NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT – Senior Barrett Jesina launches a 3-pointer against Saydel. Jesina led the Trojans in scoring with 17 points on the night.

Head coach Craig Harrison and the STC boys basketball team made their season debut on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Facing the Saydel Eagles, the Trojans fell behind early and dropped their opening game, 87-40.

After STC senior Barrett Jesina scored the opening basket of the game, the Trojans took a quick 2-0 lead. It would be their only lead of the night. The Eagles went on a 19-0 run to take a 19-2 lead in the first quarter. Behind 21 first-half points from senior Gage Moreno, Saydel extended its lead to 56-24 at the halftime break.

Jesina and junior Michael Henry looked to help the Trojans climb back into the game in the second half. Jesina scored much of his team-high 17 points in the third quarter, and Henry chipped in 11 points on the night. But Moreno and the Eagles were too much and they closed out the game with the 47-point victory.

Moreno had a game-high 35 points. Saydel also received 18 points each from junior Jacob Oltmanns and junior Gunner Vanderpool.

STC was led in scoring by Jesina (17 points) and Henry (11 points). They also received scoring contributions from: senior Marion Harris, senior Tanner Large, senior Wes Hanus, junior Josiah Houghton, and sophomore Ryan Brant.

NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT – STC senior Wes Hanus puts up a shot against Saydel.

Next up for the STC boys basketball team (0-1) is a trip to Union Community on Monday, Dec. 8, to face the Knights in La Porte City. The Trojans’ next home game will be on Friday, Dec. 12, against West Delaware.

NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT – STC junior Michael Henry locks down on defense against Saydel.