Preview: North Augusta vs Evans

In previewing Tuesday's game at Evans High School between the Knights and the North Augusta Yellow Jackets, a familiar expression comes to mind: something has to give.

North Augusta has yet to be challenged, winning its first three games, including one at home versus Evans, in convincing fashion.  But Evans, a team that head coach Kevin Kenny has called "a little inconsistent" so far this season, has yet to lose two consecutive games.  The Knights followed up a blowout loss to Glenn Hills with a buzzer beating victory at home against highly regarded Aquinas.  And the Knights are fresh off a road loss to Hephzibah.

So either the Yellow Jackets' early dominance or the Knights' habit of following a disappointing performance with an impressive one will end Tuesday.  After last Tuesday's blowout win over Evans, it is difficult to imagine the swing necessary for the Knights get the home win.  ABR Live contributor Will Avery left that game saying North Augusta reminded him of "Glenn Hills with size."  That's a little scary.

But the Knights have already proven doubters wrong this season.  After an ABR TV episode that aired between the Glenn Hills and Aquinas games, Kenny and low post workhorse Jacob Buchanan used our comments about the team as inspiration for preparing for the Aquinas game.  In fact, Buchanan texted me about 10 minutes after teammate Patrick Lawrence's dramatic game winning three pointer, informing me of the win.  Take that Mr. website guy!  Buchanan later told me he wanted to beat Aquinas so badly that he "couldn't sleep the night before."  Because of passion like that from key players, I will not doubt Evans again.