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Turnovers costly for STC Trojans

STC’s Adriana Cervantes goes for a lay up during Monday’s contest with Grundy Center. The Trojans fell 57-24 in the non-conference game. News Herald Photo/Allison Graham

On Monday the South Tama County basketball teams travelled to Grundy Center for a non-conference boy/girl double header. Class 2A Grundy Center has had a great season thus far with an 11-2 record.

The Spartans are second to West Marshall (8-1) in the NICL West Conference. Grundy Center sophomore Lainy Thoren is among state leaders in Class 2A defensive stats including in assists steals and blocks with 42 assists, 23 steals and 16 blocks respectfully.

The Trojans and the Spartans have had a long history of playing each other that dates back to at least 2008-09 school year per Quikstat records From 2011 to 2014 they were conference opponents in the NICL west. South Tama left the conference in 2014-15 to join with the WaMaC west. The last time the Trojans defeated Grundy Center was in 2015-16 with a 57-48 win. The two teams were scheduled to play each other last season but weather forced a cancellation.

Monday’s contest kept the four year win streak alive and well for the Spartans as they easily handled STC for a 57-24 victory.

One of South Tama’s biggest struggles continues to be protecting the ball. Turnovers were in adundance on Monday whether it be poor passes, double dribbles, traveling or the Spartans stealing the ball, the Trojans really struggled to hang on to a possession. They ended the night with 24 turnovers.

STC’s Aubrey Roberts (24) shots from the three point line during Monday’s contest with Grundy Center. News herald Photo/Allison Graham

On a brighter note, STC’s Tylese Rosenberger hit two three point shots in the first quarter. That coupled with Adriana Cervantes lone bucket put the Trojans on the board with eight points. On the opposite end of the court however the Spartans had nearly doubled STC’s offensive production.

Rosenberger was the only Trojan to make a basket in the second quarter. She scored four points. By halftime Grundy Center led 34-12.

The second half was more of the same. The Spartans scored 15 points in the third quarter all while holding STC to seven points.

The Spartans slowed down some by the fourth quarter with substitutes being brought into the game. They still outscored STC 8-5 for a 57-24 victory.

The Trojans will be home on Friday evening to host

Class 4A 3rd ranked Center Point Urbana (11-0).