John Champe High School’s varsity boys basketball team found the win column in just the second game of their inaugural season. The Knights pulled away from host Rappahannock County in the second half for a 64-43 victory Dec. 5.

“Obtaining our first varsity win in program history will definitely give our young program confidence to continue to get better and compete in our inaugural season,” said Champe head coach Kip Shallis, who was a varsity assistant coach at Potomac Falls before starting up the Knights’ program.

Freshman Zach Burdick led the Knights with an impressive stat line of 24 points, five assists and six steals in the win. Sophomore Steven Baker scored 16 points, while freshman Vishal Akula added 11 and freshman Max Murray netted eight.

Champe (1-1) played without injured center Jeff Rhodes. The 6-foot-4 junior posted a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds in a season-opening 68-36 loss to Tuscarora.

“Preparing for the second game in the season without our leading scorer and rebounder was quite a task,” Shallis noted. “Fortunately for us, freshman point guard Zach Burdich proved to be the best player on the court. Guards Steven Baker, Vishul Akula and Max Murray all played extremely well and were key in us securing our first victory.”

The Knights will now aim for their first-ever home victory. Champe plays host to Park View Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

“Our players have made a commitment to one another and have bought into the system we are establishing at Champe,” Shallis said. “We will continue in our efforts to become the smartest and toughest team on the court each night.”