The Henryetta Knights are on an upward trend after taking down the Preston Pirates Tuesday night. A big 29-point third quarter helped the Knights secure their second win of the season. Henryetta sophomore Alex Hudson, senior Joey Watson and senior Jean Pixler had reached double digit total points against the Pirates, resulting in a runaway 72-57 victory for the Knights.

The win comes after the Knights had lost a 55-47 decision to the Kellyville Ponies, making the Knights’ season record 2-1.

The Pirates were able to stay close to the Knights throughout the first half despite Pixler leading a tough campaign. Pixler made it to the basket for a trifecta of two-pointers in the first quarter. The Knights posted up for a total of 15 points with Watson and sophomore Cameron McKinney also chiming in with 2s of their own. Though the Knights had the energy to reach 15 points, they weren’t able to stop the Pirates from finding the same momentum.

Preston senior Jaden Skupien scored a pair of 3s and wasn’t the only Pirate to make it to the three-point line. Completing a three-point shot, Preston freshmen Malachi Ligons contributed to the Pirates’ 15-point scoring barrage that tied the game 15-15 at the end of the first quarter.

The Knights tried to shake the Pirates in the second quarter, but a dip in energy kept the tie intact at the half. Watson kept the Knights competitive, making it to the basket for two buckets and also a free throw, but Henryetta’s defense couldn’t stop the Pirates. Ligons was an unstoppable force, earning a pair of 3s and a two-pointer in the second quarter. Preston’s Kareffren Bagby also made it to the basket for a two-pointer.

Both teams secured a total of 10 points, leading to a 25-25 tie at the half.

The Knights returned with a vengeance in the third quarter. Hudson and Pixler led a game-changing offensive onslaught that demolished the tie with the Pirates. Senior Tayten Fixico kickstarted the scoring streak, making it to the basket for his first two-point shot. He would follow that up with a three-pointer, while Pixler shored up the Knights’ lead with two 3s and a pair of 2s. The Knights also secured their advantage with help from Hudson who completed three 2s in the third quarter and led them to a 29-point quarter.

The Pirates tried to keep up with the Knights’ speed, but only made it to the basket for 17 points. Preston sophomore DJ Glover scored two 3s against the Knights, but the only other Pirate to swashbuckle his way to the basket was Bagby, who completed a layup.

Securing a 12-point lead, the Knights pulled ahead of the Pirates 54-42 and ensured their win with another high-energy quarter. Hudson and Watson fought hard to get under the basket and garnered the Knights a 19-point fourth quarter. Contributing a total of nine points, Hudson completed four 2s and a free throw, while Watson secured two 2s and two free throws. Preston found their way to the basket for a total of 15 points with Skupien scorng four 2s and two free throws but it wasn’t enough to contend with the Knights’ earlier 29-point quarter.

The Knights secured a 72-57 win over the Pirates with Watson scoring his sixth two-pointer of the night.

Henryetta also recently faced their first loss of the season, falling to the Ponies last Friday. Kellyville obtained a marginal lead in the first quarter, 11-4. With the Knights struggling to find their offensive momentum, the Ponies continued their drive to the basket in the second quarter. The Ponies secured 13 points with the help of Jeramy Hicks, who scored three 2s against the Knights. Hudson was the only Knight to score a basket in the first, so the Knights tried to regain their energy in the second quarter. Watson and Pixler led a tough campaign that garnered the Knights 14 points, but the Ponies’ extensive lead was already cemented.

Facing a 24-18 deficit at the start of the second half, the Knights fell into another scoring slump. The Ponies’ Mason Crabtree secured three 2s and even a three-pointer, which helped Kellyville secure 12 points in the third quarter. Pixler was the only consistent shooter for the Knights, scoring two 3s that led the Knights to an 11-point quarter.

Kellyville added one point to their lead, taking a 36-29 advantage at the start of the fourth quarter. A series of fouls on the Ponies marked the downfall of the Knights. Hicks was sent to the foul line for eight free throw shots, all of which he completed. The Ponies tallied up 19 points to the Knights’ last minute 18-point revival. Despite the resurrection of their offense, the Knights fell in a 55-47 battle.

Henryetta is scheduled to travel to Kellyville tonight to compete once again with the Ponies, who are now 2-0 for the season. The Ponies also defeated Class 4A Bristow in a close 53-52 victory.