HAMILTON – Defense was the name of the game on Saturday March 13th for the Sherburne-Earlville boys’ varsity basketball team as Hamilton put on a defense-display in the first half, as the Emerald Knights defeated S-E 62-46.

It was all business for Hamilton in the first half as their defensive pressure took center stage holding the visiting Marauders to 12 points in the opening 16 minutes of play. Turning defense into offense the Emerald Knights went to work, scoring 16 and 17 points respectively in the opening stanzas. Zach LaFrance and Sami Cigeroglu were the offensive workhorses for the Emerald Knights as Lafrance scored 10 points and Cigeroglu added in eight points before both teams headed for their respective locker rooms at the break with Hamilton holding a commanding lead 33-12.

The young S-E team exited half-time looking to make a statement, already having made a comeback earlier in the abbreviated season; the Marauders took up the task of putting the ball in the basket.

S-E outscored Hamilton in the second half 34-29, but couldn’t hold Hamilton on defense as a 17 point third period for the Emerald Knights extended their lead at 50-22 entering the final period as Hamilton cruised to victory.

Taylor Gryzmkowski lead Sherburne-Earlville in scoring with 18 points on the night, Jack Rodman added in 10 points of his own; all of which came in the fourth quarter.