Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Trojans tame Osky
Fairfield boys basketball team knocks off Indians in Coach Perkins’ 1st game
FAIRFIELD — The new-look Fairfield boys basketball team got off to a red-hot start on Tuesday night, as the Trojans used a hot-shooting night to take out Oskaloosa 67-54 in the season opener.
The game was the Trojans’ first under new head coach Nate Perkins, who coached the Trojans to their third-straight win over Oskaloosa in the all-time series.
“We had a really good week of practice leading up to it, and we had some scrimmages where I think we learned a lot about ourselves,” said Coach Perkins. “I think they came out and they played the way they are capable of playing.”
Fairfield used an 11-point first quarter by Sam Weaton to jump ahead 23-13 after the first horn. Luke Konczal matched that with 11 in the second period, and the Trojans hung on to a 38-30 halftime lead.
“Those guys were contributors last year, so they're more comfortable,” Coach Perkins said. “Those guys, every night, are capable of contributing, and putting up big numbers.”
But it was Coach Perkins’ own son, Riley Perkins, who had the biggest night of them all. The Trojan sharpshooter scored 27 points on the night, including 18 in the second half to help Fairfield hold off the Indians.
“I felt good, especially when I was starting to hit my shots,” Perkins said. “My teammates found me. They trusted me, and we just kept it going.”
Oskaloosa cut the lead down to 49-45 late in the third quarter, but a pair of Trojan free throws by Ousman Saine stretched the advantage back to 51-45 at the end of the third quarter.
Perkins stayed hot to lead the Trojans on a big run in the fourth quarter to close things out.
“The best thing is multiple guys chip in,” Perkins said. “It's not going to be one guy every night. I might not be the leading scorer the next night, it just is what it is.”
Perkins’ 27 points came on 11-of-18 shooting. He made three 3-pointers in six attempts and also paced the team in assists, with four. Not a bad night on your dad’s first day on the job.
Perkins, who’s grandfather Glenn Perkins is an assistant as well, says he’s getting used to the family leadership.
“ He's cool. He's smart,” Perkins said of his dad. “It might be a little different, but that's OK.”
Weaton finished the night with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Konczal had 13 points and eight rebounds. Eli Zillman had seven points. Ben Boatright scored four points, and Saine finished with two.
Fairfield moved to 1-0 on the season. The Trojans will travel to Hillcrest Academy on Thursday night and Fort Madison on Friday night.
