Trojans on the move

FP junior, Kevin Giuliani #44 attempting to block the Eagles shot. (Photos by Kevin Zini)

By Patrick Browne

In their Jan. 29 rankings of the top basketball teams in Michigan, the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) ranked Forest Park 20th in Division 4. After two impressive victories this week, the Trojans have every reason to believe they should be moved up.

On Jan. 26, the Forest Park Express left the station early and were well out of reach before the Wolves of Carney punched their ticket. Despite the game being on the road, the Trojans came out strong, scoring 27 first quarter points to Carney’s seven. The score widened in the second quarter as the Trojans put up another 32 points. Nine of the 10 Trojans scored on their way to a 101 - 23 victory.

In another impressive effort, the Giuliani brothers, Vic and Kevin, combined for 44 points. Vic scored 27 while his brother put up 17. Half the team scored in double digits with Dax Huuki putting up 12, and both Isaiah Tarter and Grayson Sundell putting up 10. 

Only days after the victory, the Trojans were home to take on the Eagles of Stephenson (8-5). From the opening jump, Forest Park had difficulty getting on track and struggled to make their shots. Coach Jason Price experimented with his lineup, and for the first several minutes the team appeared to be out of sync. At the end of the first quarter the Trojans held a one point lead, 14 to 13. Three point shots by the Trojans were missing the target while errant passes were either intercepted or thrown out of bounds. 

With a team of 10 strong athletes, the Trojans were able to use their ability to send in fresh players to their advantage. The Eagles tired and Forest Park took advantage of their opponent’s fatigue to build their lead to 32 to 25 by halftime.
The second half was all Forest Park as they extended their lead, pressed the Eagle guards and surrendered only 19 second half points while scoring 40. The final score was a lopsided 72 to 44, but should have the Trojans considering what may happen if they start slowly against more capable opponents.

Freshman Vic Giuliani led the Trojans with 16, while Gaven Rintala dropped in 12 and Matthew Showers added 10.
“The first game was a culmination of everyone showing persistence as we tried to get 100 points. We shared the ball generously showing we are not just a one person team. The second game was tough in the beginning, but we weathered the storm!  It feels good to be 12 and 2 and seeing the progress we’ve made,” stated Trojan Junior Matthew Showers.

Coach Price expressed excitement to see just how far this team can go. “We are 14 games into the season and we are 12 and 2. I’m pleased with where the team is, but I’m more impressed with the boys’ work ethic and eagerness to get better. Everyday they come to practice ready to work hard and challenge each other. It is a fun team to coach and I’m excited about the last eight games of the season!”