Timber Creek Survives An Unexpected Effort From Triton

High School Basketball:
Timber Creek Survives An Unexpected Effort From Triton

By Vincent Lewis
SJSports Staff Writer

Sure everyone takes a look at the standings to figure out whether a game would be worth watching. Basketball fans love to see a good game and not a lopsided blowout. There were those who did not show up at Triton High School because of the successful record of the boy’s basketball team from Timber Creek and the not-so successful record of the Mustangs. In a very entertaining game for those who attended, Triton had their chances to put away the successful Chargers on their home court, but good teams always find a way to win. Kyle Hines and Kasmon Bowman’s presence was enough to pull out the 65-61 Olympic Conference Patriot Division win on the road.

Right from the opening tip-off, the Mustangs took advantage of most of their opportunities the Chargers gave them to keep the game close. With Santini Lancioni running the offense, his play gave Bruce Rice, Craig Baxter and the rest of the Mustangs chances to score against the swarming Chargers’ defense. Timber Creek would build a ten-point lead just over 4 minutes remaining in the half, but that’s when the Mustangs went on an 11-2 run that ended with Rice’s basket and a foul. Those efforts setup Lancioni’s three ball to tie the game at 25 apiece with 2:42 remaining to the break. Justin Dupont would score back-to-back baskets that set the game in motion for Timber Creek to lead at the half, 33-29.

Timber Creek’s defense accounted for 5 blocked shots during the first half and they weren’t done at the start of the second. But the Mustangs kept moving the ball inside and eventually they would take the lead, 39-33. The Chargers would respond to regain the lead, 40-39, on Amir Fantroyal basket. Back and forth this game went with Timber Creek staying in front of Triton for the win. Kasman Bowman had a team high 20 points, Kyle Hines added 19 and Amir Fantroyal finished with 12 points for Timber Creek. Triton’s Santini Lancioni had a game high 28 points to go along with Bruce Rice’s 18 points.