FORESTVILLE — A 14-6 third quarter sparked Kelseyville in a 53-47 season-opening victory over the El Molino Lions on Saturday during non-league varsity boys basketball action in Forestville.
The Knights (1-0), now under new management, took a 40-29 lead into the fourth quarter and were able to hold off the Lions down the stretch.
“We looked pretty good, solid defensively,” Kelseyville first-year head coach Jeremy Linnell said. “It was a good, solid game, a good effort to get us off on the right foot.”
The Knights are coming off a 5-21 season in 2018-19.
Bode Baird led a balanced Kelseyville attack with 19 points while Tyler Linnell finished with 14 points. Jake Keithly and Robert Chavez added nine and seven points, respectively. Linnell sank three of the Knights’ six 3-point field goals.
“He played offense, defense, he’s a solid player,” Linnell said of Baird.
“We’re not world beaters, but we’re looking to be more competitive this season,” Linnell said with an eye toward the remainder of the 2019-20 season.
The Knights return to action Thursday against Fortuna at 5:30 p.m. in the opening round of the St. Helena Tournament.
In junior varsity action Saturday, El Molino defeated Kelseyville. The score and other game details were not reported.
