January 3, 2004 - New Madison

The Patriots were looking to finally get above 500 on the season with a victory over Fairlawn tonight. But the Jets had other ideas and spoiled the night with a 60-50 victory. After playing Bradford last night you have to wonder if it helped or hurt Tri-Village in preparing for Fairlawn... but the Patriots have to be prepared to play every night. Fairlawn used a very aggressive zone that frustrated the Patriots as they found it difficult getting good looks from the outside. Tri-Village missed many inside opportunities failing to score within 5 feet on at least a dozen attempts... add 15 turnovers and you won't win many ballgames.

Both teams started the game slowly on offense trying to figure out the defense. With the score tied at 4-4 Fairlawn nailed a trey and Tri-Village called a timeout with 3:22 to play. The Jets would then score two more baskets and go up 11-4. But Corey Jay sank two free throws and Kyler Burns drained a trey of his own bringing the Patriots within two at 11-0 with 40 seconds to play in the quarter. Fairlawn answered back with another three of their own and added a free throw with 4.6 seconds to play leading 15-9.

In the second quarter Tri-Village went from a zone to a man defense to try and slow the Jets down on offense. They were successfull as Fairlawn only scored 11 but TV would only score 8 points... and now trailed by 9 at the half 26-17. The big play of the quarter was a drive to the bucket by Sam Lindamood who was fouled and completed a three point play.

In the third period both teams would pick up their offensive production. Sam Lindamood scored on two separate drives to the basket... and Cameron Quinn also scored a couple on the inside. With the score 42-27 and Fairlawn leading by 15 points it looked like Tri-Village was giving up. Then with two minutes left in the third Kyler Burns would connect on two straight three pointers only to have Fairlawn answer with a quick three of their own, just as they had being doing all night. The Patriots would score four more when Jay got a bucket on the inside followed by a Burns two pointer and the lead was cut to 45-37.

The fourth stanza started with a quick bucket by Jay and the Patriots were within six points 45-39. Fairlawn would then score the next six points by employing a 1-3-1 - 3/4 quarter court press that forced two consecutive TV turnovers. Again Tri-Village looked like they were giving up as Coach Falknor called a timeout with 6:41 to play down 51-39. The Jets widened the lead at 3:35 to 58-41, the Patriots would try one more rally... but time ran out and the Jets raised their record to 6-3 with a 60-50 win, while Tri-Village falls below 500 at 4-5.

In reserve action Tri-Village would get their second win in as many nights with a 60-40 victory and was led by Dustin Bales with 20 points.

Tri-Village returns to action next Friday January 9, 2004 at home with a rematch against National Trail. Trail is undefeated at 4-0 in the conference and 9-1 overall. The Music Boosters will be having their annual Pork Chop Charlie dinner from 4pm - 8pm so please plan to have your dinner at the game and help support your community.

Go Patriots!

If you are interested in any of the photos from the website they can be purchased at Stockton Studios.

Box Score
Tri-Village
Fisherback - 1
Ary - 2
Bailey - 4
Burns - 15
Quinn - 8
Lindamood - 12
Jay - 8
Totals - 50

Fairlawn
Moon - 2
Slonkosky - 6
Francis - 20
Beard - 15
Clark - 9
Huelskamp - 8
Totals - 60