WOODWARD — The Woodward Academy trailed arch-rival Woodward-Granger until five minutes remained in Tuesday’s WCAC battle, with the Knights holding the Hawks scoreless over the final four minutes to claim a 56-52 win.
The victory moves the Academy to 7-4 overall and 7-4 in WCAC play, with W-G falling to 8-6 and 6-6. W-G was a 66-61 winner in their Dec. 5 meeting.
The Knights were the host, with the game played in the W-G Middle School gym. The Hawks held leads of 17-9, 32-24, and of 45-41 after each of the first three quarters.
However, as in Friday’s loss to Des Moines Christian, the W-G attack sputtered down the stretch, allowing the opposition to rally and steal the win.
The Academy trailed, 48-44, with six minutes to play, but scored seven straight points to snatch a three-point lead. Four consecutive points in response from W-G gave the guests a 52-51 edge with four minutes to play, but the Hawks did not score again, and the Knights were able to rally for the 56-52 win.
Mike Barker led the Knights with 16 points, with Rob Salley adding 14, Qwame Davis 12, Ty Young 10 and Yosi Richardson four points.
Reese Jamison had 14 points to pace W-G, with Keith Braunschweig and Bryce Achenbach adding 12 points apiece. Noah Hoyt tallied six points, Alex Bice four and J.P. Nixon and Kaya Bowlsby two points each.
W-G returns to action Friday when they host Van Meter.
