Tomcats spoil Lancers’ senior night with win in Stewart
By: Andrew Rowan
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STEWART, Ohio (WOUB) — The Trimble Tomcats (6-15, 2-8 in-conf.) hit the road Friday night to face the Federal Hocking Lancers (4-16, 2-8 in conf.). With senior night celebrations in full swing, the pressure was on for the Trimble boys, but they would answer in major fashion, going on to win 51-46. This would be the Tomcats’ first win since Jan. 9, which was against the Lancers.
Trimble would take control early in the first half, communicating with each other well and establishing a full-court press, which turned turnovers into scores. Junior Brady Jajczyk led the way with three field goal shots, and he would finish his night with a team-leading 18 points.
The second quarter would be much of the same, as Trimble would keep their foot on the gas pedal to go into halftime up 29-21.
Coming out at half, The Lancers would match the Tomcats’ aggression as they would establish a full-court press of their own, but would not be able to execute properly, forcing fouls upon themselves. Despite that, the Lancers would cut their deficit to three to make it 37-34 at the end of the third.
The fourth quarter would see the most action of the night, as it would be a back and forth between their defenses. With a minute left to go in regulation, down by three 49-46, the Lancers would take a back-breaking turnover. They would then foul Senior Paul Sharp, who would place the dagger with back-to-back free-throws for the Trimble boys to walk away the winners, 51-46.
With the win, Trimble moved to fifth in the TVC-Hocking standings, and Federal Hocking fell to sixth. Both teams will be back in the lab, as the Tomcats will travel to play Miller on Feb. 23, after a game-postponement, and The Lancers will also hit the road, facing Fort Frye on Feb. 20.