TCC Loses Hard Fought Game

by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
Updated at 10:33 PM on 1/18/16

The TCC Fightin' Reformers fought hard for 32 minutes but dropped a tough game to Suber Road Baptist Church 57-38.  TCC tried different defenses in order to slow down Suber Road's shooters, but Suber continued to hit tough shots to keep a modest lead throughout the first half.  TCC started in a zone defense but Suber Road exploited their zone with timely three point shooting and forced TCC into a man to man defense.    The Reformers were able to keep within striking distance during the second half but fell short.  Suber Road is thought to be the best, most talented team in the league so a 19 point loss for TCC is not as bad as it may seem.  Leading scorer Hugh Carson was proud of the effort and said "we played well, and have shown improvement week to week.  We lost to this team a few weeks ago by 30 so this is a definite improvement!"

Randy Pifer paced the Reformers with a season high 13 points, Carson chipped in 10 and Daniel Brown had 9.  It was a balanced attack and TCC was having success by getting inside and attacking the soft interior defense of Suber Road.  "There were no shot blockers protecting the rim and we tried to take advantage of that by working the ball inside" said Tim Smerdon.  TCC played well enough to beat any other team in the league, but just fell victim to a better team.

TCC was without sharpshooter Donny Mathis who is out with a paper cut.  "We could have used his shooting out there.  We only hit one from downtown tonight" said guard Malcolm Burgess.  TCC improved from the free throw line and hit 4 of 7 of their attempts which is a huge leap for a team that has struggled all year from the charity stripe.

TCC's record drops to 2 and 5 on the year. With only three games left, point guard Jonathan Chasteen made it clear what TCC's goal is.  "We will finish the season .500" he declared!  After the game, Smerdon announced his retirement at the end of the season.  The last three games will be a farewell tour for Smerdon.  Come out and say goodbye to one of the greatest TCC legends of all time!  TCC's next game is against Edwards Road Baptist Church on Monday 1/25 at 8:30 pm at Taylors First Baptist Church.  The Reformer faithful is reminded that Fan Appreciation Night is February 8 at 6:30 PM at Taylors First Baptist Church.  Plan now to attend to get your copy of the collectable program and cheer on your Fightin' Reformers!