High scoring can’t make up first-quarter deficit
By Dan Truttschel
Correspondent
For three quarters last week, the East Troy High School girls basketball team played nearly even with visiting McFarland.
But it was the opening eight minutes that proved to be the Trojans’ downfall.
East Troy fell behind 23-7 in the first quarter and couldn’t recover in a 56-41 Rock Valley Conference loss. The Trojans fell to 0-2 overall and 0-1 in the RVC heading into a road game Tuesday at Jefferson.
Results of that matchup were unavailable by press time.
“They jumped us (early),” East Troy coach Jeff Brown said. “Give McFarland credit. They shot really well in the first half and created some turnovers on defense.”
After the early struggles, the Trojans recovered and outscored the Spartans 34-33 in the final three quarters.
Seeing his team bounce back from a slow start was encouraging, Brown said.
“We played much better the last three quarters, but we dug ourselves too much of a hole,” he said. “We didn’t turn the ball over as much and were more aggressive versus their zone.”
Katrina Santos led the Trojans with 10 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots, followed by Brianna Casper with nine points, five rebounds and two steals.
Maddie Rosin chipped in with eight points, Kate Hodges with six and Jessi Spaight with six points and five rebounds.
Brown continues to be pleased with Santos, who certainly is known by the opposition, which makes her task even more difficult.
“Katrina has been working hard,” he said. “She is the focal point of everybody we play. That makes it tough on her.”
Following Tuesday’s matchup with Jefferson, the Trojans return home Friday night to face Brodhead.
The Cardinals, a state qualifier a year ago, lost four starters from that squad, took a 1-1 record into a road game Tuesday night at Big Foot. Brodhead is led by Kylie Moe, who poured in 35 points last week in a six-point victory over Monroe.
Boys open season
The East Troy boys basketball squad officially begins play later this week.
East Troy hosts McFarland Thursday night, followed by a home game next Tuesday, Dec. 9, against Jefferson.
Both RVC matchups begin at 7:15 p.m.
