In a high scoring, back-and-forth affair, the Tri-Center Trojans earned a hard fought 79-72 win over the AHSTW Vikings in Avoca Tuesday night. Both offenses were prolific early on, as the first half saw numerous lead changes. Although both teams settled in a little more in the second half, the offenses continued to pile up points. When all was said and done, a pair of Trojans and a Viking had put up 27 points. However, in the final minutes, Tri-Center grabbed the momentum and took advantage of its free-throw shooting to open a lead and hold on for the second win in as many days.

The offenses were hot right out of the gate. Both teams put up more than 20 points in the opening frame in what felt like an electric pace. Despite each team finding success, they found it in different ways. While Tyler Baatz (who scored 9 points in the first) found success on the inside, Colin Harder (12 first-quarter points) and the Vikings benefited from beyond-the-arc shooting, knocking down four threes as a team. Although it was Tri-Center that got out to an early lead, AHSTW went on a 6-0 run in the final minute to take the lead, which included a Colin Harder three as time expired. The second quarter saw the offenses slow, and it was the lowest scoring quarter overall. AJ Harder started to heat up in the second, scoring nine points, including his only three-pointer of the game. Meanwhile, Evan Harder put himself on the scoresheet with five points for the Vikings. However, where the Vikings took the lead late in the first, Tri-Center returned the favor in the second to take a 39-37 lead into the half.

The second half saw both teams settle into the game. Although the point total continued to climb, wide-open looks were more at a premium. Although the Vikings saw a dip in their three-point shooting, they were able to get inside more because of their effectiveness in the first. Colin Harder continued to lead the way for the Vikings, but found himself shooting free throws, going 4-6 in the third quarter. Dayton Osbahr also found some success down low adding five points to his total as the Vikings took the lead halfway through the frame. However, the Vikings were never able to pull away as the Trojans continued to find a response, and much like the second quarter went on a late run to take a slim lead into the fourth.

Unfortunately for the Vikings, that Tri-Center lead was one that they would hold on to this time. Although Drew Lee and Evan Harder hit threes, the Vikings couldn’t put together a run. Meanwhile, Baatz (who was quiet in the third) added 12 points in the frame to share the game lead in points with AJ Harder and AHSTW’s Colin Harder. Despite Tri-Center having most of the momentum, the Vikings kept it close. However, with 90 seconds left, AHSTW ran into foul trouble. Down by six, both Parker Krohn and Kayden Sandbothe fouled out in relatively quick succession. Outside of losing them, it was losing the possession that cost AHSTW dearly. AJ Harder went 5-for-8 at the charity stripe, and although statistically the Vikings shot slightly better from the line, it was the Vikings that couldn’t afford to miss. All in all, it was a phenomenal showing for both squads, but especially for AHSTW, which saw a massive jump compared to their season opener against Underwood. However, it was the Trojans that made one more play in a game that felt closer than what the score indicated.

Head coach Chad Harder credited AHSTW, but was pleased with how his players handled what the Vikings threw at them.

Although different players, AJ Harder and Tyler Baatz had phenomenal performances that helped lift Tri-Center to their third win.

However, coach Harder knows that there is still room for improvement.

On the other side, Vikings coach G.G Harris loved the improvement from game one to game two.

Despite the improvement, he wants to see his team continue to work on the details.

Tri-Center, now 3-0, will return home for another WIC matchup with the Riverside Bulldogs on Friday, while AHSTW will head on the road for a conference game against Treynor. You can catch the Trojans and Bulldogs doubleheader on KJANTV with coverage beginning at 5:50 pm.