Terra Ceia’s gymnasium is far from the biggest in Beaufort County. However, once the lights go out and the bell tolls, the anticipation is palpable for the show the Knights are about to put on.

After all, they are the best in Beaufort County. Terra Ceia sits at 15-1 and a perfect 5-0 in the Tarheel Independent Conference this season. The team has not lost a game since its Nov. 11 season opener at Wayne Country Day. At No. 108 in the state according to MaxPreps, the Chargers are one spot ahead the Knights.

In the 1-A NCISAA state rankings, Terra Ceia weighs in at No. 7 in North Carolina.

The small, energetic gym is a fitting home for a small, energetic team. The Knights only have eight players on their team, but have solidified themselves as the county’s best squad. Their speed, technique and outstanding chemistry recently helped them overwhelm local and conference rival Pungo. Those qualities have also pushed them past bigger, deeper teams in Northside and Washington.

The Knights’ explosive pace on offense has them scoring just a shade under 85 points a game. Each player on the court knows where the other four will be at any given time, letting them thread the needle on outlet lobs and make no-look passes in transition. Tyler Hendrix, Darius Blackledge and Messiah Barnes can all soar to the rim for highlight-reel dunks.

They push the tempo on defense, too. They’re constantly active in trapping and trying to get steals that fuel their rapid attack. On average, opponents aren’t breaking the 50-point threshold. Terra Ceia has conceded over 50 points just twice since taking on the Panthers and Pam Pack prior to Christmas.

The games often aren’t close, but that’s not always the biggest concern for the home fans. Anyone that hasn’t seen the Knights this season has four home games remaining to do so.

Then it’s time for them to take their show on the road and show the rest of the state what Beaufort County can do on the hardwood.