Jay to host Knights

Jay County Patriots
Portland, 16-5
Coach: Craig Teagle, 17th year
Conference: Allen County Athletic
Tuesday at Alexandria: Jay County overcame a double-digit deficit in the second half to get within two points late, but a turnover on the final possession led to a 41-37 loss to the host Tigers. Jay County turned the ball over 29 times in in the contest.
Season leaders (per game): Points — Adam Dirksen 11.7, Jay Houck 11.0, Justin Dirksen 7.7. Rebounds — Adam Dirksen 5.0, Houck 4.5. Assists — Pryor 3.8.

Norwell Knights
Ossian, 13-8
Coach: Randy Hawkins, sixth year
Conference: Northeast Hoosier
Feb. 12 vs. Homestead: Norwell was no match for the Class 4A?No. 2 Spartans, who behind Caleb Swanigan’s 27 points rolled to a 73-55 win over the Knights .
Season leaders (per game, through 19 games): Points — Austin Hayden 17.3, Ian Kissel 12.9, Graham Denney 8.3. Rebounds — Piercen Harnish 7.1, Denney 5.6.. Assists — Kissel 2.3.

Last season: Jay County went 17-of-19 from the free throw line and the seniors stepped up in a 50-43 win over the Knights in Ossian. Trey Teagle scored 18 points to lead the Patriots, who had won five straight road games.

Game notes: This is the 32nd meeting between Jay County and Norwell in a series that dates back to 1984. The Patriots lead the series 18-13, including each of the previous two meetings and six of the last 10 ... The Patriots lead the state in defensive average, allowing 32.05 points per game. The Knights average just below 60 points per game offensively ... This is the first of two home games for the Patriots, who will wrap up their season Feb. 20 against?Bellmont.