Trojans sweep Bulldogs

By: Aaron Pyle

            Following the last matchup for the Lady Trojans, Girard fell just short of a victory falling 40-38 to the Galena Bulldogs in a rematch from earlier in the season. In wake of the loss, the Lady Trojans looked to bounce back against Anderson County (7-5) in Girard’s annual homecoming matchup, Feb. 7. 

            Opening the game, the Bulldogs were able to get going causing turnovers with their aggressive full-court pressure and ability to attack inside the paint. Girard fought back into the game going on a 6-0 run to get back within reach and then take the lead at the end of the quarter. 

            Defense reigned supreme in the second quarter as the two sides struggled to get a rhythm going offensively. Anderson County was able to cut the Lady Trojan lead attacking inside the paint and drawing fouls while doing so. After going cold, the Lady Trojans were able to grow the lead even further as the final minutes came in the second. At halftime, Girard led Anderson County 22-18.

            The two teams repeated their first-half pattern of attacking the paint in the third quarter pounding the ball inside. In a quarter consisting of fouls and turnovers, the Lady Trojans would maintain their lead credited to their ability to knock down free throws. 

            In the final quarter, the Bulldogs were able to get going from deep cutting the deficit and getting back to within reach of Girard. The offense came alive for both teams in the final quarter as the two sides let it fly from range. The Bulldogs would take the lead back midway through the quarter but the Trojans weren’t phased by the efforts of Anderson County. Sophomore Faith Poland would come in clutch for the Lady Trojans sinking a three to trim the deficit to one point with 1:30 remaining. 

            Poland would steal the ball on the following drive for Anderson County then feeding it to junior Makaila Ausemus who then was fouled at the rim. Making both free throw attempts, the Trojans would take the lead. From there, Girard (10-4) would maintain the lead capturing a 64-61 win over the Bulldogs (7-6).   

            Poland led the way for the Lady Trojans finishing the night with 18 points. 

            For the boys, the team comes off a tough 46-36 loss to the Galena Bulldogs, Feb. 4. Much like the Lady Trojans, the boys’ team looked to capture a victory following a loss to a conference opponent. The Trojans tipped-off against the Anderson County Bulldogs (3-10) in a non-conference battle. 

            The offense would come at a premium for both teams in the first quarter. The Bulldogs would open the game on a 6-0 run but the Trojans responded going on their own 5-0 run to finish the quarter. 

            Both teams exchanged baskets in the paint to begin the second quarter as the two looked to pound the ball inside. Ball movement became key to the Trojans maintaining their lead as it would reach as much as six. At halftime, Girard led Anderson County 17-11 in a low-scoring affair. 

            Anderson County would begin the second half on a 13-5 run cutting the Trojans lead. The brother duo of junior Rigby Born and sophomore Brahm Born provided a spark to the Trojans offense late in the third quarter eight of Girard’s 14 points. 

            The Trojans would maintain their lead for the entirety of the final quarter as the Bulldogs struggled to get back within reach of the Trojans. Credited to the Trojans’ ability at the free-throw line, Girard (6-8) captured a 44-34 victory over Anderson County (3-11).  

            Following the sweep, the Trojans jump right back into league play Tuesday, Feb. 11 in a home matchup against the Columbus Titans who split the series with Girard in the previous meeting, Jan. 10.