STC’s Matt Wiese (5) and Keith Keahna (33) defend against Vinton on Tuesday, January 15. The Trojans fell to the Vikings 54-39. News Herald Photo/Allison Graham

South Tama’s efforts fell short when hosting Vinton-Shellsburg on Tuesday, January 16. The Trojans (0-13) hung closely to Vinton (5-6) for most of the night but ultimately fell 54-39.

Starting for the Trojans were Sonny DeMarce, Tyrin Lasley, Lane Lekin, Keith Keahna and Eli Keahna. Starting for the Vikings were Isaac Wiley, Sam Griffith, Jose Wilson, Nolan Haisman and Seth Patterson.

Despite the loss, the positive take away following the game was improvement compared to the last meeting between these two teams. In December the Vikings won in dominating fashion, 63-25. No STC player reached double digit scoring that night. On Tuesday however, they managed to tighten up their defensive efforts and that resulted in more opportunities (and points) on the offensive side.

STC senior starter, Keith Keahna, got things rolling for the Trojans with a quick bucket to start off the first quarter. Keahna led the Trojans with 13 points and 7 rebounds. The Trojans managed to keep the score within a seven point margin throughout the first half and well into the second.

This season has very much been a rebuilding season for the Trojans. What they lack in experience they make up in effort. That effort has unfortunately not translated into wins this season. They struggle with the fundamentals of the game but they do seem to leave all they have to give on the court.

Lane Lekin attempts to block a shot by Vinton’s Jose Wilson on Tuesday, January 15. News Herald Photo/Allison Graham

One area the Trojans excelled in on Tuesday was in blocked shots. Between Keith and Eli Keahna, they had seven total giving the student section something to cheer about each time they denied the Vikings.

Nolan Haisman led the Vinton with 11 points and 6 rebounds for their 54-39 win.

The Trojans will be at home on Friday evening to host CP-U (7-6).

WaMaC Conference Standings

Clear Creek Amana 7-4, 6-4

Keith Keahna (33) and Eli Keahna go up for a rebound on Tuesday, January 15. News Herald Photo/Allison Graham

Benton 7-6, 7-4

Center Point-Urbana 7-6, 6-5

Vinton-Shellsburg 5-6, 5-6

Williamsburg 3-9, 3-8

Independence 2-11, 1-7

South Tama 0-13, 0-12

STC Stats

Pts. – K. Keahna 13, Lasley 9, E. Keahna 4, Wiese 4, Chavez 3, DeMarce 3, Lekin 3

FGM/FGA – K. Keahna 6-9, Lasley 3-7, E. Keahna 2-3, Wiese 0-4, Chavez 1-2, DeMarce 1-3, Lekin 1-2

Offensive Rebounds – K. Keahna 2, DeMarce 2, Wiese 1, Lasley 1, E. Keahna 1

Defensive Rebounds – K. Keahna 5, Chavez 2, Lasley 2, E. Keahna 2, Lekin 1, Kingbird 1