The Knights started fast, highlighted by 7 points from Lainey Belcher, to help build a 15-6 first-quarter lead.

Eisenhower’s aggressive press defense created turnovers in the second period. Freshman Clara Steinberg took advantage and scored 7 of her game-high 18 points and teammate Lily Smythe added 6 points as the Lady Knights led 33-16 at the half.

To start the third quarter the Lady Eagles’ shots began to drop and they were able to chip into the deficit, led by freshman Riley Robinault’s 4 points, but a 3-pointer by Lainey Font opened the lead back up and Eisenhower led 45-24 heading into the final eight minutes.

Steinberg led all scorers with 18 points, while teammates Lilly Smythe and Font chipped in 12 and 11 respectively. The Lady Eagles were led by Robinault’s 12 points. Teammates Shea Walton and Zaylee Cressley both added 8.

Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger Eisenhower’s Lainey Font lays in two of her 11 points.

“I was proud of our team tonight,” Eisenhower coach DJ Steinberg said. “We learned a lot from our first game with them. Youngsville always plays us tough, so we knew it was going to be a physical game. Our freshmen played a lot tonight. It was good to see them play aggressively the whole game. It was good to see Lilly have such a nice game under the hoop for us.”

The Lady Knights also won the junior varsity game 18-11. Eisenhower was led by Samantha Childs with10 points while Youngsville was paced by Robinault’s 9 points.