ROYALS OWN THE COURT AT KNAPPA
The showdown of two of the state's top long-range shooters never materialized Tuesday night.
Both Knappa and Portland Christian game-planned to make sure the other team's sharpshooter would not get off any unmolested sniping. Unfortunately for Warrenton, the game plan could not account for the other 11 healthy bodies that the Royals put on the floor.
Showcasing the remarkable depth they hope to ride to a championship, the top-ranked Royals rolled to a 74-45 victory over the Loggers at Knappa.
While Portland Christian's senior bomber Jesse Severson was a virtual non-factor, very few teams have effectively slowed down future Warner Pacific point guard Elijah Monnes. The 5-8, 4-year starter, who switched to off-guard occasionally to allow a freshman to get his feet wet at the point, led all scorers with 15 points. Monnes accounted for many more points than that, with his slicing drives drawing defenders away from teammates and six steals keying Portland Christian's transition game.
"There's a reason they are number one," said Knappa head coach Craig Cokley. "They are deep with a lot of nice size and everybody is a great shooter."
Although Severson was limited to two points at the free throw line, others picked up the slack, knocking down open three pointers set up by Monnes' penetration. The Royals connected on seven three pointers from four different players, while Jon Nuttleman worked the glass for six rebounds and 12 points.
Knappa's top two scorers on the season, Isom and fellow senior guard Brian Riffe, were held to a combined 11 points, with Isom connecting on two 3-pointers as Riffe was 0-for-7 from the field. Paul Isom led the Loggers with 10 points, before fouling out in the fourth quarter. Steven Bokor got a rare start and produced nine points and 12 rebounds for Knappa, while drawing primary defensive duties on the speedy Monnes.
"Monnes is just so dynamic," said Cokley. "He puts a lot of pressure on defenses because he reads situations so quickly and makes the correct decision. then he has a nice cast around him that once that decision is made, they know how to take advantage of it."
The Loggers dropped their first Northwest League game, falling to 4-1, 8-7 overall. The Royals improved their league record to a perfect 4-0, 11-2 overall, remaining a half game behind first place De La Salle, which defeated Nestucca 61-38. Nestucca is Knappa's next opponent, visiting the Loggers Friday night. Knappa then travels to north Portland to take on De La Salle next Tuesday.
"We're in pretty good shape," said Cokley. "If we can get that number two spot out of our league, that will ensure us a home game in the district playoffs and give us a legitimate shot to get to state. I think our guys are capable of that."
Both Knappa and Portland Christian game-planned to make sure the other team's sharpshooter would not get off any unmolested sniping. Unfortunately for Warrenton, the game plan could not account for the other 11 healthy bodies that the Royals put on the floor.
Showcasing the remarkable depth they hope to ride to a championship, the top-ranked Royals rolled to a 74-45 victory over the Loggers at Knappa.
While Portland Christian's senior bomber Jesse Severson was a virtual non-factor, very few teams have effectively slowed down future Warner Pacific point guard Elijah Monnes. The 5-8, 4-year starter, who switched to off-guard occasionally to allow a freshman to get his feet wet at the point, led all scorers with 15 points. Monnes accounted for many more points than that, with his slicing drives drawing defenders away from teammates and six steals keying Portland Christian's transition game.
"There's a reason they are number one," said Knappa head coach Craig Cokley. "They are deep with a lot of nice size and everybody is a great shooter."
Although Severson was limited to two points at the free throw line, others picked up the slack, knocking down open three pointers set up by Monnes' penetration. The Royals connected on seven three pointers from four different players, while Jon Nuttleman worked the glass for six rebounds and 12 points.
Knappa's top two scorers on the season, Isom and fellow senior guard Brian Riffe, were held to a combined 11 points, with Isom connecting on two 3-pointers as Riffe was 0-for-7 from the field. Paul Isom led the Loggers with 10 points, before fouling out in the fourth quarter. Steven Bokor got a rare start and produced nine points and 12 rebounds for Knappa, while drawing primary defensive duties on the speedy Monnes.
"Monnes is just so dynamic," said Cokley. "He puts a lot of pressure on defenses because he reads situations so quickly and makes the correct decision. then he has a nice cast around him that once that decision is made, they know how to take advantage of it."
The Loggers dropped their first Northwest League game, falling to 4-1, 8-7 overall. The Royals improved their league record to a perfect 4-0, 11-2 overall, remaining a half game behind first place De La Salle, which defeated Nestucca 61-38. Nestucca is Knappa's next opponent, visiting the Loggers Friday night. Knappa then travels to north Portland to take on De La Salle next Tuesday.
"We're in pretty good shape," said Cokley. "If we can get that number two spot out of our league, that will ensure us a home game in the district playoffs and give us a legitimate shot to get to state. I think our guys are capable of that."
posted by Matt Richert at 11:31 AM
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