Forest Park Splits versus Kingsford and Bark River

Patrick Browne
CRYSTAL FALLS – The last time the Forest Park Trojans lost a game by more than 10 points was on Jan. 9, when they lost to the Kingsford  Flivvers 65 - 50. Since this loss, the team has won 9 games and lost 4. The four losses have been by a combined 21 points or just a little over 5 points per game.
The Trojans are an impressive team which has a 10 and 7 record on the season and could easily be 14 and 3. Going into the last four games of the season, it is not a stretch to believe that if the team plays to its potential, it could be a fun postseason to be a Trojan fan.
In their two most recent games, the first against Florence who is 19 and 1 on the season and the second against Bark River Harris who is 6 and 13, the Trojans looked impressive.
In the rematch against Florence, who defeated Forest Park earlier this season, the Trojans matched up well and played even throughout the entire game. Trailing by four at the half and by seven at the end of the third quarter, the Trojans outshot the Bobcats from the floor 44% to 34% but stumbled at the free throw line and only shot 50% (5 for 10). The five missed free throws were the difference in the game.
While Forest Park outscored Florence in the fourth quarter and were only one shot away from evening the score on several occasions, they were unable to turn the tide and lost 50 - 45.
Senior Sam McKissack led the Trojans with 12 points while Felix Quevedo was credited with five steals.
On the following night, the Trojans took the floor against Bark River. After playing even in the first quarter (12 - 12), Forest Park took a 27-20 lead into halftime and never looked back. The Trojans made 5 three pointers and eight of their 10 players scored. Gabe Quevedo led the Trojans with 18 points while Kevin Giuliani contributed eight points and eight rebounds.
In reflecting on these two games, it is clear Forest Park can far outdistance teams that are good, but struggles against teams that are great. Each of the Trojan losses this season has been against a strong team which has found a way to beat the Trojans. Although the Trojans have never folded and have been competitive, they have been unable to bring home the win. Only one or two possessions has made the difference between winning and losing.
Heading into the final four games of the season and District competition in early March, the Trojans have a shot to do well, but they will need to find a way to win the close games if they hope to play in the Breslin Center in late March.