Trojans take Game One

The Chippewa Raiders look to cut into the Trojans lead with a long three pointer early in the third quarter. Photo by Chris Dawson.

The West Ferris Trojans took the energy out of the Raiderdome on Saturday night as the defending champions built up a 27-15 lead at halftime and cruised on to a 50-34 victory over the Chippewa Raiders in game one of the best-of-three NDA Senior Boys Basketball Finals.

The game did get interesting in the second half as the Raiders came out strong in the second half cutting the Trojans lead down to 5 by scoring the first seven points of the second half.

“We were prepared that they were going to give us a knockout punch in the second half and they did,” said Trojans head coach Larry Tougas.

“I thought our kids really fought through the adversity I was really proud of them and maybe that run would have put them over the top.”

For Raiders head coach Tim Simpson, the second half run proved to be too little, too late.

“We got in a hole and we were never really able to get it going,” said Simpson.

“We got it going a bit in the third quarter and then we missed a few possessions down the stretch and they stretched it out again so they are full marks for their game tonight we’ll be back Monday.”

Trojans guard Dustin Anthony led all scorers with 19 points and Alex Kariuki chipped in with a dozen. The Raiders were led by David Greco and Jamie Stamler who both finished with 10 points.

Despite the lop-sided score Trojans head coach Larry Tougas believes he will see a different Chippewa Raiders squad on their home court on Monday night for game two at the West Ferris gymnasium.