Trojans take first step toward improving their postseason position

DRUMMOND – As teams make the turn toward the second half of their schedules, the seeding for the playoffs comes into view. And with single-site tournament formats out the window in favor of single-game playoffs taking the lead, where you finish in district play will make all the difference come the postseason.

The Drummond Trojans took their first big step in helping themselves Friday night, beating the Seeley Swan Blackhawks 39-26 at home. The win gives the locals a season split with Seeley and a chance to improve their status as they look forward.

“They were missing a couple of guys and we were far from our best,” said DHS Head Coach Levi Parsons after the win. “We put a lot of energy into playing defense in last night’s game (vs. Sheridan) and expending that much we were dragging a little bit tonight. Seeley always seems to bring their best against Drummond.”

In looking ahead at the postseason, Parsons knows his team has some key games ahead that could help them get farther into the tournament.

“It’s a huge game for us in districts. We had to have this game and Pburg and then we need to have our best game and give Valley a Christian a run for their money. Those are big for us because we don’t want to have to lineup against Valley or Pburg right off the bat.”

Despite being down a few players to injury, the Blackhawks took a two-point lead after one period and looked like they would make a game of it. But Drummond’s defense showed up in the second and started systematically taking away opportunities in both the half court and with a press. The resulting 8-3 quarter put Drummond up 16-13 at halftime.

When the teams returned after the break, Drummond went on a quick 9-0 run that opened up a 12-point lead. The Blackhawks would eventually stem the tide and get as close as three, but the Trojans held fast and secured the win with a 13-7 run in the period.

Colt Parsons led a balanced scoring attack with 10 points, with Caleb Parke adding nine and Alec Hauptman seven.

Drummond has won the last two nights and will try and make it three straight this week when they host Lincoln Saturday.