You could also argue this game had a few underlying stories, with Knights coach Ryan Mangini playing for Warren’s Jeff Berdine in high school, and another one is the recent consolidation of the high schools in Warren County. With some Youngsville students going to Eisenhower and some going to Warren, this was definitely more than just another basketball game.

The Knights came out hot, displaying a full-court press. Their constant pressure on the Dragons allowed for 3-pointers from freshmen duo Liam Hanson and Kymani Vine to take a quick 6-0 lead. Jacob McMeans would cash in a three of his own, but Rylan Benton responded, putting the Knights up 11-2. Heavy defensive pressure and turnovers by the Dragons ended the first quarter with Eisenhower leading 24-14.

Ike turned up the heat in the second as Vine, Derek Guiher, and Gavin Reynolds poured in more 3-pointers. The Knights also capitalized and made some tough finishes for a few old-school three-point plays increasing their lead 49-23 going into the half.

The third quarter was all Warren as it responded well coming out of the locker room. An offensive charge led by Allen Eaton and Logan Crissey cut the Dragon deficit to 14, outscoring the Knights by 12 heading into the final quarter.

Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger Eisenhower's Austin Hanson drives to the basket.

The Dragons could get as close as 12 points before the Knights ran away with the game. With two minutes left, Mangini laid off the full-court press, and Eisenhower defeated Warren 79-59 to win the county clash.

“I am very proud of how our guys played, especially with Austin (Hanson) being out 75% of the game,” Mangini said.

Mangini added: “Our effort was there, despite the Warren run. It showed a lot about us tonight. I knew it was going to be a really close game. (Coach Berdine and I) know each other very well. We knew what we were up against. The score is deceiving of how the game went as it was much closer. We prepared a little more for this game and stuck to our game plan.”

Noted Berdine:, “It was a slow start by us as we gave up nine 3-pointers in the first half and had sixteen turnovers. You’re not going to get away with that against a team that handles the ball that well. We played much better in the second half in terms of turnovers, shot selection, and defense, but started slow both nights. We probably got to see the two best teams in AAA this opening weekend. That’s the kind of floor experience this group needs.”

Knights freshman Kymani Vine was instrumental in the victory. Vine had 13 points on the outing and commented, “Going into the game, my thoughts were to just play fast paced, play good defense, and play strong as coach says. We just have to keep doing what we do. If we play as a team, we can win the region and hopefully the district.”

Times Observer Photo by Mark Evans Warren’s Logan Crissey shoots over a pair of Eisenhower defenders.

Vine also commented on playing in front of the home crowd.

“The home court advantage definitely helped. The student section was huge and loud, and I think Warren was a little flustered.”

Allen Eaton led the Dragon scoring with 16 points, followed by Jacob McMeans with 15, Logan Crissey 7, and Lucas Thrift 5.

Six Knights were in double digits. Derek Guiher had 16, Kymani Vine 13, Gavin Reynolds 13, Rylan Benton 12, Liam Hanson 10 and Austin Hanson 10.