The Community R-VI Trojans defeated the Madison Panthers 66-41 last Tuesday.  An even scoring attack saw three Trojans in double figures, led by Gavin Allen’s 17 points. Eli Johnson added 12 and Mason Carroll had 10. Tucker Robnett and Case Stafford each had 9.

Coach Tad Shotten felt his team struggled early, but they found their stride as the game progressed.

“We need to do a better job finishing through contact,” Shotten said.  

“Case and Eli played well for us,” Shotten said. “I am proud of Eli, he has had a rough year with two ankle sprains that has kept him sidelined for the majority of the season, he is finally getting back to full strength and starting to get comfortable out there. I'm proud of how he has stuck with it and he can be a difference maker going forward for us.”

Friday night, the Trojans came up short in a 58-54 loss to New Franklin.

Allen had 14 points, Kaden Brooks, 12;  Johnson, 10; and Caroll and Stafford, 7 each.

“ I am proud of the way we fought tonight,” said Shotten after the game. “We are starting to figure a few things out and form an identity. My bigs did a lot better at finishing tonight at the rim, we just need to fix the little things and work on putting a complete game together.”

Shotten said momentary lapses have cost his team at times.

“We gave up a wide open three going into halftime at the buzzer because of miscommunication,” he said. “In a close game like that, that can be the difference in the game.”

Entering this week of play, the Trojans are 6-9. They host Paris Friday for homecoming.

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