COLUMBIA — Just as Adam McKnight has become well acquainted with Nixa’s training staff, he got to know the trainers at the Class 6 Final Four Wednesday, as well.
McKnight’s repeated skirmishes in the paint for rebounds resulted in him absorbing a cut above an eye and he had a bloody nose.
That’s been a theme for his sophomore season.
"I've been beat up quite a bit the second half of the season,” said McKnight, who suffered a concussion in a game last year. “It started at Webb City. I cut my eye and then cut it again. I bleed quite a bit. That's my game, I'm down there battling every time.”
“He had gauzes up both noses today,” Eagles coach Brock Blansit said. “It’s not a physical game for Adam if he's not bleeding at least once.”
Through it all, McKnight absolutely flourished. SWMO’s top athlete, and it's not even close sports fans, finished with 21 points on 10-of-18 shooting from the field, to go along with nine rebounds. He had six offensive boards.
McKnight earned the respect of Oak Park coach Sherron Collins.
“That sophomore kid is going to be really good,” Collins said. “We knew (number) 21 was going to be tough on the boards and he (would) get his."
