Trimble pulls away late, secures first TVC-Hocking win over Federal Hocking

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STEWART, Ohio (WOUB)-In a rivalry game with both teams’ first TVC-Hocking win on the line, the Trimble Tomcats (2-9, 1-3 TVC-Hocking) pulled away from the Federal Hocking Lancers (2-9, 0-4 TVC-Hocking) late, winning 55-45. 

In the first quarter, the Federal Hocking defense pressured the Tomcats, forcing multiple turnovers. The Lancers converted these turnovers into a 9-0 run and a 15-7 lead at the end of the quarter. At the end of the quarter, Trimble head coach Tracy Blevins told his team to “stop turning the ball over,” saying that “You’re not going to win basketball games that way” when referring to his teams’ first quarter performance.  

The team took Blevins’ advice, calmed down, and came out firing during the second quarter.  Brady Jajczyk’s 10 points and a pair of threes from Hunter Brandeberry led a furious rally for Trimble. This rally led to the Tomcats taking a 28-23 lead at halftime. 

The third quarter was a close, scrappy battle throughout. As time expired, the Lancers made a buzzer-beating shot to tie the game at 34. During the break, the Trimble team was fired up. After the game, Blevins said the Tomcats “got themselves going” and that he “did not have to say much” to the team during the intermission.  

The motivated Tomcats started the quarter with a 7-0 run, where Hunter Brandenberry scored five points. Overall, Brandenberry scored 11 points off the bench. Although Federal Hocking pulled within four points, some clutch free throws and Jajczyk steals secured the win for Trimble. 

Jajczyk led Trimble in scoring, putting up 17 points, while Chase Patton scored 10 for the Tomcats. Cameron Joy scored a team-high 12 points for Federal Hocking, while Wren Ballew and Rustam Waltz scored 10 each for the Lancers.  

After the game, coach Blevins praised his team, saying the game was a “team win.” He noted how much the team has improved over the course of the season, saying that “two weeks ago, we lose that game.” He credited his players for that improvement, saying after their loss to undefeated Caldwell earlier this week, they were “chomping at the bit…to get better.” 

Trimble will not have much rest after this game, as they play Nelsonville-York (7-3, 3-1 TVC-Ohio) on Saturday, January 18th. Federal Hocking also has a game that day, as they play the Green (Franklin Furnace) Bobcats (4-7, 1-1 SOC-I) in a nonconference game.