BEACHWOOD — Trinity rode a series of momentum swings, capped by a decisive 20-5 second-quarter run, to pull away from host Beachwood for a 60-41 win in a Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division showdown Tuesday night.
The Trojans built a lead as large as 20 points, saw it trimmed to 11, then responded with another surge to close out a 19-point victory.
“It’s been a rough year, but with that none of these guys have given up or quit, and our guys really do care, and I thought that was the separator tonight,” said Trinity head coach Dan Urban. “Uchenna Njoku singlehandedly had four steals in that (second) quarter that led to us extending the run, and basketball is a game of runs. We’ve gone through highs and lows early on this season, but we’re getting better at becoming more even-keel.”
Trinity knocked down three first-quarter 3-pointers from Njoku, Kemarion Simpson and Davin Thomas, while Beachwood countered with a triple from Ethan Malek. The Trojans still carried an 11-9 edge after one.
The game tilted sharply in the second quarter.
Malek hit another 3-pointer, but Njoku fueled the run with three steals and six points in the frame. Prince Warren added a 3-pointer, and DeMarcus Taylor scored twice in transition as Trinity surged to a 31-14 halftime lead.
Taylor opened the third quarter with an assist to Jshaun Richards and followed with a long two-point jumper. Njoku then took over offensively, scoring eight points in the period as Trinity extended its lead to 46-26 entering the fourth.
Beachwood made one last push. Emmett Bang converted an and-one to spark a 10-2 run that cut the deficit to 12.
“I had to be a captain, even when we were down, and try to keep the emotions controlled,” said Beachwood senior Ethan Malek. “I tried to get everyone going the right way with me.”
The Bison eventually got as close as 10, but Trinity answered again. Richards scored eight points in the final stretch, six coming off offensive rebounds, to help seal the win.
Despite improving to just 2-7 overall, Trinity left believing the result better reflected its potential, especially after earning the league win without two key players.
“Early on, we talked to our guys about how we’re playing for February, and we want to win the conference. We lack experience, but these guys are learning on the fly,” Urban said. “These guys are working hard every day, showing up to practice, not making excuses, and we coaches are holding guys accountable. Our guys have stuck with it, and we just have to keep fighting through it.”
Taylor led Trinity with 16 points. Njoku finished with 14 points and 10 steals, while Richards added 14 points and seven rebounds.
Beachwood was led by Malek with 16 points. Bang scored 10, and Malik Coles added nine.
Trinity visits Andrews Osborne Academy on Jan. 10, while Beachwood travels to Fairview on Jan. 9.
