GRANITEVILLE – Paul Knox Middle School Boys’ Basketball Coach Chon Mathews’ team put in some extra work on foul shots in the team’s final practice before the Aiken County Middle School boys’ championship game and the added repetitions served the Patriots well a day later.
The Paul Knox Middle School Patriots completed another unbeaten season at 14-0 (the team's second consecutive undefeated season) following an exciting 45-39 victory over the Leavelle McCampbell Middle School Rocks on Thursday, February 10, 2022, in a great ballgame.
“I told the team before the game we just needed to finish what we started and that everything came down to one more day of execution,” stated Coach Mathews. “Basketball is a game of runs and we knew they were going to play hard on their home court, so we expected that. We normally shoot around 20 free throws in practice and this time we probably shot 50, so the little things really paid off. We shot extra free throws in practice and we made them tonight.”
Congratulations also to the Rocks (12-4) and head coach Vince Louis on a fantastic season as well.
“I'm extremely proud of this group of guys. I knew we were talented, but also knew we had a long season and a lot of growing to do with such a young and inexperienced roster,” commented Coach Louis. “We hit some rough patches throughout the season, but our guys accepted every challenge, through some tough games and practices and hit a stride at the right time. Through hard work and dedication, they became worthy of competing for a championship. Although we fell short, this is an experience these young men can hang on to for a lifetime regardless of the outcome.”
A'maree Roberson led the way for the Patriots with a game-high 14 points, with Ceasar Grant adding 13 points and AJ Warren chipping in with 10 points. Braylen Mitchem had two big baskets in the second half and Julian Graham also scored for the Patriots.
Tyler Warren led the Rocks with a team-high 13 points, while Chorsheak White added 10 points and Kobe Sims chipped in with 9 points. Jacoryen Kennedy also had 5 points for the Rocks.
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LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: 2022 PR MS BOYS HOOPS CHAMPIONS