STC's junior Nick Upah (#5) goes up for a shot against Union's Eric Neipert. PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT

The STC boys basketball team hosted the Union Knights on Monday, Dec. 9 and looked to repeat one of last season’s most thrilling victories. The Trojans won in La Porte City last year, holding off a late surge by the Knights to win by a score of 60-59. But with a new season just underway, Union came to town seeking to avenge last season’s loss.

STC got off to a rough start to open the game. Between cold shooting and six turnovers, the Trojans only managed one field goal in the first quarter. Union countered with three 3-pointers in the quarter and jumped out to a 22-2 lead.

In the second quarter, the Trojans quickly cut into the Knight’s lead with field goals from junior Barrett Jesina and junior Tanner Large. But Union continued their torrid shooting and poured in 21 more points in the quarter. A late scoring run by the Trojans helped chip away at the lead, with baskets by Jesina, junior Cyrell Etzen, and a 3-point basket by senior Jerome Kapayou. But the Knights took a commanding 43-13 lead into the halftime break.

The third quarter saw the Trojans pick up the pace in scoring. Jesina came out hot from halftime and scored 7 points, while Kapayou added 3. But the Knights continued to rain in 3-pointers, hitting four in the quarter, and held a 67-23 lead at the end of the third. STC added 3-pointers by Large, Kapayou, and junior Omar Viramontes in the fourth quarter, to put the final score at a 74-36 victory for Union.

For the game, Jesina led the Trojans in scoring with 11 points. Kapayou added 9, while Large contributed 5. Etzen led the team in rebounds with 8. The Knights connected on nine 3-pointers and the Trojans were hurt by 15 turnovers.

Junior Cyrell Etzen shoots above a Union defender for the Trojans. PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT

Following the loss, STC also dropped contests to Center Point-Urbana and West Delaware that same week. This put the Trojan’s record at 0-5 on the young season. STC travels to Vinton-Shellsburg on Friday, Dec. 20 to end their games before the Christmas break. Following the holidays, the Trojans host East Marshall on Monday, Jan. 6.

Junior Tanner Large dribbles to the basket against Union. PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT

STC junior Barrett Jesina drives against Union defender Maddux DeWinter. PHOTO BY STEVE BRANT