Roberts provides spark for Trinity, ignites Hillers’ win over Wash High
Washington’s Joe Mercer tries to block Trinity’s Dylan King during a non-section game at Washington High School Wednesday night.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Washington’s Joe Mercer fights for the rebound against Trinity’s Clayton Roberts during Wednesday’s non-section game.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Washington’s Zahmere Robinson makes a pass as Trinity’s Ben Hardy, right, Clayton Roberts closes in during a Wednesday’s game at Washington.
Notice: Undefined offset: 0 in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 378
Notice: Undefined offset: 0 in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 387
Notice: Undefined offset: 0 in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 388
Connor Roberts might play only five to 10 minutes, depending on the night, for the Trinity High School boys basketball team.
The freshman guard only needed that much playing time to make a difference for the Hillers Wednesday night.
Still reeling from a steep, first-quarter deficit, Roberts checked into the game and scored seven consecutive points to spark a 13-point run to end the second quarter as Trinity rallied to defeat rival Washington, 68-56, in a non-section game.
The 13-point run was part of a 17-2 scoring swing in favor of the Hillers in the final four minutes of the first half. Trinity fell behind Washington 15-2 to begin the game.
“At the end of the first quarter, we were just trying to find a way to score,” said Trinity coach Tim Tessmer. “Connor did a great job. He is a pass-first guy. When you have as many shooters as we do, being a pass-first guy can turn out to be a pretty good thing.”
Roberts decided to show his scoring touch first.
With Trinity tailing 27-17 with 2:46 remaining in the second quarter, he made a pair of free throws, a baseline three-pointer and a layup after forcing a Prexies turnover to quickly cut the deficit down to three points. Roberts helped to open up the Hillers’ offense as Michael Koroly made two three-pointers, including a wide-open look with two seconds left in the half to give Trinity a 30-27 lead.
“It was big,” Roberts said about the end of the first half. “I have to credit my teammate for giving me the ball and an opportunity. We had to battle back to get another win.”
By Luke Campbell
Staff writer
lcampbell@observer-reporter.com
Trinity’s Michael Koroly discusses the comeback victory over neighboring rival Wash High.
After losing its first four games, Trinity (4-5) has won four of its last five. The Hillers have beaten Washington three consecutive times, this one predominantly because of a balanced inside-and-outside game after recovering from numerous early turnovers.
Koroly made five three-pointers to score a team-high 22 points. As a team, Trinity made 10 threes. Dylan King forced the Washington (3-4) defense to collapse inside with an 18-point night in the post, helping to open up shooters on the perimeter.
“We love to shoot the three,” Tessmer said. “When we are struggling it’s when we throw it around the outside and take a shot. It’s rarely a good shot. Tonight, we got inside and kicked it out. When we do that it seems our shots fall at a much higher percentage.”
The Prexies tied the score early in the third quarter but never regained the lead.
“If I knew what happened I would have tried to change it,” said Washington coach Ron Faust. “Teams make adjustments to what you are doing. Other teams are pretty good at it. We aren’t very good at it. We run out of gas and things start to fall apart. We start to lose it mentally, too. We just don’t shoot it or defend very well.”
Washington stayed close in the third quarter by getting to the foul line, scoring 11 of its 16 points on free throws. The Prexies’ lone baskets of the third came in the final two minutes, including a Zahmere Robinson three-pointer at the buzzer that cut the Trinity lead to 47-43.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Trinity’s Connor Roberts makes a layup with Washington’s Ian Bredniak, left, and Zahmere Robinson close behind during a game at Washington High School Wednesday.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Robinson led all scorers with 25 points. Dan Ethridge was the only other player for Washington to finish in double figures with 16 points.
“We can’t give up 68 points because we can’t score that many,” Faust said. “Early in the game, we were able to find their scorers. After that first quarter it seemed to be something we couldn’t do. They didn’t change numbers at halftime.”
It was the third straight loss for Washington, each against teams in higher classifications (Upper St. Clair, Peters Township and Trinity).
“This is our hometown,” Roberts said. “This is our rival. It proves that we are the best in the town.”