It is no doubt the Kings Men’s Basketball

Team is something special this year. This 9-5 team has showed a fighting spirit and ability to overcome obstacles. After starting the season off 0-3 with tough losses to Glen Este and Anderson, the Knights since have gone 9-2, climbed to #9 in the city rankings, and haven’t lost a conference game.

Coach Mike Stevens seems very impressed with this team so far, “I’m most impressed with how resilient these guys are. Their willingness to adjust and adapt to new situations has been outstanding.” 

The Knights have played the top teams in the city very well. Against #1 ranked Moeller, they led the Crusaders at halftime and entered the 4th quarter tied with them before losing 50-63. Against the #2 ranked Mason Comets, the Knights hung close through 3 quarters before the Comets over powered them 44-66. “We take those as a lesson not a loss.” Coach Stevens said. “We need to learn mental toughness through four quarters.”

But the Knights have accumulated a couple quality wins despite those losses. Against Walnut Hills, ranked #8 in the city and leading the ECC, the Knights outplayed the Eagles and came up with a 79-63 victory. And against Milford, who has played the Knights tough the past couple of years, the Knights squad came out with a gutsy 65-63 win. “League games are always important, we can’t afford to slip up.” Coach Stevens said. “We’re only one game behind Walnut Hills, we need to stay tough.”

One thing that keeps the Knights winning is their efficient offense. The Knights offense averages 61.7 points per game thus far, one point higher than last year. Kings is led by top scorers Tyler Mitchell and Clay Spivey, who both average 13.4 points per game. Mitchell also leads the ECC in assists with an average of 4.1 per game, while Spivey makes 55.6% of his three point attempts.

The Knights also have three shooters among the top in the ECC in field goal percentage. Matt Sichterman, Dan Sichterman, and Jake Bedinghaus rank #2, #3, and #4 in that category.

“Our goal is to win out,” Coach Stevens said. “I’d like to win out, but more importantly our players want to win out.” The Knights have seven regular seasons game left, including toughs games against Walnut Hills and Milford.

“We want to make a run in the postseason, but that’s still far away.” Coach Stevens said. For now, the Knights trail one game behind Walnut Hills in the ECC and play in arguably the hardest sectional in the whole state, but with their capable and determined team, an ECC title or a good state tournament run is never out of the question.

The Kings Athletic Department has scheduled a pep rally for next Friday, Feb. 5.

photo: Varsity Views