BY CRAIG STEWART

The Truman high school varsity basketball teams played against North Kansas City, Tuesday Nov. 22 at their “Pack the House” game. Unfortunately, the varsity boys lost their first game of the season 54-44. Hopefully with the addition of a new head coach Rod Briggs, the boys can turn it around.

The two teams appeared evenly matched to start the game, but after the first few minutes of the quarter Truman could not buy a bucket and the pace of the game started to change.  North Kansas City continued scoring and began to run away with the lead. Defense posed the biggest problem for the Patriots. They allowed NKC to go waltz down the lane seemingly at will.

North Kansas City increased their lead to 20 points by the break. However, the Freedom Kingdom still cheered and yelled despite the margin.

By the third quarter Truman stormed back with a fire and passion.  Truman came into the second half strong scoring the first eight points in the quarter.  Their defense also improved, and with the help of North Kansas City turning the ball over multiple times, the atmosphere in the gym seemed hopeful.  

The intensity mounted in the fourth quarter as Truman’s play improved, but North Kansas City responded.  They began making their shots and denying Truman from taking their lead. The fight was strong, but Truman’s comeback bid fell just short.