Everett, WA - Men's basketball opened up the regular season on Wednesday night at home against Wenatchee Valley College.  The east region opponent got to the line 10 more times, making 8 more free throws which ended up being the difference in the 76-70 loss.  The Trojans opened up the game with a 5-0 lead, but a four minute scoring drought allowed WVC to take the lead.  There would be four more lead changes in the first half before Wenatchee Valley hit a three on the final possesion to take a 37-31 lead at the break.  The Trojan scoring was balanced balanced led by Jailin Johnson's 9 points, with Nate Harding and Mysles Shields each chipping in 8.  The highlight of the half came from Shields who had a put back dunk off of an offensive rebound. 

Everett fought back in the second half, reclaiming the lead at 43-42 on a Shon Reid lay up but it was brief as Wenatchee answered on the next possession with another three.  The Knights went 9 of 16 from beyond the arc for the game, making four more than the Trojans.  Another deciding factor in the contest.  Still, EvCC had opportunities to close the game out and held a 63-60 lead with 6:16 remaining.  But EvCC could not get the stops down the stretch they needed and the Knights escaped Larry Walker Court with the six point win. 

Sophomore Jailin Johnson ended the game leading all scorers with 22 points and also had 7 assists and 4 rebounds.  The other two Trojans to score in double figures were Nate Harding (5), and Eric Thomas (10).  Myles Shields was held scoreless in the second half, but found it difficult to get momentum as most of his minutes were played in foul trouble.  Freshman Shon Reid, had a nice game off the bench with 7 points, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds. 

Second year head coach Daniel Thompson led the Trojans to the NWAC Elite 8 a season ago and returns five true sophomores from that team.  Once the returners and newcomers find their groove, the 2025 Trojans will be a tough squad to beat, and a fun one to watch along the way.