Trojans still going strong

After a four point loss to Plains Friday night in Troy (53-49), the Trojans turned it around Saturday, walloping Noxon at home, 66-49.

"I can't remember the last time we've beaten Noxon at home two years in a row," said coach Tony Smith, adding it was probably the 1991-92 season.

What made Troy's victory over Noxon even more special was Noxon's upset the night before of number one Thompson Falls, 64-62.

Smith, who was out with the flu for Saturday's game, praised both the players and his coaching staff for the victory.

"For us to go there and win afer that painful loss Friday is a real tribute to the kids' resiliency and a tribute to John (Bower)," said Smith. "John and Neil Newton have been a tremendous assett to me. When I'm sick, we're on the same page - they did a magnificient job and I couldn't be prouder of not only my kids but my coaches."

Led by Aaron Palmer, who had a game high of 31 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, Troy took control early and never looked back.

"The amazing thing about Aaron is he's getting 15 to 20 rebounds a game," said Smith, also singling out Shado Garrett, who contributed 11 points for the Trojans, and Clayton Kyriss, who scored eight points.

Smith attributed experience to Troy's loss against Plains, who is second in their league.

"It was a game of runs," said Smith. "Whoever made the last run was going to win."

Although the game was an improvement over their earlier matchup this season, when Troy lost by 26 in Plains, the Trojans couldn't hold onto their lead, or snatch it away in the final seconds of the game.

"We got down by eight early and came back and were ahead by six in the third quarter," said Smith. "Obviously we've gotten a lot better, but in the end it was a difference of a veteran team with three kids who are three year starters. In a close game the veterans take over - and they did."

Despite a last rally, in which Palmer got his own rebound three times but was too far under the basket to connect with the net in the final 10 seconds of the game, Plains held onto their lead.

Palmer led in scoring with 26 points, grabbing 15 rebounds. Garrett followed in the double digits with 12 points.

"Brian Hammrich held their 6'7" best post to six points all night," said Smith, "so defensively we were playing better than anyone in the league.

"But our lack of experience in tight ballgames really showed compared to them."

Mission will be the boys' last home game in Troy today beginning at 4:30 p.m.

"It's a key game," said Smith. "We are fighting for third place - the right to go to districts."

Smith said he is hoping for the third spot to avoid a play-off game for fourth place - a far cry from Troy's last place ranking in the league.

"We were picked last, so we're achieving more than what people gave us credit for," said Smith "but we're not satisfied - we need to fulfill third place.

"We just want our kids to work hard everyday," he added. "Good things happen when they do. We let the results take care of itself."