Trojans surviving ups and downs

Photo by david b. hardt

CAMERON HAYES GOES UP FOR A JUMP SHOT IN A RECENT GAME.

In the last five games of Nisqually 2A league play, both the Trojan boys (10-2, 3-1) and girls (3-9, 2-2) have had some ups and downs.

The boys are averaging 67 points a game and are led by their high percentage 3-point shooting guard, senior Thomas Darneille (averaging 15 points).

Also contributing big are seniors forward Anthony Brescia (averaging 14 points), guard Cameron Hayes (averaging 12 points) and, directing traffic on the floor, point guard Maazin Bulter (averaging 11 points).

In the two games against Eatonville, the Trojan boys have come out victorious. However they mirrored both games in the final period, giving up a combined 41 points to Eatonville’s 36 points, just holding on to nudge them out in what appeared to be an effortless win.

The boys easily defeated the Washington Patriots, 80-51, on Jan. 9, followed by a disappointing 58-60 overtime loss on Jan. 15 to rival Steilacoom.

Coach Mark Schelbert gave his analysis of the first five league games.

“I’m pleased with where we’re at. We’ve become more efficient on offense, and have had five different guys lead us in scoring in the last six games. We still have areas we can improve in,” Schelbert remarked.

“Defensively we can still play with a more consistent focus, getting all five guys on the same page through the entire possession. We also want to keep our turnovers down. Jimmy Branche and Cody McKenzie have given us good depth with their steady play.”

The Trojan boys outworked the visiting Steilacoom Sentinels with senior guard Cameron Hayes (16 points) sinking back-to-back threes in the closing minutes of the last period to secure the win 52-46 last week.

“We just had to win. After that last game we played against them we just had to focus and get the job done,” Hayes said. “In that last half we just came together and worked hard. This will move us up in the standings.”

The girls also gained more traction in league play by crushing the lethargic Sentinels 62-29. Guard Ashley Coley led all scorers with 18 points.

The girls have been producing solid outings, averaging 50 points a game. They are led by a fierce competitor, senior guard Sarah Marchitto (averaging 10.2 points). Playing big in the post is sophomore Ciara Pedroni (averaging 8 points). Handling the ball, as well as knocking down clutch threes and free throws, is junior guard Haley Steever (averaging 7.2 points)          

The Trojans rallied in the waning minutes of both games against Eatonville, but came up short. The Trojans are finishing off games, as well as playing aggressive defense, fending off last-quarter spurts by opponents. They downed Washington, 64-59, on Jan. 19, after having beaten the offensive giant Steilacoom with a last-minute free throw, 48-46.     

“I think we are starting to play as a team and becoming more confident. I could see that in the Eatonville games. Turnovers are a big thing we need to cut down on,” Steever said.

“We have been watching a lot of film and doing what we can to adjust our game. We play these teams four times, so this next round we will know what to do better.”

“In these last games I have become more confident and aggressive. After that first win, winning has become contagious.” Pedroni said. “The whole team is getting better and finishing games.”

Commenting rules