VINTON — The STC boys basketball team hung with Vinton-Shellsburg for three quarters when they faced them on Tuesday, Jan. 27. But a 21-2 Vikings run in the final quarter led to a commanding 74-44 V-S victory.

Four points by sophomore Ryan Brant, and baskets by seniors Tanner Large, Barrett Jesina, and Marion Harris, kept the Trojans in the game early. The Vikings held a 15-10 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Vinton threatened to pull away in the second quarter, but back-to-back three-point baskets by junior Michael Henry helped STC stay within eleven points, 33-22, at halftime.

In the third quarter, Trojan senior Cyrell Etzen scored ten points, as STC cut the lead to within seven, 49-42. But the Trojans went cold in the fourth quarter, scoring only a lone Etzen basket. The Vikings poured in 21 points and ran off to the thirty-point victory, 74-44.

On the night, STC was led in scoring by Etzen with 14 points. Henry added nine points on three 3-point baskets. Large (seven points), Brant (four points), Harris (four points), Jesina (four points), and junior Josiah Houghton (two points) rounded out the scoring. Etzen (13) and Harris (8) led the Trojans in rebounding. Large added 7 assists in the contest.

Up next for the Trojans (2-13) is a home game on Friday, Feb. 6, against Clear Creek-Amana. This will be followed by a trip to Le Grand to play East Marshall on Monday, Feb. 9. STC’s final home game and senior night will be Friday, Feb. 13, against Perry.