TCC Opens 2019-20 Season With Win

by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
Updated on 11/19/19 at 10:18 AM

The 2019-20 TCC Fightin' Reformers got off to a fast start on Monday night and never looked back as they toppled Resurrection Church 57-31.  TCC's roster is decimated with injury (both physical and mental) and had to field a ragtag group just to have enough to play.  Hugh Carson and Jonathan Chasteen were gametime decisions and there status did not become certain until minutes before tip off.  Josh Payne and Donny Mathis were both held out of the first game of the year due to load management.  GM Randy Pifer said "we wanted to rest their fragile legs for the stretch run".  Ben Davis suffered a knee injury during the preseason and Daniel Brown has a hangnail that will hold him out for the season.

With Carson and Chasteen's status being up in the air, the only active members on the roster were Randy Pifer, Ryan LaPierre and newcomer Kyle LaPierre.  TCC had to sign 3 players to 10 day contracts in order to play the game.  Ryan "Wally" Willoughby, David Sandquist and Stephen "Dunk" Donovan were added to the roster and they all were able to contribute in their first games as Fightin' Reformers.

Willoughby's hustle and early shooting by Ryan LaPierre helped the team jump out to a big early 20-4 lead.  Chasteen was attacking the bucket and drawing contact and finishing at the rim and Kyle LaPierre's size and skill around the goal was the difference in the first half.  Rez made a run and was able to get back in the game, but Donovan's sheer will in the second half coupled with a timely 3 from Pifer and inside strong play from Carson and Kyle LaPierre and TCC was able to shut the door and coast to the victory.

TCC out rebounded, out hustled, passed the ball and played team defense better than Rez and that was the recipe for the win on this night.