Eisenhower came out on top 61-49, but had to work for the win as the visiting Eagles put up a gritty performance.

The Eagles (1-15, 0-9) won the tip and quickly drained two deep 3-pointers by Alex Hill and went up 6-0 before the Knights’ Curt Darling returned the favor by hitting the next 5 points.

The Knights (9-7, 6-2) would play tenacious defense and took advantage of Eagles’ turnovers to go on a 14-2 run to close out the quarter up 19-10.

The had some success early shooting the ball but I was proud of my team,” Eisenhower head coach Ryan Mangini said. “They settled down and played solid defense.”

Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger Youngsville’s Blake Myers drives to the hoop.

The Eagles — behind a big night from Kobe Hendrickson, who chipped in 15 points — stayed within striking distance making the score 36-20 at the half.

“I thought in the second half our half-court trap caused them some trouble and our guys played tough defense,” Mangini said. “I thought Jake Venman played a nice game on both sides of the ball. It was nice to see his aggression on the boards in the second half.”

The Knights built a nice lead and with three minutes to go Mangini put in some of his younger players.

“We have some big road games coming up so it was nice to get the starters some rest,” Mangini said. “We need to be ready.”

The Knights are solidly in second place in the region. They travel to Union City tonight and play Cochranton on Friday night. Both games will have an impact on postseason playoff seeding.

“Tonight’s game against Union City is just a huge game for us,” Mangini said. “We have to play our game. I know the guys are ready. I’m excited for the opportunity.”

The coach had high praise for his seniors Curt Darling, Jake Venman and Thakari Warren.

“What a great job by those three, all are great leaders and play very unselfishly,” Mangini said. “They will be missed next year for sure.”

The Knights’ Wyatt Lookenhouse took game high-scoring honors with 21 while Hendrickson had 15 for the Eagles.

The Knights won the jayvee contest 62-24. They were led by Johnny Palmieri’s 25 points while the Eagles’ Talon Mesel led his team with 11 points.

YOUNGSVILLE (49)

Senz 1 0 2, Curry 2 0 5, TMesel 0 0 0, Hendrickson 7 1 15, Lucks 1 0 2, KMesel 3 3 9, Myers 3 2 8, Hill 3 0 8. Totals 20 6 49.

EISENHOWER (61)

Darling 6 2 16, Black 1 0 2, Venman 3 1 7, Palmieri 0 0 0, Bunk 2 1 5, Seymour 0 0 0, Hunt 4 0 8, Lookenhouse 9 0 21, Mandeville 0 0 0, Warren 1 0 2. Totals 26 4 61.

3-point goals–Curry, Hill 2, Darling 2, Lookenhouse 3.

Youngsville 10 10 9 20 — 49

Eisenhower 19 17 14 11 — 61

Jayvees: Eisenhower won 62-24.