NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT – STC senior Cyrell Etzen shoots against Solon.

The STC boys basketball team faced a tough task on Friday, Jan. 9, when they faced the undefeated and Class 3A #6 ranked Solon Spartans.

Solon raced out to an 11-0 lead to open the game and held a 22-7 advantage at the end of the first quarter. But, to open the second quarter, baskets by Trojan senior Cyrell Etzen and junior Michael Henry cut the Spartan lead to 11 points, 22-11. But that was as close as STC would get for the rest of the game. Solon junior guard Tate McCollum poured in 26 points in the first half, including seven 3-point baskets, to give the Spartans a commanding 45-21 lead at the halftime break.

In the second half, the Spartans continued to dominate on both ends of the floor. McCollum ended up with a game high 34 points (going 9 for 13 on three-pointers) and Solon won by a final tally of 87-37.

On the night, the Trojans were led in scoring by Henry, who scored 9 points. He was followed by senior Tanner Large (7 points), sophomore Ryan Brant (6 points), and senior Barrett Jesina (4 points).

Near the midway point of the season, STC holds a 1-8 record, with their lone victory coming against Williamsburg on December 16. Statistical leaders for the season thus far include: Jesina in scoring, Etzen in rebounding and blocks, and Large in assists and steals.

NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT – STC sophomore Ryan Brant defends Solon's Tate McCollum.

Up next for the Trojans (1-8) is a home matchup against the Grinnell Tigers (1-8) on Friday, Jan. 16. This will be followed by another home game against Meskwaki Settlement on Monday, Jan. 19.

NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT – STC senior Tanner Large drives to the basket against Solon.

NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT – STC senior Barrett Jesina lines up a 3-pointer against Solon.

NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT – STC junior Michael Henry drives against Solon. Henry had a game high 9 points for the Trojans.

NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT – STC senior Marion Harris dishes the ball to a teammate against Solon.