By By NICHOLAS KOVACH / Niles Daily Star
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- It seemed as though the challenge of keeping their 22-game home win streak intact was too much to hope for, despite their 19-3 record, but the South Bend Trinity Titans played much like their name Tuesday as they showed why overconfidence is never a positive ally.
The Brandywine varsity basketball team found out what a little school with a lot of will was able to do, as the Bobcats traveled to South Bend, Ind., and suffered a 60-47 loss at the hands of the Titans.
Senior night proved to be the right night for the Titans as they were led by John Niswonger, Ed Preuss, and Ethan Hatch. All contributed defensively and on the boards, especially in the third quarter, as Trinity outrebounded the Bobcats.
At the end of the first quarter it appeared that Brandywine was going to have a strong night, controlling the game with a nine-point lead. As the contest continued, the players from Trinity stepped up, and pulled to within two at the half.
After halftime Trinity came out gunning and built a 12-point lead going into the fourth quarter. At no point in the second half did Trinity play from behind, and with strong team play and senior leadership, the Titans were able to close the night with a convincing victory over a much beleaguered Brandywine team.
Brandywine coach David Sidenbender was disappointed with the play of his team, and the lack of leadership shown by his seniors.
The bright spot for the Bobcats was the play of Andy Low, and the heart the team showed as it refused to throw in the towel.
On the other side Trinity coach Al Scott had many positive things to say about his team's play.
Low led Brandywine with 17 points and Casey Udell added nine.
Niswonger paced the Titans with 18 points.
Trinity improves to 20-3 while Brandywine falls to 4-11, and will host Edwardsburg Friday.
The Trinity junior varsity team beat Brandywine 27-22.
South Bend Trinity….60
Brandywine……………47
Trinity: Ed Preuss 5 0-1 11, Ethan Hatch 3 2-2 9, Chris Sibben 2 3-4 7, Brian Meeks 1 0-0 2, Ben Rowland 0 0-0 0, Mike Scott 1 2-4 5, John Niswonger 4 9-14 18, Jim Barrett 3 2-2 8, Phil Drendall 0 0-0 0. Totals: 19 18-27 60
Brandywine: Casey Udell 3 1-2 10, Andy Low 4 4-5 17, Matt Wieger 0 0-0 0, Zach Bennett 1 0-0 2, Brett Shoemaker 0 0-0 0, Gene McDonald 2 2-2 7, Alex Newman 0 2-2 2, Justin Sobecki 0 2-2 2, Danny Rauch 3 1-2 7, Brett Shoemaker 0 0-0 0, Mike Beauchamp 0 0-0 0, Mike Nagy 0 0-0 0. Totals: 16 11-13 47
Trinity 6 14 22 18--60
Brandywine 15 7 8 17--47
3-point shooting: Trinity 4 (Hatch, Niswonger, Preuss, Scott), Brandywine 4 (Udell 3, McDonald). Team fouls (fouled out): Trinity 13 (none), Brandywine 23 (Newman). Team records: Trinity 20-3, Brandywine 4-11.