Early run seals Cape Central win over Knights
FARMINGTON – The Farmington Knights gave their fans high hopes as they drilled two threes to start the game, but it would be the last time they would hold the lead as the district rival Cape Central Tigers went on a 16-2 run and never faltered the rest of the way for a 57-41 win.
Mike Pinkley hit the first three for the Knights after a Cape Central turnover, and Aaron Hargiss made good on a second on the Knights’ second possession, but Cape Central’s Al Young scored the next seven for an 11 point quarter complete with a steal, a dunk, and a three-pointer. Young led all players in the game with 18 points.
Andre’ Statam hit back to back from downtown for a 24-13 Tigers’ lead, and Young tapped in an offensive rebound to close out the quarter at 26-13.
Farmington’s Jordan Ankrom hit a three and a 10-footer for Farmington’s last two baskets of the quarter. Pinkley made good on two free throws to give both players five points in the quarter, the most by any Knight in any quarter.
Farmington (2-4) closed down Cape’s perimeter shooting in the second quarter, and while the Tigers hit a cold spot offensively in their game, the Knights were able to close to within nine late in the half with Pinkley connecting for a second time from the circle.
Cape Central picked up their offensive game to start the third quarter in gaining a 15-point lead, but for the last six minutes they were content to eat the clock with one possession lasting three minutes before they took a shot, and two others eating up a minute each.
Farmington scored only six in the third quarter, with Ankrom adding four to his team-high 13 points. Ankrom collected a double-double with 10 rebounds and also blocked a shot which aroused a loud cheer from Farmington’s student body section.
Cape Central (7-1) continued their game delay in the fourth quarter, scoring only two baskets and making good on 6-8 free throws. The Tigers were 9-13 at the line and 6-10 from downtown. Farmington 2-2 on free throws and 5-14 from the circle. Cape Central pulled down 31 rebounds to Farmington’s 22.
Jordan Pfister nailed a three from the right side in the fourth and Pinkley and Connor Gaige both scored off an offensive rebound.
Farmington will play next in the Central Christmas Tournament as the No. 6 seed against No. 11 Perryville on Saturday.
Mike Pinkley drives to the basket in the second quarter for Farmington. Pinkley scored 10 points for the Knights, including two threes.
Jordan Ankrom lets loose of a 10 foot shot in the first quarter for Farmington. Ankrom scored 13 and made 10 rebounds in the game to lead the team in both categories.
