In front of a packed gymnasium, the game started out as a classic small-town basketball game. 5-year-old Kaileigh English sang the national anthem and then the crowd took over.

Eisenhower’s Gavin Lindemuth scored the first points of the game to give the Knights an early lead. Then the two teams started out aggressive on defense. Some early cold shooting by the Eagles allowed the Knights to take a 13-8 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Eisenhower’s Austin Hanson began to heat up as he scored 9 of his game-high 20 points in the second quarter to allow Eisenhower to take a 31-18 lead at halftime.

Youngsville came out of the break and began to chip away at the lead, outscoring the Knights 11-8 in the third quarter behind three 3-pointers and a pair of free throws to cut the lead to 39-29.

Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger Kaileigh English sings the national anthem.

The fourth quarter saw both teams exchange baskets. The Knights answered each Youngsville basket to keep the margin at least 8.

Hanson would lead all scorers with 20 points and teammate Gavin Lindemuth would add 12 points.

The Eagles had three players in double figures led by Brayden Baker’s 11 points. Rylan Benton and Ethan Beers had 10 points apiece.

In JV action, the Knights defeated the Eagles 38-32. Eisenhower’s Will Mandeville led all scorers with 13 points. Hudson Haight led the Eagles with 12 points.

The Knights are back in action tonight for their third game in four days when they travel to Iroqouis to take on the Braves.

YOUNGSVILLE (40)

Benton 4 0 10, Beers 3 4 10, Baker 4 0 11, Manning 3 0 9, Moore 0 0 0. Totals 14 4 40.

EISENHOWER (53)

Hanson 8 2 20, Seymour 3 2 8, Lindemuth 5 2 12, Chase 1 0 2, Guiher 4 0 9, Mandeville 1 0 2. Totals 22 6 53.

3-point goals–Benton 2, Baker 3, Manning 3, Hanson 2, Guiher.

Youngsville 8 10 11 11 — 40

Eisenhower 13 18 8 14 — 53