By Bret Strelow
bstrelow@salisburypost.com
DENVER ó Keith Rendleman’s mother, Michelle, called John Knox’s father Wednesday night.
East Lincoln had just defeated Monroe, and Salisbury had beaten Wilkes Central.
Those outcomes set up an unexpected meeting of cousins Friday. Rendleman and Knox led their teams in scoring as the Hornets lost 76-62 in a 2A sectional final.
Knox discovered three days ago that he’s related to Rendleman.
“When they told me, it was just a shock,” Knox said. “We got out there, and the last little bit we were talking about that. We were both just surprised.
“They’re a good, disciplined team, and I can see why they made it to regionals.”
Knox, a sophomore who routinely joined Dominique Phillips as the first subs to check in for Salisbury, scored five early points against East Lincoln to push the Hornets ahead 15-9.
Starting forward Brandon Abel injured his left ankle with three minutes remaining in the half, but Salisbury trailed only 31-30 at the break thanks to a late 3-pointer from Knox.
Knox scored 11 of his career-high 19 points in the fourth quarter. His previous best was 13.
“When (Abel) went down, I knew I had to step up,” Knox said. “Being the sixth man coming off the bench, I knew that’s my role. I had to do what I had to do.
“It was a good year, and we accomplished a lot. We just couldn’t get over the hump, so next year we have to come back and work harder.”
The absence of Abel created more space for one of his AAU teammates, a UNC Wilmington signee whose mother was a West Rowan standout with the maiden name of Reid.
Rendleman, who has played alongside Abel with the Salisbury Phenoms, scored 14 of his game-high 23 points in the second half. He went 7-for-15 from the field with three dunks and shot 9-for-15 from the line.
Rendleman considers Abel a friend.
“I was sad for him that he got hurt,” Rendleman said. “I wish he could have played against me a lot more.”
Rendleman finished with five blocks, including one that triggered the game’s most exciting sequence.
Salisbury trailed 54-43 when Rendleman swatted a shot early in the fourth quarter. He sprinted ahead of the pack and stood alone on the right wing as the Hornets applied fullcourt pressure.
A long pass finally reached Rendleman, who dribbled in and threw home a reverse dunk to the delight of the home crowd.
“I was wide open,” Rendleman said, “so I wanted to do something other than a regular one-handed or two-handed dunk.”