Times Observer photo by Steve Younger Eisenhower’s Austin Hanson puts up a shot during Tuesday’s Region 3 boys basketball game against Saegertown in Russell.

RUSSELL — Eisenhower freshman Austin Hanson scored 27 points Tuesday night as the Knights beat the Saegertown Panthers 51-41 in Region 3 boys basketball.

The victory improved the Knights to 9-2 overall and put them in sole possession of first place in the region.

Hanson was a perfect 9 for 9 from the free-throw line. He set the tone early for Eisenhower as he scored six of the Knights’ 10 points in the opening quarter as they jumped out to a 10-6 lead.

Eisenhower’s pressure defense made it hard for the Panthers to get off a clean shot in the second quarter and the Knights held Saegertown to just 8 points in the period.

Hanson added 11 more points including back-to-back 3-pointers to close the quarter as the Knights led 26-14 at halftime.

Eisenhower came out of the locker room determined to not let the game get away, but Saegertown came out aggressive and managed to cut the Knights’ lead to 36-28 at the end of three quarters, setting the stage for a gutsy fourth quarter by both teams.

The Panthers had chances to cut into the Knights’ lead, but Hanson added 4 more points and teammate Gavin Lindemuth scored 3 points to increase the lead to 10 points at the end.

Eisenhower was led by Hanson’s 27 points, while Saegertown was led by Cody Huson’s 11 points.

In jayvee action, the Panthers defeated the Knights 44-20.

SAEGERTOWN (41)

LGardner 0 0 0, Jones 1 2 4, Wilkinson 0 0 0, Young 5 0 10, Shaffer 0 0 0, Huson 3 4 11, Draa 3 1 7, Scott 3 0 9. Totals 15 7 41.

EISENHOWER (51)

Black 3 3 9, Wonderling 0 0 0, Bunk 2 0 4, Seymour 3 2 8, Hanson 8 9 27, Guiher 0 0 0, Lindemuth 1 1 3. Totals 17 15 51.

3-point goals–Huson, Scott 3, Hanson 2.

Saegertown 6 8 14 13 — 41

Eisenhower 10 16 10 15 — 51

Jayvee: Saegertown won 44-20.