OLYMPIA FIELDS | If it wasn't for the slow start, Bloom might have had a good shot at taking down one tough Rich Central team.
The Blazing Trojans spotted the Olympians an early double-digit lead and were forced to play from behind the entire game before falling 62-48 to Southland Athletic Conference rival Rich Central.
Breanna Perry scored 16 points and had two rebounds for the Blazing Trojans. Junior Bria Gaines scored 13 points and had 14 rebounds for Bloom.
"We came out flat and they beat us back on defense," Perry said. "They out ran us and out hustled us and we didn't box out."
The Blazing Trojans (10-8, 2-4) got off to a sluggish start and trailed the Olympians 21-8 after one quarter. Rich Central was able to capitalize on numerous fast break points and the Blazing Trojans struggled to get back on defense throughout the game. The offense struggled early for Bloom, but once the team was able to set up the offense, the Blazing Trojans were able to execute effectively.
"The way we came out against a good team like this you can't do," Bloom coach Ron Newquist said. "We were not playing smart basketball. We were throwing the ball away. We weren't getting back on defense."
Katherine Strong had 12 points to go along with four assists and four rebounds for the Blazing Trojans. In the second half, Bloom was able to stand toe-to-toe with a tough Rich Central quad that is undefeated in Southland Athletic Conference play, but the lead was too much for the away team to overcome.
"We came out in the second half and stuck with them," Perry said. "We picked up our speed and our game. On offense, we played as a team and passed the ball. We just need to keep our heads up and move on to the next game."
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