Basketball Recap: Easton Hayes Key Part of Team Effort in Knights Win

It's playoff time, and Preston had no trouble coming through when it counted. They came out on top in a nail-biter against the Wheeling Park Patriots on Friday, sneaking past 52-49. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Knights have posted since January 23rd.

Easton Hayes

Blocked Shots (Career)

03/07/25 vs Wheeling Park	4
12/14/24 @ Riverside	3
02/07/24 @ Robert C. Byrd	2
01/31/24 @ Liberty	2
12/29/23 @ Philip Barbour	2

Preston's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Easton Hayes led the charge by shooting 60% from the field on his way to 14 points along with eight boards and four blocks. Those four blocks gave Hayes a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Aaron White, who went 7-for-11 en route to 14 points and six rebounds.

The victory snapped Preston's losing streak at three games and leaves them with a 12-10 record. As for Wheeling Park, they are on a seven-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 5-17.

Looking ahead, Preston will face off against Morgantown at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Preston is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 55.4 points per game this season. Wheeling Park does not have any more games scheduled as of now.