Knights defeat John Hancock in region play

Chance Spratlin poured in 25 points as the Bethlehem Christian Academy Knights defeated visiting John Hancock 63-46 Tuesday.

The win was the seventh in the last nine games for BCA, who also improved to 3-3 in GISA Region 1-A. The Knights are now 11-9 overall.

The first game between the schools this season went to double overtime, but Spratlin’s performance helped BCA take care of business in just four quarters in the rematch.

“This win will give us a No. 3 seed at least for the region tournament,” coach Mark Barth said. “There is a chance we could finish as the No. 2 seed. We’ll need to win Friday against Thomas Jefferson to have a chance.”

Niko Mailloux added 19 points Tuesday night while Ben Morgan finished with eight points and 17 rebounds. In the past two contests, Morgan has had 34 boards.

The Knights led 31-16 at haltime, but had to endure a second half run by JHA.

The Rebels pulled to within 40-37 with 2:40 left in the third quarter before a 3-pointer by Spratlin and a basket by Jacob Fincher helped give BCA a little breathing room.

“We answered their run and were able to pull away,” Barth said. “We are getting better at the right time. We just need to keep working.”

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The BCA Lady Knights fell 39-23 Tuesday to John Hancock, but coach Mike Elmankabady was pleased by his team’s effort.

Sarah Beth Adams was not expected to play Tuesday night but managed to take the court and score a team-high 12 points.

“The game got away from us in the second quarter,” Elmankabady said. “By the fourth, I told the girls to try and win that quarter. We ended up outscoring them 9-4 in the final eight minutes.”

New varsity player Hannah Wilson also drew her coach’s praise for her effort Tuesday night.

“We’ve had to adjust the roster some recently, so it has been good to see everyone playing well together,” the Lady Knight coach said.

Ravyn Harrison scored five points Tuesday while Maggie Barth added four.

The Bethlehem Christian Academy varsity teams will Thomas Jefferson Friday in Region 1-A action beginning at 6 p.m.