BRANDON &045; A solid defensive effort turned up big in a 56-41 win for Trinity Episcopal in its opening game at the Class A state tournament.

But enough of that &045; it’s on to Wednesday’s second round game against powerhouse CM&I, a team the Saints knocked off last year after the Crusaders won the Overall title the year prior.

&uot;We get the unenviable task of playing CM&I &045; probably the most athletic team in MPSA,&uot; Trinity head coach David King said after his team advanced to the second round Monday. &uot;But our kids will strap it up and find a way. That’s what we’ve been preaching all year long &045; find a way. They found a way to win another one (tonight).&uot;

The Saints found a way in the final three quarters with a method they’ve used in recent games &045; just strong defense. A modest 13-12 lead by the end of the first quarter turned into a 28-21 lead at halftime thanks to a 15-9 edge in the second quarter.

DeSoto big man Drew Fielder, also a threat from long range, finished the game with 24 points thanks to three 3-pointers.

&uot;It was just a good defensive effort,&uot; King said. &uot;That team probably had a little more firepower than we did, but we tried to play that aggressive defense. Every player they had was offensive. They’ve been averaging in the 60s and 70s. That’s kind of been our trademark &045; holding people under their averages. (Fielder) is a big-time inside and outside palyer.&uot;

The Saints were able to get it inside to either Robert Manson or forward Ryan Rachal as the two combined for 43 points. Both keyed the team’s efforts in the third and fourth quarters as the Saints scored 14 in each quarter.

A 14-11 edge in the third put Trinity’s lead at 42-32 heading into the fourth quarter.

&uot;He just stepped up,&uot; King said of Rachal. &uot;I’ve challenged these four seniors. You go in every game like it could be your last. They’ve got church league and intramurals after this ends, and we keep picking on them about that.&uot;