Wall Knights edge out Manchester Hawks to advance to WOBM semifinals

Propelled by junior Conor Mulholland's team-high 17 points, including four 3-pointers in the first quarter, the Wall Knights defeated the Manchester Hawks in a tight physical contest to advance to the WOBM Christmas Classic semifinals. 

The Knights were carried by their shooting from beyond the arc, sinking nine 3-pointers throughout the contest. 

The Hawks held a one point lead, 46-45, with five minutes remaining in the game before their offense hit a dry spell, allowing the Knights to take the lead for good on senior Kyle Janeczek's go ahead basket. Following De'Andre Little's basket at the five minute mark, Manchester would not score again until Devon Hodges hit two free throws with 1:33 left in the game. 

By this point Wall had grabbed a 52-48 lead. The Hawks still had a chance late, trailing 58-56, as Wall was inbounding with 11.3 seconds to go. However, the Hawks John Marshall was called for a foul on the inbound, sending Janeczek to the line as Marshall went to the bench having fouled out with his fifth personal foul of the game. 

After Janeczek missed his free throw, the Hawks quickly pushed the ball up court for one last attempt, but DeJuan Barlow's 3-pointer at the buzzer hit the rim, sending the Hawks home from the tournament. 

The Knights advance to the semifinals on Dec. 31 to face the winner of the Point Boro/Central game at 2:00 p.m. at the Poland Spring Arena.