(Photos by Mallory Barker, Austin Griffin and Miranda Fabian)

 The week leading into a game against Central is routinely a big one at FHN. FHC in every aspect, is North’s biggest rival. This past week was no different leading into a doubleheader varsity basketball matchup between the two schools. With ‘Cross Out the C’ in full effect, the student body was ready for one of the biggest games on their schedule. Despite this, the boys didn’t prepare any differently. 

 “It’s just the next game for us,” head coach Larry Green said. “That’s been the motto all season, it can’t be any different here. We gotta prepare the same way.” 

 After all the outside noise, both teams had their work cut out for them. This was a clash of two teams who are in similar situations thus far into the season. FHC sat 6-12 coming into the game, with North sitting at 4-14. Both teams sitting in the middle of the conference, this game provided a chance to light a spark and build motivation for the last stretch of the season. With similar teams, this brought a very back and forth contest.

 “It was a big matchup for us, for sure,” senior Kenneth Nunn said. “We were prepared for the back and forth of the game.” 

 Both teams matched the hype for the game coming in, with both side trading blows throughout the game. Central led at halftime by what appeared to be an insurmountable 17 point lead. This quickly changed, with sophomore Andre Stith leading the charge scoring, with 17 points, including clutch baskets down the stretch to tie the game late. With the game tied at 66 a piece, both teams were to play one more overtime period. This led to an overtime loss for the Knights, as they fell 83-75.

 “It’s a tough loss,” junior Jackson Calhoun, who played over 25 minutes in this game, said. “It’s one you definitely learn from. This game will feed the rivalry for our next matchup and just gives us more motivation moving forward.” (Story by Braeden Kettinger)

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