While some seniors try to push the thought out of their heads that it’s their final year, Jon Knab has kept it squarely in the front of his mind. Throughout his senior year at Waynesburg, it’s served as a source of motivation in his final basketball season.
Though Waynesburg has been up and down this season, Knab, a Beaver County Christian graduate, has had a career year, as the senior wing has averaged 16.7 points through 21 games.
“That was kind of my mindset going into the year, to definitely not take any game for granted because it will be gone just like that,” Knab said. “Knowing we only have a few games left, each and every game, I’m trying to cherish and really make the most of it and not hold anything back.”
As the season has progressed, Knab and the Yellow Jackets have seen their goals shift. At 8-13, Waynesburg’s primary goal is to round into form in time for the conference tournament.
“Every game is another opportunity to get a higher seed in the the PAC tournament. Every game is a chance for us to maybe move up a game or a slot or seed and get in the best position possible to make a run,” Knab said
“The past month we’ve hit some bumps. We’re just trying to find our rhythm. It’s kind of been up and down, but I think we’re finding our rhythm again.”
Certainly, Knab has done his part in getting the Yellow Jackets on track. Waynesburg’s leading scoring, Knab has rounded into a complete scoring weapon as a senior. Part of that has been becoming a knockdown shooter. Knab has made great strides as an outside shooter throughout his four years, culminating with this season, with Knab averaging two three-pointers a game on .433 percent shooting.
"It just goes to show that hours in the gym pay off,” Knab said. “I think it is something that I’m getting more confidence in throughout my time here. Especially this year, Coach has confidence in me to take those shots. And just when you see a few go in, it really helps your confidence. With my confidence up, I think I can make it from anywhere.”
Beyond more tangible improvements, Knab has tried to become more a leader as a senior, leaving his mark on his team through instilling a proper work ethic and mindset on his younger teammates.
“I think leading by example is a big thing. I show guys how to do things right who maybe haven’t been here before,” Knab said. “And when things aren’t going well, I keep a steady head and respond well to adversity and pick guys up in the huddle and in the locker room. I just try to stay positive as much as I can.”
After the basketball season, Knab, an education major, will finish off his degree and then return in the fall to the area as a student teacher. After that, he’ll likely apply for graduate school and look for jobs. When that time comes, Knab will look back fondly on his time at Waynesburg, seeing the growth he’s made in four years.
“I just hope I’m remembered as a guy that was hardworking and a good leader and did whatever I could to help my team win,” Knab said. “I know the last few years we haven’t had the results that we wanted, but hopefully that will change at the end of this year, and I can be remembered as guy that helped our program be the best it could on the court and off the court.”
MEN’S BASKETBALL
— Shippensburg’s Antonio Kellem (Lincoln Park) scored 10 points in a win against East Stroudsburg and 9 points in a win against Mercyhurst.
— Elijah Minnie (Lincoln Park) scored 22 points and grabbed 7 rebounds for Eastern Michigan in a win against Ball State. Minnie followed that up with a 15-point effort in a win against Kent State.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
— Geneva’s Noelle Henry (Hopewell) scored 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in a win over Thiel.
— Lexi Posset (Beaver) scored 15 points for Rider in a win over Manhattan.
TRACK & FIELD
— In the Mount Union Invitational, Geneva’s Nicole Bartoletta (Central Valley) ran a 8.91 in the preliminary 60 meter hurdles. Bartoletta also ran a 7.92 in the 60 meter dash, which broke the previous Geneva record. Kailee Loose (Beaver), jumped 5.22 meters in the long jump, which broke Geneva’s school record.