Tough night in Pittsburg for the Trojans
By Camden McFarland
camden@hometowngirard.com
The Girard Trojans’ girls and boys basketball teams records were moved to 4-3 and 5-2, respectively, after matchups against their toughest opponent yet, the Pittsburg Dragons, last night in Pittsburg.
It was a struggle from the start during the girls’ game for the Lady Trojans to make it past Pittsburg’s solid defense.
In the first quarter, Girard found six points but the Dragons had free reign on offense, scoring 18 points.
Girard was not as successful in scoring during the second quarter, as Pittsburg allowed only two points. The Dragons’ offense also scored 15 points with ease to bring the score at the half to 8-33.
The Lady Trojans’ Jacey Murphy makes her way past Pittsburg defenders during Girard’s matchup against the Dragons last night. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOYCE KOVACIC
The Lady Trojans’ came out a little more aggressive in the third quarter, scoring 11 points, but Pittsburg remained relentless and scored 18.
Girard scored six more points in the fourth quarter while Pittsburg scored five to bring the final score to 25-56.
Sydnee Crain led Girard’s offense with 13 points.
On the boys’ side, Girard was fully prepared to give the Dragons a run for their money as the underdogs. In the end, it came down to a battle between each team’s defensive persistence.
In the first quarter, the Trojans stayed just out of reach of the lead by scoring 15 points while allowing 16.
However, Girard picked up the pace in the second quarter and scored 18 points to establish a seven-point lead after allowing only 10 points on defense.
Girard’s Evan Troike fights through defenders to earn a shot during the Trojans’ game against the Pittsburg Dragons last night. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOYCE KOVACIC
Heading into the third quarter leading 33-26, the pressure was on the Trojans to pull through and maintain the advantage.
Pittsburg was not willing to lie down, though, and scored 19 points in the third quarter to retake the lead after Girard scored 11 additional points.
Unfortunately, the Dragons locked down on both sides of the ball in the fourth quarter and the Trojans could not keep up. Pittsburg scored 21 more points and allowed seven to bring the final score to 51-66.
Despite being heavily targeted by Pittsburg’s defense, Girard’s Caleb Muia led the team on offense with 16 points.
Girard will move on to compete in the Wilson County Tournament beginning Monday, Jan. 15, in Fredonia. On Monday, the boys’ first game will begin at 5 p.m. against Neodesha, while the girls’ first game will begin at 6:45 p.m. against Fredonia.