By Dan Truttschel
Correspondent
Life is good at the moment if you’re an East Troy High School boys basketball player.
And that’s bad news for the opposition.
East Troy posted two more wins last week to run its streak to nine straight – the Trojans haven’t lost since Jan. 4 to state-ranked Cedarburg – to improve to 14-4 overall and a perfect 12-0 in the Rock Valley Conference.
The Trojans made quick work of Big Foot Feb. 2 with a 90-52 road win, followed by an 81-57 victory three day later at McFarland.
It’s not just the wins that are pleasing to coach Darryl Rayfield, it’s where those victories are coming from.
“The respect we are getting after big road wins is a credit to the kids for the toughness we have displayed,” he said. “Our team is really moving the basketball. Their commitment to playing both ends of the floor is growing.
“They enjoy playing together. It all leads to a higher level of confidence and good basketball.”
The issue never was in doubt at McFarland, as East Troy jumped out to a 48-31 halftime lead. The Trojans outscored the Spartans 33-26 in the second half to pull away.
Jake Nixon continued his torrid scoring pace with 20 points to lead five players in double digits. Jonathan Ciriacks was next with 16, followed by Joe Ciriacks and Jared Brehm with 15 and Jake Remsza with 11.
Nixon currently is ranked 10th in overall scoring among state players at 26.6 points per game, according to www.wisssports.net.
In addition to the balanced scoring, Rayfield was also pleased with how his team both defended and rebounded.
“(Brehm) is a great shooter, but (he) has been guarding all year at a high level, taking other team’s best player most of the time and has sacrificed some offense.
“The play of Remsza had Joe Ciriacks has really taken us to another level. Remsza is averaging double-digit rebounds. Joe is not far behind and (is) scoring at a consistent level, too.”
In the week’s first matchup, Nixon poured in 30 points, followed by Joe Ciriacks with 21, Jonathan Ciriacks with 10 and Remsza and Brehm each with eight, as the Trojans rolled past the host Chiefs.
East Troy led 48-28 at halftime and never looked back. The Trojans outscored Big Foot 42-24 in the final 18 minutes.
The Trojans were back in action Thursday night against visiting Jefferson, followed by a road game at Edgerton next Tuesday, Feb. 16.
Entering play this week, East Troy has a two-game lead in the race for the RVC North title, ahead of Evansville at 10-2. McFarland is third at 8-4.
“(There’s) a lot of basketball left,” Rayfield said. “Every day is a chance to get better as we move forward.”
