By Becky Walz,
Picking up a win earlier in the week, the Turkey Valley boys’ basketball team (4-4, 3-4 UIC) were hoping to finish the year with a second victory but fell in Friday’s 2023 finale.
Outdone in fourth
After going down early, the Trojans were hoping to make a big comeback but ultimately fell to Postville (8-3, 5-3 UIC) Friday 66-48 on the road.
Both teams were hot to start the game with the Pirates taking a 21-15 first quarter lead. The Trojans cut into the deficit in the second, but nonetheless still trailed 31-27 at the break. TV took its first lead of the game in the fourth but the Pirates didn’t stay down long, outscoring the Trojans 24-8 to get the win.
“This was a tough way to end the year. The guys are healthy again and wanted this game going to break. We have played short-handed because of injuries, like a lot of teams in conference, but we have everyone good to go after break. We went into the season worried about depth and cause of injuries had to press some young kids earlier then I wanted to,” said Coach John Izer. “There is a lot of the season left and some of the adversity with our health we have dealt with should help us going forward.”
The hot hand of the night went to Caleb Kurtenbach with 21 points, including five three-pointers. Dropping in seven points apiece were JD Kruse, Russell Nieman and Braylen Byrne, while Oliver Schmitt was on the board with four. Logan Busta closed out the scoring for the Trojans with two points.
Scoring – Caleb Kurtenbach 21; JD Kruse 7; Russell Nieman 7; Braylen Byrne 7; Oliver Schmitt 4; Logan Busta 2
Big win at home
In spite of a sluggish start that had the Trojans trailing 8-7 after the first quarter, they battled back to defeat Central Elkader (3-7, 2-5 UIC) at home Tuesday, Dec. 19, 59-27.
TV picked up the pace in the second period to lead 14-8 and put the game away in the third, outscoring the Warriors 23-3.
“We had a slow start but played much better in the second half and took care of business at home,” said Coach Izer.
Seniors Oliver Schmitt and Caleb Kurtenbach paced the Trojans with 18 and 10 points, respectively, while JD Kruse came off the bench to provide a spark with nine points.
Scoring – Oliver Schmitt 18; Caleb Kurtenbach 10; JD Kruse 9; Logan Busta 7; Braylen Byrne 7; Russell Nieman 4; Mitchell Kriener 2; Aidan Holthaus 2
Long break
Following the holiday break, Turkey Valley will return to action at Riceville Thursday, Jan. 4, then road trip to the east to battle UIC leader Kee Friday, Jan. 5.
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