In terms of regular-season honors, the Liverpool boys basketball team had a chance to snag the biggest one possible if it could beat Henninger last Tuesday night.
Both teams were 5-1 in the CNY Counties League National division, meaning the winner would take over first place.
And it would turn in the defending champions’ favor, as Liverpool could not diversify its offense during a 59-49 loss to the Black Knights.
As many Liverpool opponents have done, Henninger concentrated its fast, aggressive defense on Jesse Gates’ teammates.
Thus, while Gates rolled his way to 24 points, the Black Knights took the rest away. This didn’t make a big impact until the third quarter, when Henninger, clinging to a 24-22 edge, outscored the Warriors 18-11 in that frame to get a cushion that held up.
Only Anthony Salomone, with 10 points, and Cam Jones, with six points, gave Gates that much help. Meanwhile, Henninger’s balanced attack had Kihary Blue earn 16 points, Lamar Spinner 14 points and Jermaine Taylor 12 points.
On Friday, the Warriors (9-5) go to Auburn, attempting to break the Maroons’ nine-game win streak.