Jaanai Beckford once again led Northstar to a win, but he had plenty of help. Beckford scored 18 points with nine blocks and seven boards, but got 12 points each from Dave Valle and Donald Harris. Neal Patei added a game-sealing three as the Knights defeated Pine Valley of Buffalo 48-45 in the Class D Quarterfinal Friday night at Buffalo State. Harris hit a three to beat the first quarter buzzer and Northstar led by that three at halftime. With just over three minutes to go in the game and the Knights leading by two, Valle made a layup, got fouled and took a hard fall to push the advantage to five. Patei's three put the game out of reach. Pine Valley hit a three at the buzzer to make it look close. Northstar now advances to the state semis next weekend at Glens Falls.
