NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTOS BY STEVE BRANT - STC senior Cyrell Etzen shots floater against Perry.

The STC boys basketball team honored seven seniors and beat the Perry Blue Jays, 75-57, on Friday night, Feb. 13.

Both teams started off the game with hot shooting, as seniors Tanner Large and Barrett Jesina got the scoring started for the Trojans. The teams were tied at 14-14 late in the first quarter before STC went on an 8-0 run extending into the second quarter. Jesina scored 11 first half points to help the Trojans gain a slight 32-24 lead at the half.

Seniors Cyrell Etzen and Marion Harris led STC out of the locker room, scoring the Trojans first 12 points in the second half. STC extended their lead to 42-30 before Perry went on a run to cut the lead to five points midway through the third quarter. But the Trojans pulled away to a nine point lead, 53-44, entering the final quarter. They outscored the Blue Jays 22-13 in the final eight minutes to set the final score at 75-57.

Prior to the game, the Trojans held their senior-night activities and honored seven seniors in their program: Jesina, Etzen, Large, Harris, Wes Hanus, Chayton Etzen, and Jay Sledge.

For the night, the Trojans were led in scoring by Jesina, who scored a career high 22 points in his final home game. Three other STC players scored in double figures: Etzen (15), Large (14), and Harris (11). Junior Michael Henry (9) and sophomore Ryan Brant (4) rounded out the scoring for the Trojans.

STC senior Tanner Large looks to set up the offense against Perry.

The Trojans (3-17) now move into the postseason portion of their season. They will travel to Solon on Monday, Feb. 23, to face the Solon Spartans (19-2) in the opening round of the

Class 3A, Substate 4 bracket. The Spartans defeated the Trojans, 87-35, in their earlier matchup this season on Jan. 9.

STC senior Marion Harris lays the ball up against Perry.

STC junior Michael Henry brings the ball up the court against Perry.

STC senior Barrett Jesina scores two of his 22 game-high 22 points against Perry.

STC sophomore Ryan Brant puts on the full-court press against Perry.