VINTON — The STC boys basketball team hit the road last Thursday to take on conference rival Vinton-Shellsburg. This was only the Trojans’ third road game this year and the last game before Christmas break provides a short intermission of play. For both teams, a win before break would bring much needed momentum into the second half of the season.

As the game tipped off the Trojans came out the gate ready to go, scoring on their first four possessions on offense. Seniors Daniel Wiese, Jeramy Dolash, and James Brant were all able to get easy baskets early to help boost the Trojans to a 10-point lead in the first quarter. On the defensive end STC established an effective press from the start to throw the Vikings off, this produced several turnovers in favor of the Trojans.

As the first half continued, the Vikings started to get comfortable against the Trojan defense. This allowed sophomore Jacoby Johnson of Vinton to get going on offense. But just as the Vikings seemed to cut into the South Tama lead the Trojans stormed back with an offensive surge of their own. This time, it was freshman Emerson Bridgewater providing the points for the Trojans down low to increase the South Tama lead to 31-24 going into halftime.

Both teams got off to a slower start offensively in the second half, as both defenses picked up the pace getting turnovers frequently. Senior Tommy Tyynismaa was the first player to break the offensive silence for the Trojans with a nice cut to the basket for an open layup. That ended up being the spark the Trojans needed to continue to hold off the Vikings.

As the game neared its end, Vinton was able to cut the South Tama lead to five points. With two minutes left to play the Trojan defense tightened up to make Viking guards Johnson and Kade Sutton combined for 0/3 from three-point range to close out the game.

With the game out of reach the Vikings let up, allowing the Trojans to capture their first conference road win of the year with a final score of 53-47. This win brought the South Tama boys to a 2-3 conference record so far this season and good momentum headed into break. The Trojans will be on the road again in their next game to take on Independence.