CENTERBURG — It was looking grim once again for the Centerburg Trojans, as they fell behind by double digits to the Cardington-Lincoln Pirates at home on Tuesday.
What a difference a quarter makes.
The Trojans outscored their opponents, 22-2, in the second period to take command and prevail, 49-46, giving John Marhefka his first win as head coach.
“The effort was there,” said Marhefka after the game. “We’ve been in these close games before, but we were on the other end of it. Now, they’ve figured out a way to get it done.”
The first quarter is usually pretty close for Centerburg. However, this time, the team fell behind, 19-8. But the amazing run in the second was more than Cardington could handle.
The run was sparked by junor Zac Holsopple, who came off the bench to hit a 3-pointer early in the period. He went on to lead the team with nine points in the second, 14 points overall.
“Zac has the capability, when he plays within himself, to be a very good player,” said Marhefka. “It’s tough to let a game come to you like that, but he did a good job tonight.”
Tyler Stoyle (11 points) had a pair of three-point plays within two minutes of each other, to bring the Trojans (1-6) to within one. On their next possession, Caleb White found Holsopple under the basket, who drained the shot to give them their first lead since the score was 2-0.
It was a lead they would not relinquish.
Centerburg would continue its run until the first minute of the third period, where it would hold a 32-21 lead.
