The Girls Basketball Senior Night was held on Tuesday, February 9. Seniors honored included Dani Stubbs, Ryan Roberts, Tieranny Keahna, Alyssia Keahna, Kallie Hala, Madie Bacon, Peyton Whitebreast (manager), Veronika Mysyuk (cheerleader) and Celise Sprague (manager). News?Herald Photo/Anita Townsley

There was much celebration honoring the STC senior basketball players prior to the start of the varsity tip on Tuesday February 9. Tuesday marked senior night for the Lady Trojans with five players including Dani Stubbs, Ryan Roberts, Tieranny Keahna, Alyssia Keahna, Kallie Hala, Madie Bacon, managers Peyton Whitebreast and Celise Sprague, and cheerleader Veronika Mysyuk were recognized along with their parents. But ultimately the Trojans ended the night falling to the Benton Bobcats in a nail-biter of a finish, 55-52.

Coach Marsha Keahna went with an all-senior starting lineup that included Hala, Stubbs, Bacon, A. Keahna and Roberts. Starting for Benton were Leah Van Weelden, Jaycee Lyons, Molly Schmidt, Lea Brunssen and Jessica Heilman.

It was the second meeting of the season for the two WaMaC west conference teams. The two teams met in January in Van Horne where the Bobcats handily won 53-41. Clearly there was some improvement this time around for the Trojans who narrowly missed an upset victory.

Senior forward Madie Bacon had an exceptional night from the floor, shooting a season high 22 points. The Trojans actually led the game 21-16 going into halftime. However upon their return to the court the Bobcats came out on fire and ultimately surpassed the Trojans four point lead. The Bobcats were really able to open up in the fourth and outscored South Tama 24-14. Leading scorer for Benton was Jessica Heilman with 19 points.

With the regular season now officially over the Trojans can start afresh on Saturday evening. They will travel to State Center to face the West Marshall Trojans for a “Trojan Showdown” and a chance to move one step closer to the state tournament. Game time is at 7:00 p.m.