MARYSVILLE — Grace Academy took it to Highland Christian early on in Northwest 1B boys basketball action.

The Eagles, who won 42-24, forced the Knights to play catch up Jan. 4 at the Marysville Boys & Girls Club.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” said Highland Christian coach Jim Underwood. “We just couldn’t get things going right away tonight.”

A lengthy and physical Grace fullcourt press held Highland scoreless in the first quarter, putting the Knights in a 9-0 hole to begin the game.

“We had some problems dealing with their press, and that has to do with us not necessarily being a young team, just inexperienced,” said Underwood. “And we need to find that balance of getting experience and competing.”

The Knights tried to work their way back into the contest, but ended up trailing 22-10 by halftime.

Perhaps the lone bright spot for Highland Christian was senior Caleb Wold, who double-doubled by halftime with 10 points and 12 rebounds. He finished with game highs in points (19) and rebounds (18) to go along with his three steals.

The Eagles blew the game open in the second half when the defensive pressure became too much for Knights, and turnovers ensued.