The South Tama boys varsity team was all smiles at the conclusion of last Friday’s victory over Perry. Pictured are Lance Davenport, Walt Ingawanup, Tommy Tyynismaa, Cade Rosenberger, Daniel Wiese and Miles Zmolek moments after Ingawanup hit a three-pointer at the fourth quarter buzzer. – Photo by Darvin Graham

South Tama’s boys varsity team (2-20) concluded their regular season on a high note last week as the Trojans notched their second win of the season, defeating the Perry Bluejays (2-19) 70-51 in non-conference action.

The Trojans struggled through another difficult year in the WaMaC Conference, and were eager for an opportunity against a less familiar opponent.

On Friday night, STC pried open a 21-7 lead in the first quarter that served as the go-ahead leverage they would need to keep Perry at arms-length the rest of the way.

Had the first quarter not been as lopsided, the outcome might have been much closer as the Trojans surpassed the Bluejays in scoring only by three points in the second quarter, two points in the third quarter and were dead even in scoring in the fourth.

Senior Osceola Tyon had one of his best scoring performances of the season, netting 29 points while making four of his nine three point attempts.

Kendall Balderas streaks up the court on a fast break past Perry’s Holden Smith (2) and Geren Kenney (15) during South Tama’s home game against the Bluejays on Feb. 11. The Trojans earned their second win of the season Friday with help from Balderas who led the team in rebounds (6), assists (6) and steals (4). – Photo by Darvin Graham

Tommy Tyynismaa was the only other Trojan to reach double figures against Perry, putting in 13 points to go along with five rebounds. Rounding out the offensive attack for South Tama was Cade Rosenberger and Kendall Balderas who each contributed seven points.

Balderas was also the team leader with six rebounds, six assists and four steals.

The Bluejays meanwhile produced a more balanced scoring picture with sophomore Drake Levan leading his team with 19 points ahead of Holden Smith who finished with 12 and Brandon Mahler who had 11.

One of the highlights for the Trojans came in the final seconds of the game when senior reserve player Walt Ingawanup’s number was called from the bench.

Ingawanup got an open look near the top of the key with time expiring on the fourth quarter clock and drained a three-pointer to put the icing on the 70-point South Tama victory, much to the delight of the STC student section who erupted in cheers.

Senior Walt Ingawanup lets go of the game-ending three pointer that capped South Tama’s 70-51 win over Perry on Feb. 11. – Photo by Darvin Graham

The Trojans had this past week off and will suit up on Monday for the opening round of the Class 3A substate playoffs. STC will travel to Washington to take on the fifth-ranked Demons (17-3) with tipoff taking place at 6:30 p.m.

The winner will be back at Washington High School on Feb. 24 to take on either Solon or Center Point-Urbana.

Osceola Tyon breaks through Perry’s defenders on the way to the hoop during the second half of the Trojans’ home game on Feb. 11. South Tama defeated Perry 70-51 behind a 29-point scoring performance from Tyon. The senior sharpshooter was 4-for-9 from three-point range. – Photo by Darvin Graham