Cold Start: Shooting woes hurt in boys loss

FRANKTON — Eastern Hancock remembers Frankton’s Maurice Knight quite well.

The 6-foot-4 Knight, who is long and athletic with a bounce in his step, scored 25 points in a 74-60 win against the Royals last season. The senior forward continued his success against Eastern Hancock on Tuesday, netting 10 first-half points to help the Eagles secure a 67-44 win at home.

Knight, who also grabbed seven rebounds, finished with a game-high 19 points.

Frankton, which is ranked No. 19 in the Class 2A Associated Press Poll, got everyone involved and used a 17-7 second-quarter to earn its fourth win this season. Five players scored at least eight points for the Eagles, who also received 12 points from sophomore guard Kayden Key.

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For Eastern Hancock (4-4), which finished the game just 16 of 45 from the field, junior guards A.J. Muegge and Brycen Napier led the scoring attack with 11 points each. Addison True added eight points and six rebounds in the loss.

Frankton (4-4) finished the game 30-for-50 from the field, including a 9 of 11 effort in the fourth quarter. The Royals had their highest offensive output in the final quarter, too, but were already in too big of a hole to spark any shot at a comeback.

In a relatively slow first half, Eastern Hancock failed to register a bucket until 2:35 left in the first quarter. Napier, who led the team with six points at halftime, got on the board first as the Royals trailed 12-9 heading into the second frame.

Frankton continued to shoot it well in the second quarter, though, finishing 18 of 13 from the field as it held a 29-16 lead at the break. Junior guard Landon Weins added seven points in the second period for the Eagles, who saw all five starters score in the first half.

The Royals finished the first half 7 of 20 from the field and committed eight turnovers. The Eagles felt right at home and shot 14-for-27.

Also for Eastern Hancock, junior center Jacob Eischen led the team with nine rebounds and added three points.

Knight has scored in double figures in all eight of Frankton’s games this season and is averaging 22 points per game.

The Royals will play again on Friday at home against Cambridge City Lincoln.