Goats last-minute plays defeat Knights, 41-36

CHELAN – The Chelan Goats varsity boys’ basketball team defeated the visiting Royal Knights, 41-36, in a non-league game on Saturday, Dec. 9.

After driving to Chelan in the middle of a snowstorm, the Knights found themselves locked in a defensive battle, said Chelan head coach Tony Callero.

The Goats led by one point, 10-9, at the end of the first quarter. Luca Faletto’s eight first-half points helped the Goats move ahead, 20-16, at halftime. Chelan held a 33-26 edge heading into the final quarter but with 30 seconds to go, Royal had the ball and trailed by just one point, 37-36.

“When a big defensive play by Chelan was needed most, Jacob Allen stepped in and took a charge causing a foul and change of possession,” said Callero. “On the ensuing play, Isaac Wilson was double-teamed near half court, but he found Allen wide open under the basket for an easy two points, putting the Goats up, 39-36.”

Royal still had a chance to tie the game but was called for a traveling infraction with 10 seconds to go.

“The Knights quickly jumped into a full court press, but Wilson again found Allen open deep who quickly made a great pass to Kellen Reinhart,” said Callero. “Reinhart was fouled on his lay-in attempt and then calmly stepped to the free throw line and drained both shots to put the Goats up by five and secure the win, 41-36.”

Ryan Rainville led Chelan’s scoring with 10 points. Callero noted that after five games, the Goats have four different leading scorers. Isaac Wilson, Kellen Reinhart, and Jacob Allen all contributed game-changing plays in the final stretch to secure the win for Goats.

Chelan held Royal players to single-digit scoring, led by the eight points of Caden Allred.

“That’s a good team that plays very physically,” said Callero of the Knights. “But what a great finish for our guys. They really enjoy playing gritty defense and Wilson, Allen, and Reinhart each had huge, clutch plays.”

The win improves Chelan’s record to 4-1 overall. The Goats remain 1-1 in the Caribou Trail League.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media