In game two of a senior night double-header, the Griswold Tigers boys basketball defeated the Essex Trojans 68-46 to complete a Friday night sweep. While the offense was efficient, the defense clogged lanes and caused turnovers throughout the game. Outside of outstanding individual effort, the Tigers shut down Essex en route to their third straight win.

Again, it was an all-senior starting line-up that got off to a hot start for Griswold. The offense was hot out of the as Griswold downed four three-pointers in the first quarter. In what was a team effort on offense overall, Zane Johnson led the Tigers in the early going, draining a pair of threes in the opening quarter while finishing the half with 12 points. Besides the offensive efficiency, the Griswold defense played an excellent first half. Playing a zone defense, the Tigers forced numerous turnovers by clogging the passing lanes and poking balls free. This helped fuel their solid offensive start and allowed them to use their speed in transition. Griswold even finished both quarters in stylish fashion. Although neither were buzzer beaters, the Tigers closed out each of the first two quarters by scoring with under a second. It was all around half for the Tigers as they went into the locker room with a commanding 40-17 lead.

The Tiger continued to press the pace, outscoring Essex 19-9 in the third quarter. Bode Wyman knocked down a pair of threes and 10 points in the frame that contributed to his team-leading 17 points and a 33 point lead. Although Wyman led the way in the half, Griswold’s game was still much more balanced than the Trojans’, and it was likely the difference in the game. 10 Tigers found their way onto the scoresheet by the end of the night, with four of them scoring over nine points. On the flip side, Essex’s Isiah Sholes put forth a phenomenal individual effort. Sholes accounted for 31 of the Trojans’ 46 points. He was especially active in the second half, knocking down six field goals while draining a pair of threes on back-to-back possessions. Although Sholes’ effort was able to trim the deficit, it would be nowhere near enough as Griswold closed out their third consecutive win. Head coach Ryan Lockwood was very proud of the effort the seniors gave not just tonight, but throughout the whole season.

He was also very pleased with his team’s rounded defensive effort.

With the postseason just weeks away, Lockwood wants to continue to see a high compete level from his group.

The win moves Griswold to 8-10 on the year. They will be back in action on Tuesday when they visit Sidney for a matchup with the Cowboys.