i played as white and got the win but any take aways are appreciated

Its ok  Great

Nice game!

I am new to chess and do not understand checking, so please forgive my question.  Why did you use your Knight?  Would it have been better to go with the Qh5 first?  You won, so the question is a moot point.  I am just asking from a newbi perspective.

first look i saw knight was protected with qh5 mate next move i seen mate in 1 when i ran analysis

Yes... the game is very like 200 rated

submitting it in guess the elo game

hence my 280 rating