Belpre spoils Trimble’s night of milestones
By: Andrew Woods
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GLOUSTER, Ohio (WOUB) – The Trimble Tomcats’ game against the Belpre Golden Eagles was a celebration of milestones. Trimble began the night by recognizing their seniors. That was not the only milestone the Trimble faithful celebrated that evening, as junior Brady Jajczyk scored his 1000th point the same night. However, Belpre’s strong defense and balanced offense stole the show as the Golden Eagles spoiled Trimble’s celebration with a 77-45 win.
Belpre (8-8, 4-3 TVC-Hocking) started the game hot. The Golden Eagles picked up the pace and took advantage of fast breaks to take a nine-point lead early. Although Trimble (5-15, 1-7 TVC-Hocking) broke the first run and narrowed the gap, Belpre went on another run to extend the lead to 11 points at the end of the first quarter.
Although Belpre kept things going in the second, Trimble stayed in the fight by finding space in the tight Belpre defense. That space was important as early in the quarter, Jajczyk scored his 1000th point on a tough floater.
After the big bucket, Jajczyk immediately celebrated with his teammates and family, who were all there to see the milestone. Even Jajczyk’s grandmother, who flew in from South Carolina, was there to see the big moment.
After the game, Jajczyk reflected on what the milestone meant to him. He said “It was just years and years of battle and, just, a lot of basketball leading up to this moment. I’ve been dreaming about this since I was a little tyke.”
Jajczyk’s milestone basket proved to be a spark for the Tomcats. Jajczyk and the Tomcats continued to find open spaces throughout the second quarter and closed the gap to seven points at halftime.
Jajczyk led the way for Trimble in the second quarter, scoring ten points. However, Belpre clamped down on Jajczyk and the Tomcats in the third quarter. That strong defense allowed the Golden Eagles to go on a seven-point run early. Belpre eventually extended the run to 15-2 and came out of the third quarter with a 53-37 lead.
The Golden Eagles kept their foot on the gas in the fourth quarter, doubling their lead and cruising to a 77-45 win.
Belpre’s giant third quarter run was powered by Malik Currie, who led the Golden Eagles with 20 points, including eight in the third. However, Currie was not the only Belpre player with a strong night. Malakai Ensor had a perfect shooting night, going seven for seven on field goals on his way to a 19-point night.