Freeport's Parker Lucas (3) fights to keep possession of the ball from Knoch's Kaden Spencer, left, and Zarian Finucan during Friday’s section clash. The host Yellowjackets defeated the Knights, 47-45. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

BUFFALO TWP — The second half of the Section 1-4A schedule gives Freeport’s boys basketball team a chance to redeem itself.

Earlier this month, the Yellowjackets dropped three straight section meetings to Knoch, Highlands and Hampton.

“We had a bad stretch, but we see those teams again,” said Freeport coach Sean Devinney. “Hopefully, we can make the most of it.”

The ‘Jackets took the first step in making that happen Friday night as they outlasted Knoch, 47-45, at Freeport Middle School.

The Knights won the first meeting, 63-60, on Jan. 3. A loss Friday would have dropped the ‘Jackets (11-6, 3-3) to 2-4 in the section standings.

“This was such a huge win and we wanted it so bad,” said Freeport senior guard Dean Furer, who scored 14 points. “For the (playoff) seeding, against a rival ... we knew the consequences.”