The Mendota sophomore boys’ basketball team opened up the season with a pair of Big Northern Conference losses.

In the season-opener, North Boone edged the Trojans, 51-48, on Feb. 6 at Poplar Grove.

Mendota led 12-11 after the first period, but North Boone had leads of 22-15 and 38-25 after the next two quarters. A fourth-quarter comeback attempt by MHS fell short.

“We made a good run in the fourth and had an open shot to take the lead with a minute to go, but it did not fall,” said Mendota coach Nick Ganz.

Three Trojans hit double figures in scoring, led by Ryne Strouss with 13. Isaac Guzman and Izaiah Nanez added 12 and 10 markers, respectively.

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Mendota hosted Rockford Lutheran in its home opener and dropped a 59-20 decision on Feb. 8.

“Lutheran came out shooting hot and their aggressive defense really caught us off guard,” said Ganz. “We played hard until the end and that’s all I can ask for.”

Guzman had nine points for Mendota.