Girard boys place third in Wilson County Classic

 

By Camden McFarland

camden@hometowngirard.com

The Girard Trojans’ boys basketball team moved their record on the season to 7-3 after three hard-fought games in the annual Wilson County Classic tournament that began Thursday, Jan. 18.

On Thursday, Girard started off the tournament with a matchup against Neodesha.

The Trojans did not waste any time establishing a lead, scoring 17 points in the first quarter and only allowing Neodesha to score 10.

However, Neodesha fired back in the second quarter by putting up 18 points, while Girard only managed to add eight to the scoreboard.

Girard gained some momentum after halftime and outscored Neodesha 15-10 in the third quarter, but this was no comparison to their performance in the fourth quarter.

During the fourth quarter, Neodesha could not handle the Trojans. Girard scored 25 additional points while locking down on defense and allowing only 10.

This brought the final score to 65-48, and advanced Girard to the semifinals against Caney.

Caleb Muia led Girard’s offense against Neodesha with 20 points, while Ethan Goff was close behind with 19 points.

On Friday, the Trojans quickly realized Caney was much more competitive than Neodesha.

In the first quarter, Caney earned the one-point lead after Girard scored 10 and allowed 11.

Caney found a way to stay one step ahead of the Trojans again in the second quarter, outscoring Girard 15-13.

Now trailing 23-26, the Trojans came out with a much-needed change of pace in the third quarter and scored 23 points, while Caney only scored 13.

With a seven-point lead, the pressure was on Girard to pull through and maintain the lead.

Unfortunately, Caney overpowered the Trojans offensively and scored 27 points in the fourth quarter, while Girard added a mere 13 points to their score.

Again, Muia led the Trojans’ offense for the night by scoring an impressive 31 points.

After the 59-66 loss, Girard headed into consolation to fight for third place against Cherryvale on Saturday.

Cherryvale proved to be no match for the Trojans, though, as Girard dominated nearly the entire game.

During the first quarter, Girard earned a 21-13 lead, but Cherryvale still remained in reach.

Cherryvale made a strong effort to take the lead in the second quarter by outscoring Girard 17-15, but Girard still held a six-point lead.

After halftime, the Trojans were all business as they set out to solidify the victory.

Girard scored 22 additional points in the third quarter, while Cherryvale could only manage 10.

Heading into the fourth quarter with a 58-40 lead, Girard was worry free and finished the game off with a final score of 71-53.

Muia had yet another impressive performance in this game, scoring 30 points.

At the end of the tournament, players from each team were honored for the All Academic Team and All Tournament Team.

For the All Academic Team, Girard’s Brett Ferguson and Goff received honors.

For the All Tournament Team, Girard’s Muia and Ryder Worrell received honors.

Girard will be hosting their next matchup Tuesday, Jan. 23, against the Baxter Lions.