Sports
Trimble Fights Back To Beat Eastern
By: Morgan Overbey
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After arguably one of Eastern’s best starts to a game this season, the Trimble Tomcats edged their way back into the game with a 26-point third quarter, which ultimately pushed the Tomcats to a 70-58 victory.
The Eagles took advantage of Trimble’s early mistakes and scored 12 of their 21 first quarter points from behind the three-point line. For a team who struggles to consistently make shots, Eastern head coach Jeremy Hill said he was impressed with his team’s ability to start the game out on a strong note.
The Tomcats rigid zone defense in the second quarter caused the Eagles to turn the ball over and force a lot of shots. Trimble went on an 8-0 run to begin the quarter, but the Eagles were able to maintain a 5-point lead to end the first half.
Trimble got another quick eight points to begin the second half and also take their first lead of the game.
They never looked back from there.
With this fast-paced game came tons of turnovers, as there were 54 total throughout, but ultimately it came down to which team could convert those mistakes into points.
The Eagles do not have any problems shooting the ball, but getting the ball in the hole is a different story. They have shot the ball 60 or more times in the past three games, but have only made 35 percent or less of those shots. This is something the Eagles have struggled with thus far.
“If we can put 32 total minutes of basketball together and knock down more shots, we should be able to get that first win under our belt,” said Hill.
For two Trimble seniors, knocking down shots came easy, as Jacob Koons had 22 points and 11 rebounds. Wyatt Bragg, who shot 53%, on the night added to Koons’ double-double with 17 points and 7 rebounds.
“(Koons) really made a good effort crashing the boards, getting a lot of offensive and defensive rebounds,” said Trimble head coach Curt Moore. “Working him in the paint is where we like him to be.”
Because of Trimble’s late start to their season due to football, they are now starting to make up some of those games. With six games in the next nine days, the Tomcats won’t be doing much practicing.
“We started way behind with our football season, so there won’t be much practice time to fix anything,” said Moore. “It’s going to be all about game time play.”
The Eagles are still looking for their first win of the season and will head to Wahama on Jan. 14, to take on the White Falcons (2-7).
Trimble will get back on the hardwood Saturday, Jan. 11, at home against Nelsonville-York.