Crusaders get connected in win over WB

FORT MADISON - It was a good week for Holy Trinity’s boys basketball team.
The 59-46 win over West Burlington on Friday night at Shottenkirk Gym was the second victory of the week for the Crusaders (2-2 overall, 1-2 SEISC South Division), a big bounce-back from last week’s season-opening losses to Central Lee and Danville.
“We got a big win at WACO on Monday (a 69-54 victory), which is always a tough place to get a win at because they’ve got a great program,” Holy Trinity coach John Hellige said. “And then we come back home and beat a good West Burlington team.
“And yeah, I wish we could have won those games against Central Lee and Danville. ​​But we're playing the long game, we’re battle-tested, and that’s going to make us a stronger team as a result.”
West Burlington (3-2, 2-2) led 22-19 early in the third quarter before the Crusaders went on an 8-0 run. Holy Trinity would never trail after that, steadily pulling away in the fourth quarter.
“I think we just did a better job with our intensity,” Hellige said. “I think in the first half we got a little bit outtoughed, for lack of a better word, but the second half was a grittier performance. We really stressed rebounding, and I thought that made a difference.”

Silas Lotzow had 12 of West Burlington’s 19 first-half points, but Holy Trinity held him to just four points in the second half.
“We knew that (Lotzow) had a pretty darn good first half there with 14 points, and in the second half I thought Corbin Van Niewaal did a great job of getting him blocked out. Then our guards started attacking and doing what they do, and it was just a great team effort in the second half.”
Layne Rung led Holy Trinity with 22 points. Van Niewaal had 13 points. Jay Ellison had 11 points and Jack Ragar added 10.
Ayden Figuereo led West Burlington with 17 points, 15 of those coming in the second half.
Holy Trinity’s game with Winfield-Mount Union scheduled for Saturday was postponed because of the forecasted snow and cold temperatures coming, so the Crusaders’ week was cut a little short. Still, it was a big step, Hellige said.
“I think the team connectivity was much better this week,” Hellige said. “You know, when we're connected offensively and defensively, on and off the court, these guys can do some really great things. I don't see a big fall-off from last year, so that makes me excited to be back. Friday night in Shottenkirk Gym playing a rival from up the road, there’s not a better Friday night for me.”