Trojans top MFL, now tied for UIC lead
Turkey Valley coach Chris Sullivan thought Monday’s game at MFL MarMac had a “district” feel to it. But it also was a key conference game, with the 64-59 Turkey Valley win setting up the Trojans for a top-two finish in the Upper Iowa Conference.
MFL actually helped the Trojans in the UIC standings the next night by beating the league-leader, North Fayette Valley.
Now both the TV boys and North Fayette Valley are tied for first place with a 12-2 record.
The TigerHawks have Kee High and South Winn remaining on the schedule, while the Trojans have Clayton Ridge and Postville.
The fact that the TV boys won earlier in the season over Postville by 11, and over Clayton Ridge by 23 doesn’t mean much. They also beat MFL by 21, and this time the Bulldogs made it a heart-stopper.
“Tonight we played in front of a great atmosphere and it was a great game,” said Sullivan. “Early on we were feeding the post well but we had a hard time grabbing the ball and it cost us some easy baskets. We were very active in our defense in the first quarter and contested shots well and I was very pleased at how well we doubled down on the post and made them kick it out.”
By the end of the quarter the Trojans led 13-8 and they increased the margin slightly by the half, to 26-19.
“In the second half we told the kids that we need to keep being active on the defensive end and that we need to finish around the rim but other than that we didn't make too many adjustments.”
Turkey Valley’s lead reach 14 at one point in the second half, but MFL caught fire and took the lead.
For the full story, please see the Feb. 8 Tribune.