ROYAL CITY — Although the Royal High boys basketball team lost its opener to Chelan, 46-39 on Saturday, coach Pete Christensen likes what he’s seen for far.

The Knights lost to what is usually a good 1A program. And with the long football season, four of Christensen’s starters had only one week of practice.

The Knights started the contest playing evenly with Chelan, trailing only 13-12 after one quarter. The effects of the lack of practice surfaced in the second period. The Knights were outscored 12-0.

“It was a matter of shots no falling,” Christensen said.

The Knights had several opportunities in the frame, but even layups and short jumpers would not go in. The Knights went to the half-time break trailing 25-12.

Royal came out of the rest period with determination and outscored the Goats. 17-7. With about three minutes left in the contest Royal went ahead by three points.

But the Knights couldn’t hang on. Chelan came back for a 3-point lead with 30 seconds remaining. Royal went to fouling to gain possession of the ball.

That worked the first time. Chelan missed both free shots. But then Royal missed a layin. Chelan built a seven-point lead and Christensen told his boys to no longer foul.

Sam Christensen led the Knights with 11 points. He made three of three 3-point field goals.

Sophomore transfer lsaac Ellis shot 71 percent from the field, connecting on five of seven 2-pointers.

Kaden Jenks was the third leading scorer with eight points, Edgar Ramirez scored five, Owen Ellis three and Corbin Christensen two.

The team made 15 of 50 field goals for 30 percent shooting. It made three of seven free throws for 42 percent.

The 6-1 Ellis led in rebounds with nine, and the 5-7 playmaker Ramirez took down five.

The Knights will play at Wahluke this Friday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday’s game will be at Warden.