Cherry leads Knights to Victory over Rival Broncos

Phoenix - Junior Forward Jeremiah Cherry scored 15 points and added 12 rebounds as the Knights renewed their rivalry with Brophy in a grinding 59-54 win at Brophy. The game was part of the Hoophall West event which features games around the Valley and live streamed on the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame website. This eight day event will also feature the Knights one more time in their game against Peoria next Thursday at Saint Mary's.

Tonight however was even more special considering their rival counterpart is off to a great start in their own season. "We knew this was going to be tough, tough game," said Cherry, "Brophy is really fundamental and they play well together." Cherry poured in 9 points in the 3rd quarter that saw the Knights rebound from a dismal start and overtake the Broncos. Big baskets and plays from Senior guard Keiren Brown (12 points, all in second half), Junior guard Garrison Phelps (9 points), and Sophomore guard Jason Fontenet (9 points) kept the Knights ahead long enough in the 4th to keep the victory in tow. "The team really pulled together when we needed it most," stated Fontenet, "we kept our composure when it got tighter in the fourth, but made plays when we needed to make plays."

The Knights defense came up large in the 4th quarter, holding the Broncos scoreless for a period of time. With the Knights clinging to a two point lead, the Knights closed it out with two highly contested 3-point shots missing off the rim for the Broncos and rebounded by the Knights. Fontenet, Brown and Phelps combined to make 8 of their 10 free throw attempts late in the 4th to help the Knights close out the game for the win.

"We are all happy for each other, but most importantly, we are happy for the Saint Mary's family," said Brown, "this game means so much to everyone who's ever donned the green and white and we are just happy we came out on top and represented our Saint Mary's family well. This was a big win for all of us."

The Knights are now 2-1 on the year and will play next on Friday, January 29th at Shadow Mountain in a Skyline Region game. The game will broadcast live on YouTube at WeAreSMhoops at 7 p.m. with Chris Fahrendorf and Alex Coil calling the game for the Knights.