to the basket before the fourth quarter, at least without the whistle blowing.

The teams combined to shoot 38 free throws in the first half and nearly matched the number during the second half, though the Knights inflated the number with intentional fouls late in the game.

"I think a lot of the stuff was kind of touchy," McRae said. "That's a real abnormal amount of free throws to shoot in a half of a game."

Evans had trouble getting their attempts to fall despite the fact the Knights try to shoot 20 free throws or more each during practice. Davis said he and his teammates might not have the right mentality during those sessions.

The teams will have a chance to iron out their differences again on Jan. 20.

The players might not be afraid to share how they feel about the matchup, but the coaches used more tact Tuesday.

"They're a very good team," Evans coach Kevin Kenny said. "There's no doubt about that."

Area Roundup

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Greenbrier Girls 45, Lakeside 43

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