STOWE – Coaches worry about let-down games on the eve of big-time match-ups from time to time, but the Twinfield-Cabot boys basketball team was all business against Stowe last weekend as they ready for a heavy weight match-up against crosstown rival Danville.
Senior point guard Eli Russell poured in a game-high 26 points to power the Trojans to a dominant 68-36 road win over Stowe last Saturday. Fellow senior Tej Stewart recorded a triple-double (11 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists) as the visitors took a 46-18 lead into the break and never looked back.
“The boys brought great energy and efficiency on both ends of the floor today. All 10 of our players logged good minutes and it was well deserved for all the work they’ve been putting in practice. With practice being cancelled Friday, I was a little concerned coming in but they were locked in from the start,” said head coach Kris Bador.
Sophomore Omar Miksic-Knibb complemented with 11 points, five steals and seven assists and Thomas Gouge chipped in with 6 points in the win. Russell added to his impressive stat line with five assists and four steals. Bador’s Trojans had a full week of practice after capturing their second consecutive Bob Abe Tip-off Classic to open the season in Proctor earlier this month. Next up on the schedule was familiar foe Danville on Tuesday. The Pride dashed Twinfield-Cabot’s hopes of a Division IV state championship last winter with a floater from Kohl Guinard in the closing seconds of their semifinal matchup at the Barre Auditorium. Danville went on to capture the state title and the two teams are once again on the short list of championship contenders this season. Bador has nothing but respect for his crosstown rival and insists this matchup is just the next game on the schedule for his veteran team.
“Game three is behind us and now and our next one is 7.5 miles up Route 2 in Danville. As always our coaching staff has scouted them and put a game plan together. Danville is well coached and disciplined on both ends of the floor. Jason (Brigham) has always done a great job preparing his teams and having them ready to play. We are going to enjoy the challenge and continue to strive to be healthy, humble and hungry!” said Bador.
The Trojans traveled to Danville on Tuesday and will get a holiday break before squaring off against Williamstown on January 2 in the Winter Solstice at the Barre Auditorium. They will stay on the road for a match-up against Enosburg on January 3 before their home opener against Blue Mountain on January 8.
