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Sports
BY PATRICK BROWNE
Since beginning their season on Dec. 1, the Forest Park Trojans have won all five of their games and have done so with an average differential of 34 points. The team is the perfect combination of leadership from experienced upperclassmen and a trio of freshmen who are contributing on a regular basis.
On Dec. 14 the Trojans put their 3–0 record on the line and took on Rapid River. They won by a convincing 52 points, 88–36.
Holding only a three-point lead at the end of the first quarter, the Trojans appeared to be in a tight contest with the Rockets, but quickly outdistanced their opponent by putting up 32 points to Rapid River’s 10 in the second quarter. The lightning-quick scoring was the result of having nine players, all of whom are offensive threats and tenacious on defense. Able to score from both inside the paint and outside the three-point line, the Trojans immediately pressed their opponent after every basket and forced an abundance of turnovers.
Senior Gaven Rintala led the scoring for the Trojans with 18 points, followed by Kevin Giuliani with 14, while Matthew Showers and Dax Huuki both contributed 12.
Five days after the impressive victory over Rapid River, Forest Park took on an undefeated Florence team on Dec. 19 and once again looked to be in a tight contest. Trailing 20–17 after the first quarter, the Trojans took the lead in the second and headed into halftime only up 42–36. The pressing Trojan defense got the Bobcats on the ropes and the Trojans would not let up, outscoring the Bobcats by 16 points in the second half. The Trojans had win number five after winning the game 90–68.
Brothers Vic and Kevin Giuliani combined for 44 points with freshman Isaiah Tarter adding 12 to the Trojan effort. In a moment of impressive athleticism during the third quarter, freshman Vic Giuliani took a pass following a Bobcat turnover, dribbled twice and dunked the basketball. While the home crowd cheered, many fans were simply gob struck and it was rumored that one longtime Trojan supporter fell off his chair.
Senior Felix Quevedo, a starter from last year, returned to the lineup for the first time this season after recovering from an injury suffered during the football season. Quevedo’s agility and speed added to the already stacked Trojan lineup. Although he scored only one bucket in his first game back, his presence added a level of confidence and inspired his teammates.
“Having Felix back brings the speed and energy which our team needs,” said his brother Gabriel. “I love having my brother back on the court.”
After defeating the very impressive Bobcat team, Trojan Coach Jason Price stated, “I was really pleased with the team’s energy in the second half. I credit that to our depth and our team’s unselfish nature. It feels good going into our break with a 5 and 0 record.”