The West Central Trojan boys basketball team had to wait an extra day to start their 2021-2022 season, and the Trojans made a statement with an 85-74 win over #1 Sioux Falls Christian on Saturday, December 11th.
The Chargers got off to the quick start in the game. Sioux Falls Christian led 10-2 with 3:50 to go in the opening quarter, but the Trojans caught fire at that point. West Central closed out the quarter on a 19-9 run for a 21-19 lead. The Trojans then started the second quarter on a 10-0 run. That lead grew to 20 points by halftime, 51-31.
Sioux Falls Christian made a run in the second half. The Chargers outscored West Central 23-15 in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 66-54 heading into the final quarter. The Chargers got the lead down to single digits at 66-58 with 7:26 to play, but West Central was able to maintain a 10-to-12 point lead the rest of the game for the 85-74 win.
West Central shot 55% (27-49) from the field, 40% (12-30) from three-point area, and 70% (19-27) from the free-throw line. The Trojans also had 29 team rebounds and 16 team assists while only turning the ball over seven times. The Chargers finished the game 43% (27-63) from the field, 24% (7-29) from three-point area, and 65% (13-20) from the free-throw line.
Five players finished in double figures for the Trojans. Grafton Stroup had 25 points and three rebounds. Jack Linneman had 13 points and three rebounds. Mubarak Ibrahim also had 13 points. Braden Dierickx had 12 points two rebounds, and three assists. Dillon Jackson finished with 10 points and six rebounds.
West Central (1-0) will host the Mt Vernon/Plankinton Trojans on Tuesday, December 14th.