Trojans battle Independence on the road

By Camden McFarland

camden@hometowngirard.com

After making the trek to Independence yesterday, the Girard Trojans’ girls and boys basketball teams pushed their records to 10-6 and 12-4, respectively, after intense matchups against the Bulldogs.

During the girls’ game, the Lady Trojans were at war with themselves in the first quarter, unable to find an offensive rhythm.

However, their defense was fully alert and effectively stunted Independence’s offense as a result. At the end of the first quarter Girard trailed 7-9.

The second quarter was much like the first for the Lady Trojans, as they continued to struggle offensively and scored just six points. Independence also hit Girard’s defense harder this time around to add 14 to their score.

Trailing 13-23 at the half, Girard had ground to cover and they came out prepared to do so in the third quarter.

The Lady Trojans cut their deficit to seven points in the third quarter by outscoring Independence 15-12.

As the fourth quarter arrived, Girard was not prepared to lie down. The Lady Trojans made a comeback on Independence in an effort to steal the victory by outscoring them 14-10.

Unfortunately, the Lady Trojans were stopped from taking the lead with just seconds left, and the final score was brought to 45-42 in Independence’s favor.

Throughout the game Independence targeted Girard’s Sydnee Crain, but she persevered to lead the team’s offense with 17 points.

On the boys’ side, Girard was in for another high-intensity matchup.

In the first quarter, Independence established a 19-8 lead to send a message to Girard.

This message wasn’t received, though, and the Trojans fired back by outscoring Independence 12-9 in the second quarter.

Still trailing by eight points, Girard came out in the third quarter with a come-back mindset.

After scoring 16 in the third quarter and allowing only 11, the Trojans now found themselves behind by just three points.

Girard continued to fight through the fourth quarter and sent the game into overtime after outscoring the Bulldogs 11-8 and tying the game at 47-47.

Independence was not prepared for the Trojans’ relentless behavior in overtime, and only managed to score three points. The Trojans scored 10 to earn the victory with a final score of 57-50.

Throughout the night Girard showed impressive offensive collaboration across the roster, but Ethan Goff could not be stopped at the three-point line.

Goff scored six three-pointers and finished the game with 22 solo points.

Catch the Trojans in action again Tuesday, Feb. 13, as they take on the Galena Bulldogs on the road.