A 13-0 run in the first two minutes of the third quarter extended a 10-point halftime lead and allowed the Knights to cruise to the comfortable win.
"That was really important because we're only up 10," said LNC coach Aaron Reeves of the Knights' fast start to the second half. "If we come out flat, that's a whole new ball game."
The Knights (3-2) trailed by a point after the first quarter, but stepped up defensively in the second and third quarters, allowing just eight points in each. Juniors Alex Scearce and Davis Elkins led the way for the Knights, posting 19 and 15 points, respectively.
However, there were plenty of other contributors as well, as every player on the LNC roster scored.
"Not everybody's always going to get in the game, so games like this always help the morale," said Reeves. "It helps them understand that their hard work is paying off."
With the Knights 1-0 entering Friday's road game at East Lincoln, Reeves is pleased to start conference play with a convincing win.
"It's always important to get off to a good start so that you're not behind the eight-ball," he said. "Cherryville is a good, established program, and we're still trying to get established. It's always good to get off right out of the gate with a win."
Despite the lopsided victory, Reeves is still looking for a more complete defensive effort from the Knights as they move deeper into conference play.
"We've got to start off better defensively," he said. "We're trying to hold teams under 15 points a quarter. First half, defensively we didn't come out well, but we responded in the second half."
Lady Knights keep rolling
The LNC girls extended their winning streak to four games with a 57-44 victory over Cherryville Tuesday.
The Lady Knights improved to 4-1 on the season and 1-0 in Southern Piedmont play.
"It's nice to get that first (conference) win under our belts," said LNC coach Bobby Williams. "We played sloppy, but still got out of here with the win."
The Lady Knights led by as many as 16 in the fourth quarter, but saw that lead chopped to just eight with three minutes remaining before pulling away at the foul line late.
Senior Jamie Williams paced the Lady Knights with 14 points despite not playing in the first quarter.
Sophomore Ezzine Mbamalu contributed 10 points to go with her game-high 22 rebounds.
"Generally, when it comes off the rim, if she's anywhere near it, she's going to get it," said Bobby Williams. "She's learning more and more everyday, and we get a few extra possessions because of her every game."
With East Lincoln on the docket for Friday, coach Williams is focused on cleaning up the performances as the team gains more experience.
"We're still young. I say that every year, but we only have two seniors," he said. "We play young with silly mistakes and immature mistakes. But we're learning."
