There were bodies diving for loose balls and flying into the stands. Three-point shots sinking to beat the shot-clock, and even a dunk to send the crowd into a delirious frenzy.

The Mercer Island boys basketball team has high hopes for its upcoming season, and the team proved anxious to get going in its season opener Friday night, scoring a 64-55 win over the 1A state champion King’s Knights at MIHS.

Whatever the Knights threw at the Islanders, time and again, the Islanders had a response.

“The kids were ready to go and fired up,” said Mercer Island coach Gavin Cree. “I was really pleased with the energy. I thought some guys came off the bench who don’t have a lot of experience and did really well.”

Mercer Island claimed the lead for good midway through the first quarter and led 15-8 after one. The Islanders extended their lead to 14 in the second, but saw the Knights whittle the deficit to a 31-24 halftime score.

But every time the Knights appeared poised for a run, the Islanders quickly responded. A one-handed slam from Sam Nordale in the opening minutes of the second half pushed the Islander lead back to 10 and erupted the crowd. Mercer Island led by as many as 16 and closed the quarter ahead 44-33.

The aggressive effort was displayed on all fronts for Mercer Island, both on the boards and on the floor diving for loose balls. Senior Josh Stenberg forayed into the stands twice during the opening half.

“Being smart and being aggressive is something we want to do throughout the whole season,” Stenberg said.

The Islanders managed to stay in front despite foul trouble to big man Andrew Pickles. With backup big Ethan Chen missing in action, the team relied on junior Jacob Evans to take on post duty.

“He came in and really held his own,” Cree said. “He was a positive all around and played really solid.”

The Knights would get no closer than eight the rest of the way. Stenberg led the Islanders with 24 points, while Pickles had 13 and Shain Scott scored 11. King’s Corey Kispert finished with a game-high 25 points.

Next, Mercer Island will take on Newport at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at Newport High School.