Knight boys defeat Moose

PALMER -- The Colony Knights scored a pivotal conference victory with a 60-47 win over the crosstown rival Palmer Moose Friday.

The hard-fought win gives the Knights a 7-2 record in Region III play and a chance to secure the second seed in the upcoming regional tournament in Homer.

While teams obviously look to win each game during the season, this contest was a must-win for each team. An argument could be made that Colony was in greater need of the win. The Moose upset the Knights at Colony High School earlier in the season.

"As it turned out, it was that way," Colony head coach Phil Engebrestsen said.

With each team gunning for an edge in the region standings, intensity was high in the match.

After taking a 25-18 lead at the half, the Knights were able to maintain their advantage in the second half and for the most part, win the battle of the boards.

"We were able to get a couple of extra possessions," Engebretsen said of the rebounding effort of his team.

Justin Coffman continued to lead the Knights on both sides of the court. In addition to his handful steals and assists, Coffman scored a team-high 18 points. Coffman got to the free-throw line consistently, hitting eight of 10 shots from the charity stripe.

"Coffman was very good again," Engebretsen said. "He took care of the basketball and got to the free throw line."

Stanley Ratcliff led the Moose with 20 points.