Trimble Tomcats keep the undefeated ball rolling over the Eastern Eagles
By: Cameron Knupp
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The Trimble Tomcats were able to keep their undefeated streak alive on Friday night when they defeated a TVC-Hocking opponent in the Eastern Eagles by a score of 57-29.
It was a special night for Trimble head coach Howie Caldwell. Before the opening tip, Caldwell was recognized for his induction into the Eastern Athletics Hall of Fame. Players from his 2001 Eastern State Final Four team were on hand to celebrate with their former coach.
Caldwell also made it a point to recognize Eastern student and cancer survivor Braylyn Johnson. Caldwell commended Johnson for his toughness, which is something he preaches to his players.
The first half was sloppy for both teams, but especially for Trimble. The Tomcats turned it over 12 times in the first half alone. By the end of the night they had over 20 turnovers. The miscues were uncharacteristic for a team who normally plays a disciplined brand of basketball.
The full court press of both defenses and a multitude of fouls made the game a low scoring affair, allowing Eastern to hold an eight to four lead at the end of the first quarter. Despite the mistakes though, the Tomcats were able to grind out baskets and take a 26-16 lead into halftime.
The Tomcats added to their lead in the second half as they began to hit their stride. Blake Guffey led the way on offense with a 29 point, 12 rebound double-double.
On top of Guffey’s impressive offensive output, the Tomcats pull court pressure defense never really allowed the Eagles to get into any sort of rhythm offensively. The Tomcats allowed just 29 points and forced 15 turnovers of their own.
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, the Tomcats will look to build off the win and clean up the miscues as the look to accomplish their goals of a TVC-Hocking title and a deep run in the state tournament.