The Mendota Trojans started off their shortened basketball season with a 43-33 triumph over North Boone in a Big Northern Conference contest on Feb. 6 at Poplar Grove.

Mendota jumped out to a 9-3 lead after the opening stanza and widened the margin to 19-7 at the break. The Trojans continued to build on their lead in the second half to come away with the double-digit win.

Sophomore Krew Bond did a bulk of the scoring for the Trojans with 27 points. Fifteen of those points came from the free throw line as he went to the stripe 25 times. Classmate Rafa Romero provided eight markers.

The two teams combined for 55 fouls, with Mendota being whistled for 25. The Trojans connected on 21 of 45 free throw attempts, while North Boone had 24 charity tosses and made 12.

***

Rockford Lutheran put up 41 first-quarter points and downed the Trojans, 93-21, in conference action on Feb. 8 at the MHS gym. It was the home opener for Mendota.

The Trojans trailed 41-5 after one and 53-14 at intermission. Lutheran torched the net for 28 points in the third quarter and led 81-21 after three. Mendota did not score in the fourth period.

Bond led the Trojans with seven points, while Emilio Perez added four.