Connor Worley is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Northwest Christian for AZPreps365.com.

The Northwest Christian boys basketball team knew it had to get out to a quick start.

Facing Tonopah Valley’s relentless 3-point shooting, the Crusaders needed to capitalize on their up-tempo offense and aggressive defense.

Senior guard Bryce Trimble and junior guard Logan Moser took the challenge and stepped up. 

The pair repeatedly stymied The Phoenix offense and outpaced them in transition on their way to a 20-8 first quarter lead.

Despite narrowing the margin to single digits multiple times in the second half, Northwest Christian (5-5) held off Tonopah Valley (4-5) to win 50-39 on Tuesday.

“Bryce in the open court is so fast,” Crusaders coach Jason Cook said. “Moser does a great job of anticipating on defense and getting easy steals and then getting easy buckets on the other end.”

Moser’s defensive anticipation garnered multiple steals and forced turnovers in the game’s initial five minutes, opening passing lanes on the wings and leading to easy opportunities on the other end. 

“Any pass in the lanes, we’re on it, especially Moser,” Trimble said. 

Trimble benefited the most, notching 10 points in the first quarter, including eight off fast break opportunities, while Moser added six of his own. The duo led the team in points, combining for 25 of the team’s 50, with Trimble scoring 17 on 5-of-9 shooting and Moser scoring eight on 4-of-6 shooting.  

Trimble said that Cook has emphasized throughout the season the team’s need to push the ball up the floor by passing to the wings in transition

“We finally looked up and passed it up the court,” Moser added. “It turned into easy layups.”

Cook said he repeats the importance of passing the ball up the floor rather than dribbling it up.

“We need to get the ball up the court and then if we can get our post to run to that rim and post up, it will put a lot of pressure on people,” Cook said.

While the Crusaders' gambles in the passing lane were rewarded with tipped passes and steals early in the game, their luck started to fade as The Phoenix adjusted. 

Tonopah Valley changed course by driving into Northwest Christian’s 3-2 zone and skipping passes to the player on the opposite wing, leading to another driving opportunity or an open 3-pointer.

“I do not like them gambling,” Cook said. “That’s something we need to talk about because when we just stay in [our zone defense] and stay in front of people, we do a pretty good job, but as soon as someone breaks down then it puts a lot of pressure on everyone else.”

Moser said his team still needs to get out in front of the offensive players and prevent easy driving lanes even though the Crusaders are playing zone defense.

“We have to close out hard and not let them drive right by you and pull up for an easy bucket,” Moser said.

Despite The Phoenix shooting just 25 percent on 20 3-point attempts, they were able to shorten the lead to single digits multiple times, including a 42-36 deficit early in the fourth quarter, by grabbing offensive rebounds and scoring off Northwest Christian turnovers.

Guards Cameron Gates and Trent Larson did the heavy lifting for Tonopah Valley’s offense, combining for 34 of its 39 points.

Northwest Christian closed out the final four minutes on an 8-3 run, ending the chance for a Tonopah Valley comeback.

The Crusaders will be back in action at 7 p.m. Thursday as they travel to Camp Verde (6-5). The Phoenix will play at Bourgade Catholic (3-5) at 7 p.m. Wednesday.