The Nordonia Knights won their home game this past weekend against the non-conference Aurora Greenmen, leaving them to a record of 14-3. The game was held at Nordonia High School in Macedonia, OH. With the defeat, Aurora moves to 3-15 on the year.
Nordonia took a lead in the first 8 minutes of the quarter, with a 4 point deficit at 7 minutes and 45 seconds. Aurora was quick to strike back with a layup, making the game a 2 point deficit. Joey Palinkas was on a roll in the 1st quarter, his offense was magnificent with strategic ways for taking back the ball and shooting. Liam Gopalakrishna also had made a stunting 3-pointer with 5 minutes and 13 seconds remaining in the 1st quarter. Nordonia kept a 3 point lead throughout the first quarter, ending the first quarter at 15-18.
The 2nd quarter started off strong for the boys. Just 20 seconds into the game, the Knights had scored 2-points, making the game 15-20. Both the defense and offense from both teams showed confidence; as Aurora was mainly silent during the 1st quarter; so to see their defense take off was amazing. With 5 minutes and 44 seconds left, the Greenmen made a comeback to tie the game. Some of Nordonia’s key players, Trevor Turnball, Joey Palinkas, and Mitchell Wiechecki, the game was kept close. With 2 minutes and 14 seconds remaining in the game, Landon Naylor shot a 3-pointer to make the game 33-31. At the half, the game had a 2-point deficit at 33-35.
Although they kept falling short at the quarters, Aurora was putting up a fight. With Aurora’s Zach Anzells tying the game at 35, it was an interesting way to start the 3rd quarter. Nordonia’s Isaac Cherry put the first 2-points of the half on the board for the Knights. The Knights Landon Naylor had also had a helping hand to Issac Cherry’s two points, with a layup of his own to put the Knights at a 4 point lead. They put up a fantastic run throughout the 3rd quarter; with strong defense and offense against the Greenmen. At the end of the 3rd, the Knights led by 5 with a score of 45-50.
The Knights did not hesitate in the 4th quarter. Joey Palinkas started the quarter off with a clear 3 point shot with 30 seconds into the game. Khari Alamin came up with 6 minutes and 11 seconds into the game with a 2-point layup, keeping the Knights lead intact. Both teams kept it close; all throughout the 4th quarter, keeping at least a 6 point game. Both teams stayed silent for a little while, until Isaac Cherry took it upon himself to make a magnificent layup, to extend the lead for the Knights, making the game 53-61. Overall, the Greenmen and Knights stayed close together within score, with defense and offense strong from both sides. With a 4 point lead, the Knights won the game with a score of 63-67.
The game also featured a halftime performance by Nordonia’s Youth Cheerleaders.
After a tough loss to the Stow-Munroe Falls Bulldogs, the Knights will face off against the Brecksville-Broadview Heights in a conference game at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School on Friday, February 10th at 7:30 pm.
