VINTON — The STC boys basketball team traveled to Vinton-Shellsburg on Friday, Dec. 20 to take on the Vikings in a WAMAC clash before the holiday break. It was the sight of a Trojan victory last season — a hard fought 53-47 win. STC arrived in Vinton looking to repeat last year’s success, but found the task difficult.

The Vikings raced out to a 22-4 lead by the end of the first quarter. The lone STC baskets came from junior Cyrell Etzen and junior Marion Harris. The Trojan offense picked up in the second quarter, with six additional points from Etzen, and baskets by senior Jerome Kapayou, junior Barrett Jesina, and sophomore Michael Henry. But the Vikings were aided by 20 Trojan turnovers in the first half, and Vinton took a commanding 35-17 lead into halftime.

At the start of the third quarter, the Trojans quickly cut into the Vikings lead with baskets from Kapayou and junior Nick Upah. But Vinton scored 27 points in the quarter, including 11 from the free throw line, and extended their lead to 62-33 at the end of the third.

In the final quarter, scoring was minimal for both teams. The Trojans managed just one basket, coming from senior Marten Langen. The Vikings added 10 points and pulled away to a 72-35 victory.

On the night, the Trojans were led in scoring by Etzen with 15 points. He was followed by Jesina (5), Kapayou (5), and Upah (4).

Following the loss, STC dropped to 0-7 on the season. The Trojans return to action on Monday, Jan. 6, when they host the East Marshall Mustangs. The following evening, Tuesday, Jan. 7, the Trojans return to WAMAC action when they host the Mount Vernon Mustangs.