Sports
Boys Basketball: Tomcats own fourth quarter in victory over Eastern
By: James Massara
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The Trimble Tomcats used a strong second half to defeat the Eastern Eagles, 64-43. The Eagles (4-6, 2-6) and Tomcats (2-11, 1-8) did not go into their game looking to make friends on Tuesday night, as three technicals were given and two fans were ejected during the contest.
The first technical was given before the game had the opportunity to begin after Trimble’s Jacob Hooper attempted to dunk the basketball during pre-game warm-ups. This allowed Eastern to start the game with a 1-0 lead after connecting on one of the free throws and guaranteed them the ball to start the contest.
Once the game commenced, both teams played with intensity and neither team was going to make it easy for the other to end the game with a victory. Both teams started the game running the floor and playing a fast paced offense. The first quarter came to an end tied at 14-14.
The second quarter of play looked almost identical to the first, as both teams continued to play a fast paced offense. The second quarter came to an end with Trimble holding onto a small lead, 24-22.
The second half of the contest is where Trimble truly took over the game. The second half also was the home to multiple self-inflicted woes for Eastern.
As Trimble began to take the lead, Eastern coach Corey Britton showed his frustration as he picked up a technical foul. Eastern struggled to take care of the ball as the second half opened, and Trimble took advantage of the Eastern miscues. The third quarter ended with Trimble leading, 40-31.
The Tomcats took control of the fourth quarter by taking the momentum from the previous quarter and never looking back. After another technical, this one given to a player for an unnecessary push after a play, the Tomcats took the fourth quarter 24-12 and the game, 64-43.
Free throws also came into play as the Tomcats shot 20-28 from the line and the Eagles went 9-18. Leading the way in the scoring category for Trimble was Cyrus Jones with 17 points. He was given support from teammates Jacob Koons with 14 points and Chris Spears with 11 points.
The top scorer on the night for Eastern was Max Carnahan with 12 points. He was backed up by teammates Kirk Pullins with nine points and Chase Cook with eight points.
Trimble next plays at Belpre on January 27, and then the Tomcats host South Gallia on February 3. Eastern next plays host to Federal Hocking on January 27, then travel to South Gallia on January 31.