(Justus Michael file photo courtesy NPCC Athletics)
La Junta, Colo. – Justus Michael had a team high 27 points in an 81-68 victory over Otero on Saturday afternoon.
Michael finished the game shooting 11-of-16 from the field including 2-of-3 from long range, while teammate Brady Kennison scored 12 points and dished out 14 assists.
“Our guys did an excellent job adjusting as the game progressed,” said the head coach Jacob Brandl. “Games like this are always challenging, especially with back-to-back matchups. Sometimes the offense is clicking, and other times the shots just aren’t falling, but our defense was outstanding throughout the weekend.”
The first half was a back-and-forth battle with four lead changes and three ties, before the Knights went on an 8-0 run to take control. North Platte pushed the lead to 11 with 1:31 left after a one-handed dunk by Michael, and the Knights entered halftime leading 39-27.
North Platte came out firing, scoring the first 12 of 16 points to build an early 19-point lead. They later extended their advantage to 20 with a long-range shot from Kennison. Otero fought back, cutting the deficit to nine with just 3:11 remaining, but it wasn’t enough as North Platte held on to secure the victory.
“Now we are in a new season, and the goal is to go 1-0, it’s time to stay hungry and humble,” Brandl said.
North Platte (17-12, 9-5 Region 9 South) will host the opening round after finishing in the top four of the Region IX South standings. Pairings and game times will be announced this week.
