Troup blasts Pacelli

The Troup boys’ basketball team wasted no time rebounding from a three-game losing skid Thursday night against Pacelli at the Callaway Invitational tournament.

The Tigers surged ahead 18-0, took a 25-5 lead after the first quarter, and didn’t allow the overmatched Vikings much breathing room en route to an 80-42 win.

Marcus Williams led the Tigers with 14 points – most of which came in the first half, as he played sparingly in the second – Javarik Winston had 11 and LeAndre Crawford had 10 as Troup (2-3) cruised to the easy victory.

For head coach Thermond Billingslea, the win couldn’t have come at a better time for the Tigers.

“We were on a downward spiral (in the three game losing streak),” Billingslea said. “But we had energy tonight. We’ve had energy in other games, but they came in spurts. We played hard the whole way tonight.”

The Tiger defense couldn’t have played much better. Pacelli had just 19 points at the half compared to Troup’s 45.

Billingslea was especially pleased with the play of Williams and Winston. He said Winston, a senior point guard, did a “good job” directing the team.

“That’s what a point guard has to do,” Billingslea said. “He has to make sure things are running smoothly, and he did tonight.”

With the win, the Tigers advance to Saturday’s championship game against the winner of today’s game between Callaway and Harris County.

The Tigers will step out of tournament play tonight as they face Greenville on the road in a non-region game.

Billingslea knows his team will likely be tired by the time the championship game comes around for the Callaway Invitational, but he’s glad the Tigers are getting more practice..

“At this point, we’re just trying to get better and hope to win some games,” Billingslea said. “(Playing three games in a row) might wear us out, but that’s alright. We need the experience and to get in better shape.”