Trojans ease past Titans
The white hot Girard Trojans are one win away from their third straight state tournament berth, after beating Columbus 77-39 on Friday night. PHOTO BY JOYCE KOVACIC
BY NICK CORN
One-seed Girard began sub-state play with a bang Friday night, facing the 1-19 Columbus Titans. After defeating Columbus by over 50 points in both prior matchups this season, the fashion in which the Trojans won was a surprise to none.
Girard started off hot on their first possession when Eric Wilson knocked home a three to start the game. After the Titans would respond with a basket, the Trojans ended the first on a 22-1 run behind 9 points from Junior Lindbloom. By halftime the game was all but decided with Girard leading by 30-points.
Junior Lindbloom scores two of his game high 17 points, leading all scorers in Friday nights win over Columbus. The Trojans play in the Sub-state championship game tonight at 7:30pm vs. host Baxter Springs. PHOTO BY JOYCE KOVACIC
Girard continued to pour it on in the third quarter, and the fourth quarter saw Trojan reserves play the remaining eight minutes with a running clock. The outcome was a 38 point, 77-39 Trojan victory.
On a night that saw plenty of ball movement with 10 different Trojans entering the scorebook, it was Lindbloom’s night. Lindbloom led all scorers with 17 points, Damman and Wilson cracked double digits with 13 and 11 points, respectively.
The win advanced the Trojans to their third straight sub-state title game and a chance at their third straight state tournament berth. Sub-state host Baxter Springs will stand in the Trojans way after their 59-40 victory over Frontenac in the semifinals. Girard beat Baxter by 20 earlier in the season and by 28 points just eleven days ago.
The Sub-state championship game is tonight at 7:30pm in Baxter.
BOX SCORE
Girard 77, Columbus 39
1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q FINAL
GHS 25 23 18 11 77
CHS 3 15 13 8 39
Girard: J. Lindbloom 17, Damman 14, Wilson 11, Davied 8, Fisher 8, Bailey 6, Goff 4, Green 4, Troike 3, Hamblin 2
3-PT FG: Davied 2, Damman, Goff, Wilson