Strong performances from senior guards Stephen Mccollum and Gabe Knippers weren't enough for Horizon Honors to overcome Gilbert Christian on Friday as the Eagles fell, 67-46. 

The Eagles finished the season with a 7-11 mark and were 3-7 in region action.

The Knights (15-2, 6-0) have two regular season games remaining.

After a mediocre first half, Horizon Honors coach Chris Henderson noticed that two of his team captains weren’t quite being themselves. 

“At halftime, I told them they didn't look like they were having any fun... they needed to loosen up,” Henderson said.

The second half was all about the seniors. Mccollum scored 12 points in the second half, including a 7-0 stretch by himself to start the third quarter. He finished the game with 20 points. 

Knippers also joined in on the action in the second half, contributing nine of his 12 points.

“I just felt more aggressive going into that second half,” Knippers said.

The defensive game plan was more aggressive in the second half as well. The Eagles switched to a half-court trap, ultimately forcing five turnovers and two jump balls in the final 10 minutes of action. 

Horizon Honors boy’s basketball season didn’t end exactly how they wanted it to, but it was hard to tell which team was winning if you were watching the game late in the fourth quarter. The crowd was highly involved even as the game was out of reach. 

Mccollum was appreciative of the large turnout, saying that it “means the entire world,” to have his people there supporting him. 

Henderson seemed a bit surprised by the crowd’s reactions.

“The energy in here was amazing,” said Henderson.

He said that even though it’s been a down season, the team has stuck together.  This game was further evidence of that.