CENTERBURG — The visiting Northmor Knights spoiled John Marhefka’s debut as Centerburg Trojans coach, as they took the boys basketball season opener, 54-42, in Friday non-league action.
The Knights showed patience as they waited for their opportunity. In the meantime, the Trojans shook off an early 5-0 deficit and traded blows with the Knights. Tyler Smith led the first-half scoring for the Trojans with five points, including the Trojans only 3-pointer for the game.
“They are going through that period of learning new things and getting what we want accomplished out there,” said Marhefka. “They did it at times but give Northmor credit. They stuck to their game plan. We knew what they were going to try to execute and they did.”
Despite the Knights grabbing seven first-half steals, the Trojans were able to control the ball and won the turnover battle in the first half. A pair of buckets from Centerburg guard Tyler Stoyle near the end of the half gave the Trojans a slim 24-22 lead going into the locker room. Stoyle led the Trojans with 11 points in the game.
