Jerrit Norris

Heading into the Twin Valley League Tournament the Troy boys were looking to find a spark to get their season going and the Trojans did just that and some, pulling off two upsets before going on to take third place.

The Trojans were led on the inside by the strong play of sophomore Jerrit Norris who delivered two big games, averaging 25 points per game during the tournament.

In Troy’s 53-49 opening round win over Washington County, Norris scored 21 points on 10-of-13 shooting while pulling down 11 rebounds and blocking two shots.

He followed that up with an even more impressive game in an upset of 3-seed Frankfort in the quarterfinals as he poured in 31 points on 18 shots while shooting 9-of-11 from the free throw line and pulling down 11 more rebounds while recording five blocks and three steals.

Troy’s run in the tournament came to a close in the semifinals in a tight 56-51 loss to Hanover but Norris continued his strong play with 16 more points as the Trojans did not play a third place game due to Centralia being forced to drop out of the tournament.

On the season Norris is now averaging a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds per game while shooting 58 percent from the floor and 69 percent from the free throw line.

He has gone over 20 points four times so far this season with those 31 points in the win over Frankfort marking a career high.

Even as a freshman Norris delivered strong numbers posting 11 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game while blocking three shots a night.

Norris will now look to continue to lead Troy in the right direction as the Trojans are now 4-6 on the season and will host Washington County on Friday.