- Trenton ended a 19-game losing streak by defeating Hawthorne, 68-24.
- Juniors Mason VunCannon and Tyler Bullis each scored 19 points, leading Trenton's strong offensive performance.
- Trenton dominated early, leading 22-4 after the first quarter and 51-11 at halftime with a running clock.
- Trenton's coach Eric Bullis praised Mason as possibly the best player in the Rural class and highlighted Tyler's recovery from injury.
The Trenton Tigers entered Thursday night’s home game against defending Rural State Champion Hawthorne with a long losing streak against the Hornets.
Trenton quickly served notice that the streak was going to end.
Juniors Mason VunCannon and Tyler Bullis scored 19 points apiece and Trenton walloped Hawthorne, 68-24, to end a 19-game losing streak against the Hornets.
Trenton (13-4) defeated Hawthorne for the first time since 2000, according to Tigers coach Eric Bullis.
“We definitely had this game circled on our schedule because we haven’t beaten Hawthorne in a long time,” Eric Bullis said. “We think we are one of the better teams in the state in the Rural Class, but I am OK with us being under the radar.”
Trenton was on fire from the start. Six players scored in the opening period, with VunCannon scoring six points and senior Marc Micale adding five points, as Trenton rolled out to a 22-4 lead after the first quarter.
But the second quarter was even better for Trenton. Bullis scored 14 points in the period, knocking down two shots behind the arc, and VunCannon added 10 points, including another 3-pointer, and the Tigers got to a running clock in the final minute of the half to lead 51-11 at the break.
Eric Bullis says his son, Tyler, is nearly 100% after an early-season injury.
“He (Tyler) hurt his finger against Columbia in the second game of the season,” Eric Bullis said. “He is finally getting back to full health and you can see that with his shot tonight. Tyler and Mason are a great one-two punch to have.”
Trenton hit six 3-pointers in the first half, with Bullis nailing three. The Tigers had eight treys for the game.
With a running clock in the second half, most of Trenton’s starters rested and they cruised to the win.
The result was pretty stunning for defending Rural state champion Hawthorne (4-4), who beat Trenton 69-25 in their last meeting in 2024.
Darian Bowie led the Hornets with 10 points. Kyler Ingram scored only four points and committed three straight fouls and fouled out halfway through the third quarter.
“I think Mason (VunCannon) may be the best player in the state in the rural class.” Eric Bullis said. “I think the sky is the limit for this team.”
Trenton is back in action on Friday night at home against Fort White, while Hawthorne returns home to play St. Francis Catholic Academy.
