LAKEVILLE - As the 2023-24 boys high school regular season winds down, LaVille wants to finish strong. The Lancers will play host to Hoosier North Athletic Conference foe Knox Tuesday. It will be a varsity-only game that is set for a 6:30 p.m. tip. A live-stream of the Knox at LaVille game can be watched by clicking https://www.ihsaatv.org/?B=776566 Coach Michael Edison's club sits in second place behind Hoosier North leader Triton. Knox, meanwhile, is in third. The Trojans are 5-0, LaVille 5-1, and Knox 3-2. Triton and Knox will close out the HNAC portion of the schedule on February 23 at the Trojan Trench against Triton. "Every game there is a lot to play for," Edison said when asked about the conference finale against the Redskins. "We have a great opportunity to finish 2nd in the HNAC with a win tonight against Knox. It will be a tough battle as Knox is very aggressive and is patient on offense." The Lancers are eager to return to the court after a 74-71 loss to Elkhart Christian Academy on February 17. "Well, it sure does not help that we allowed Aiden Hibbard to score 38 points," Edison said when asked about key plays, players, or moments during the ECA game that he felt were the difference in the final outcome. "He was able to go wherever he wanted to whenever he wanted to. Even though we had several players in double figures it still wasn't enough to overcome his offensive output." With the setback to the Eagles, LaVille moves to 10-11 overall in preparation for KCHS. "Knox has 4 senior starters so they have a lot of experience. They will trap after we rebound the ball and give us pressure up the court. They can attack quickly, but they also will not hesitate to hold the ball for 30-45 seconds in a possession." Joe Eskridge returns for his second season in Knox (6-13), with a team led by four senior starters, along with leading-scorer Myles McLaughlin. "McLaughlin is their best scorer along with (Rowen) Jordan," Edison said of the top offensive leaders. "Both of them are competitive players as they were the best players on the football team as well. They can both shoot and run the show for them offensively. (Caleb) Schwandt is a big post player who battles very hard down low. He will be a load to stop as well." McLaughlin leads the Knox offense at 11.4 points per game. The 5'10" sophomore also adds 3.6 rebounds per outing. Jordan adds 8.8 points per outing and leads the Redskins at 6.4 rpg. Schwandt is the second-leading scorer at 9.2 pg and 4.7 rpg, while Jaden Strong chips in with 4.4 ppg and 3.6 boards. According to Edison, keys to a Lancer victory over Knox are, "take care of the ball, knock down open shots, and keep Knox out of the paint," Game on. GAMEDAY Teams: Knox (6-13) at LaVille (10-11) Site: Dale E. Cox Gymnasium, Lakeville, IN. Tip: 6:30 p.m. ET Coaches: Joe Eskridge, 19-23 in 2nd year at Knox, 72-70 in 6th year overall. Michael Edison, 225-145 in 16th year at LaVille Last Outing: Knox lost to South Central (Union Mills), 48-46. LaVille lost to Elkhart Christian Academy, 74-71 Series: LaVile leads Knox, 33-24 Last Meeting: Knox defeated LaVille, 54-50, January 13, 2023 Live Stream: https://www.ihsaatv.org/?B=776566 HOOSIER NORTH ATHLETIC CONFERENCE Boys Basketball All Times Eastern CONF AG OA DA AM Streak Triton 5- 0 14- 5 52.4 43.1 9.3 Lost 1 LaVille 5- 1 10-11 56.0 52.5 3.5 Lost 1 Knox 3- 2 6-13 48.5 51.2 -2.7 Lost 3 Caston 3- 3 9-11 52.1 49.2 2.9 Lost 2 Pioneer 3- 4 8-12 45.2 52.9 -7.7 Won 1 Winamac 2- 4 10-11 47.7 49.0 -1.3 Won 2 North Judson 2- 5 13- 8 49.8 43.0 6.8 Lost 1 Culver 1- 5 8-11 58.1 60.2 -2.1 Won 1