CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – In what was a back-and-forth affair between Kenwood boys basketball and Northeast, the Knights struggled with ball security toward the end of regulation, but nonetheless were able to open up District 10-AAA play with a 48-42 win.

Kenwood boys basketball coach Jason James gave an assessment of his team’s performance.

“We got sloppy because of them,” James said. “They were playing good defense and flying around. I thought they really guarded us well. A game like this comes down to toughness. Teams that can get stops in them are the teams that are going to be successful. When it comes down to it, we got two more stops than they did.”

Kenwood’s defense ratcheted it up down the stretch, making it difficult on the Eagles to generate scoring late.

“We showed some signs of being a great defensive team, we’re just not consistent,” James said. “It was good for our guys to hang in there, stay together and be able to get those stops when we needed them.

On a night where James “Scooter” Williams received his commemorative basketball for joining the Knights’ 1,000-point scoring club, the senior put his high-flying ability on full display with three total dunks.

Fellow Knight senior Kevin McIntosh came up with numerous clutch baskets, including a made 3-pointer just before the first-half buzzer sounded to cut the deficit to 23-21.

James shared what he believes makes his two guards uniquely special.

“I thought they both played well,” James said. “We need those guys as leaders to continue to play and fight through adversity. I mean you saw it tonight. They were able to keep their team together and everyone was kind of ready to rally around each other and do what they had to do to be successful.”

Williams finished with a game-high 16 points while McIntosh also finished in double figures with 12 points.

With 24 seconds left to play, the Eagles forced a turnover and scored to cut the lead to one score. A few Knight made free throws and a Jaylen Washington offensive rebound later allowed Kenwood to wrap up the victory.

Washington finished with eight points followed by Zach Kramer who added seven points for the Knights.

Marcus Averhart led the Eagles with seven points while Jaylen Miller, Jaylen Bussey and Jalen Hooks all scored six points each for Northeast.

Northeast (1-2, 0-1) hosts Clarksville Tuesday, Dec. 3.

There will be no break for the Knights (2-1, 1-0) as they travel to Forrest City, Arkansas to compete in the Rumble on the Ridge High School Basketball Tournament Thursday, Nov. 28.

“No week off.  We play in a Thanksgiving tournament,” James said. “It’s a nationally known tournament, and we’re going to play a very good North Little Rock team. It doesn’t get any easier, but hopefully playing these games will prepare us for our district games into December, January, and February.”