GREENE – It has been said a team can’t beat the same opponent three times in one season. That statement held true Thursday night in a first-round Class C sectional game between the host Greene Trojans and the Walton Warriors. 

The visiting Warriors used a 21 point lead after three quarters of play as well as strong free throw shooting in the fourth quarter to hold on for the 66-57 upset win. 

“We could not make a bucket [in the third] and had too many turnovers,” said Greene’s head coach Chris Rice. “[Walton] just closed the inside off to us.”

Rice is referring the third quarter where Walton held Greene to three points following halftime, taking a 21-point lead into the final quarter.

However, the last eight minutes were a different ball game.

The Trojans’ hit six of their 11 made shots from behind the arc in the fourth quarter and finished with a total of 30 points. 

The Warriors’ were able to hold on for the win due to their foul shooting, going 10-for-14 in the fourth. Dylan Jacob, who led all-scorers in the contest with 26 points, went 5-of-6 at the stripe in the quarter. Teammate Jose Mirabal also went to the line several times in the stanza and made five of his attempts. 

“[Walton’s] performance at the free throw line sealed the deal for them,” said Rice. “We had them in bonus too soon. It was a tough one for us.”

Rice stated that the Trojans’ opponent knocked down two big shots late, holding his team off from the comeback.

Nate Erickson, Nate Parker, Alec Frair and Nate Barry combined to score Greene’s huge quarter in the fourth. Parker and Frair had the hot shooting hand, draining four of the Trojans’ six.