Trojan senior Tommy Tyynismaa goes up for a tough shot against a Mount Vernon defender last Tuesday night. Tyynismaa would finish the game with 17 points.

It was another great night for South Tama Trojan basketball at the roundhouse last Tuesday as conference opponent Mount Vernon traveled into town. This was the Trojans’ first game back at home following the exciting last second win over CP-U. As South Tama looked to continue their winning ways at home, Mount Vernon looked to come in and pull off the upset on the road.

The Mustangs got off to a hot start with senior Joey Rhomberg scoring several points from under the basket, and senior Joe Briesemeister protecting to hoop for the Mustangs on defense. But the Trojans were quick to respond as freshman Emerson Bridgewater provided points for the Trojans near the hoop and senior Cade Rosenberger continued his impressive shooting, hitting 3 three-pointers to help get the Trojans back in the game.

As halftime approached, both teams continued to go back and forth with Mount Vernon pulling away a bit to lead at halftime 24-17.

Coming out of halftime it was South Tama’s turn to get off to a hot start as senior Tommy Tyynismaa got in a groove offensively with good drives and shots towards the basket. The Trojan defense also picked up the intensity and was able to hold the Mustangs to only eight points in the 3rd quarter, which was enough to make the score all tied up 32-32 going into the final frame.

Mount Vernon was not to be held in check again, as sophomore Kellen Haverback hit shots from both mid and three point range to increase the Mustangs lead. As the clock ran down the Trojans made one last run, seniors Tyynismaa and Rosenberger got good shots off offensively to keep the game within striking distance. Unfortunately, Mount Vernon was too strong on the day and was able to hold off South Tama for a 52-43 victory.

Senior Daniel Wiese drives past Mustang defenders in front of the home crowd to help the Trojans keep the game close against conference opponent Mount Vernon.

Both Tyynismaa and Rosenberger finished the game with some impressive offensive numbers. Tyynismaa had 17 points, going 7/12 from the field, and Rosenberger went 3/7 from three-point range to finish the game with 11 points. Rosenberger also had eight rebounds and five assists on the night, followed by Bridgewater who had six rebounds and two assists. South Tama was back at home for their next game against the Grinnell Tigers as they looked to bounce back and continue to build momentum on the season.