The Northwestern Warriors (2-2) defeated rival the Greenon Knights (0-3) in Central Buckeye Conference season opener 54-42.

Last season, the Knights beat the Warriors 83-35 in the first meeting and 68-59 second meeting, but this year the Warriors were looking to change that.

Warriors head coach Gerald Embry talks about his team’s winning performance.

“It’s probably one of the best performances in a long time. Our team basketball is coming together, we’re moving the ball real well, and we’re finding each other. These kids are just working real hard on both ends of the floor and we’re doing it together.”

On the other hand, Knights head coach Scott Smith talks about his teams losing effort.

“I thought we left a lot of points on the floor. We missed a lot of shots, easy looks and layups early on. We’re more than capable of hitting shots but we just didn’t and haven’t the last couple of games.”

Three of the Warriors were in double digits. Freshman guard sharp shooter Nick Noffke had the hot hand, leading all scorers with 18 points and was a perfect six of six from the free throw line. Junior forward Curt Walters had 15 and senior forward Ellis Ulery had 10.

Knights senior forward led his team in scoring with 14 points.

The Warriors dominated the first half, holding the Knight to only 18 points.

After halftime, turnovers plagued the Knights as the Warriors turned them into points. The Knights had a game-high 16 turnovers.

Coach Smith credits the Warriors stout press defense for causing turnovers.

“I credit their pressure to that and our inability to stay organized. We strived to be very structured.”

The Warriors defense allowed the Knights only scored four points in the third quarter.

The Warriors exploded in the second half, scoring 32 points.

“In halftime we we’re talking about penetrating their zone and trying to find a hot hand and that abled us some breathing room to stretch out a lead. Our press worked well tonight. The kids worked well together.”

The Knights were trailing by seven points with less than three minutes left in the game but couldn’t overcome a slight deficit.

The Warriors win easily 54-42.

On December 8, both teams are in action as the Warriors will stay home as they look to carry this momentum when they face Bellefontaine (1-1). Game time is set for 7:30 pm. The Knights will head back to Enon as they seek their first win against Stebbins (1-2). Game time is 7:30 pm