NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO — Meskwaki’s Dontavius Slick-Driscoll looks for a passing lane while being double teamed by Cade Rosenberger and James Brant of South Tama County during Monday night’s nonconference game. The Trojans defeated the Warriors 66-18.

It was another night full of basketball in the South Tama Roundhouse, as the Meskwaki Warriors made the short road trip to match up against the Trojans on Monday night. The Warriors coming into this game are looking to achieve their second win of the season, to help build some momentum going into postseason play.

The Trojans, meanwhile, had a long week of games ahead with this game being one of four this week. With hopes of a 4-0 week in the back of their minds, the Trojans knew it would all start with securing a win against their closest geographic rival at home.

It didn’t take South Tama very long to get out to a comfortable lead. Right off of the tip the Trojans defense was looking as good as it had all year. Senior Jeramy Dolash and freshman Emerson Bridgewater protected the area near the basket well, forcing the Warriors to take tough shots from outside the paint.

The Trojans also ran a press effectively against the Warriors that created steals which turned into easy layups for seniors Daniel Wiese and Cade Rosenberger. Offensively, the Trojans continued their success as both Rosenberger and Bridgewater were able to make several shots from their comfortable spots on the court. At the end of the first quarter, it was all South Tama with a 24-0 lead.

As the second quarter got underway, it was very similar to the first as the Trojans continued to dominate on both sides of the ball. This gave the Trojans a good opportunity to allow the non-starters more varsity minutes, as senior Kaden Kopsa and junior Jerome Kapayou both were able to add points to the South Tama lead.

For the Warriors, junior Kingston Davenport and freshman Sevastian Scabbyrobe were able to put some points on the board near the end of the second quarter. Going into halftime, STC led 45-4 over the Warriors.

In the second half, the Trojan starters didn’t see much playing time with this game secured and a long week ahead, but the bench for the Trojans were able to help carry on the success. Seniors Holden Schirmer and Kaden Timm came into the game and played valuable varsity minutes.

Some younger players like sophomore Cyrell Etzen and junior Ian Vore were able to get varsity experience too. The Warriors also got some solid minutes from their younger players in the second half as freshman Layne Steuhm and Dontavius Slick-Driscoll provided good scoring.

In the end, the Trojans were able to close out the game with a 66-18 victory. The Trojans were back in action at home Thursday, Feb. 8 to face off against the Perry Bluejays.