In their first big test of the Trico 1A League season, the King’s Way Christian Knights proved up to the challenge. The Knights disposed of Seton Catholic 75-65 on Wednesday at Seton Catholic School.
Bryson Metz scored 21 points to lead the way before leaving with an ankle injury with 2 minutes, 40 seconds left. The Knights sophomore point guard was taken to urgent care after the game for further examination of the injury. It’s the same ankle he broke in sixth grade at Spokane HoopFest.
“My heart goes out to Bryson. I don’t know the extent of the injury, but it always sucks to see a kid go down, whether it’s yours or somebody else,” King’s Way coach Daven Harmeling said. “But it’s an opportunity for someone else, an opportunity to grow in those moments. We’re used to relying on him in those moments so it just provided a chance for us to grow as a team.”
Down their point guard, the Knights’ depth showed itself as Kai Butterworth took over ballhandling duties to protect a 64-57 lead. Brady Metz drove the lane and dished to Kobi Cason, who flushed home two of his 16 points on the first possession after the injury.
“We’re confident in how we play,” Cason said. “We know Seton is a good team, and we know we had to battle the whole game. That’s what we did.”
Butterworth added 13 points and Gage Koenders scored 10 as the Knights led most of the way. Seton Catholic’s lone lead was short-lived. Kellen Ball’s drive and dish to Zach Cowger gave the Cougars a 23-21 lead with 2:09 left in the first half, but a technical was assessed to the Cougars during the timeout. Brady Metz sunk both free throws to tie the game at 23-23. It was the first of three technicals on Seton Catholic.
“It’s our rival. It’s the ‘Holy War’” Cason said of why the matchup brings out so much passion for both teams. “But that’s really it. I love all the guys on the Seton team.”
King’s Way rallied to finish up 27-25 at the half. The Knights then jumped to a 38-30 lead in the third quarter and remained in control the rest of the way. Seton Catholic got within three points but could never close the deficit.
The Cougars featured a balanced scoring effort with five players in double figures. Kellen Ball scored 11, Gabe Anderson finished with 13, Xavian Rushing tallied 10, Andy Olson scored 12 and Zach Cowger dominated down low for 10 points.
The Knights improve to 8-4 and 3-0 in league play entering Friday’s road trip to Columbia-White Salmon. They play fellow league undefeated La Center on Tuesday at home.
Seton Catholic falls to 6-7 and 1-2 in Trico play. The Cougars travel to Castle Rock on Friday.
KING’S WAY CHRISTIAN 75, SETON CATHOLIC 65
KING’S WAY — Kobi Cason 16, Gage Koenders 10, Ty Snider 0, Bryce Dodge 6, Kai Butterworth 13, Justin Frahm 3, Brady Metz 6, Bailey Meek 0, Sam Kelly 0, Bryson Metz 21. Totals 24 (6) 21-26 75.
SETON CATHOLIC — Kellen Ball 11, Luke Pitzer 8, Gabe Anderson 13, Xavian Rushing 10, Andy Olson 12, Zach Cowger 10, Griffin Young 0, Nolan Hannam 1. Totals 24 (7) 10-12 65.
King’s Way 12 15 22 26—75
Seton Cath. 9 16 14 26—65
