Trinity knocks off first-place Heritage in boys basketball

By Bruce Unrue

Special to the Star-Telegram

EULESS -- It's one thing to beat a team that hasn't lost a district game. It's another to beat an opponent you haven't defeated in more than 12 years.

Tuesday night, Euless Trinity became the first District 6-5A team to top Colleyville Heritage this season, handing the Panthers a convincing 61-48 defeat.

It is believed to be the Trojans' first win over the Panthers since the 2000 season.

"[This win] is huge. We knew that coming in," said Trinity coach Mark Villines afterward. "They were undefeated and we were tied for second. We still gotta have some help, but this one will go a long way."

Defense was the difference for the Trojans (13-11, 6-2 District 6-5A), who harassed the Panthers (17-7, 7-1) from the outset.

Trinity worked its way out to an 18-point advantage (44-26) by the end of three quarters and held off a furious comeback attempt.

"[Heritage] shoots the ball so well and the first time over at their place [a 50-41 loss], we gave them too many open looks," Villines said. "We talked all week about ratcheting up the defense, fighting off screens and forcing them to make plays rather than giving up wide-open shots."

Heritage opened the fourth quarter with an 8-2 run to cut the Trojans lead back down to 12 points (46-34) with 4:42 remaining.

But Trinity didn't panic. On its next possession, 6-foot-9 center Myles Turner finished off a press-break with a dunk that started a 7-0 answer from the Trojans. Minutes later, Trinity had a 19-point lead (53-34) that held for the final 2:45.

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