Abbey Viers, shown in this file photo from last February, had a big night for Triton Thursday in a win at Elkhart Christian. InkFreeNews file photo

By Adam Yoder
InkFreeNews

ELKHART – After two hard fought losses to two strong 3-A programs in Knox and Tippecanoe Valley, the Triton ‘Blue Swish’ got back in the win column in a big way on Thursday night at Elkhart Christian Academy, 49-14.

Coach Adam Heckaman, in his 13th season at the helm, saw a lot to be pleased about in Wednesday night’s loss at Tippecanoe Valley and the win on the Eagles home court on the south side of Elkhart.

“It was really good to get back out here tonight and rebound from last night with a win,” Heckaman said. “We talked about playing to our ability and our standards. We needed to bring that same intensity we brought last night versus Valley and we did that.”

The frontline play of Abbey Viers and a three-point barrage from Trojan guards helped the visitors get off on the right foot, as they raced out to 20-2 lead after one quarter.

That first quarter saw two three-pointers from Kinsey Atkins, one from Taren Yates, and one from Emma Hepler to blow the game wide-open early.

Triton (3-3) also continued to sprinkle in a hard man-to-man defense in the first half, especially. Traditionally, coach Heckaman has relied heavily on a 3-2 zone defense.

“We’re not as good in our zone so far this year, so we’re mixing it up more this year and working on some different things versus different teams. We have guards that can get out and pressure the ball as well,” Heckaman said.

In the second and third quarters, the Trojans weren’t as explosive offensively but got plenty of quality shots. By halftime, the lead had ballooned to 19 with the score 26-7, and by the end of the third, it was 36-11.

During those two quarters, Viers continued to assert herself down low, and finished with a game-high 19 points and six rebounds.

In the second half, however, she was joined by younger sister Addyson, who notched six points in the quarter en route to a ten-point, four-rebound night.

On the two sisters, Heckaman commented, “It has been great seeing Abbey Viers out here giving it her all and setting a good example for her younger sister and her teammates. Addyson’s got a lot of ability and I challenged her last night to step up and make me have to play her more minutes. She did that tonight and hopefully she continue to develop and see more minutes throughout the season.”

The fourth quarter saw continued and consistent play from Lexia Hostrawser, who did a lot of little things both inside and outside to help the Trojans command both halves.

Coach Heckaman also was quick to note the improved guard play since the team was quarantined in late November. “I’m really happy with our guard play. They’ve done a better job the last two nights. Made the extra passes and the right passes. They knocked down some shots, there too. We’re going to continue to need that from them.”

The Blue Swish has one more road game in this six-game road stretch on Saturday when they travel to Caston.

They finally get back into the Trojan Trench next Tuesday night when the NorthWood Panthers visit Bourbon. The Panthers are now coached by former Triton skipper Mark Heeter, who was the head coach of Triton’s back-to-back IHSAA 1-A state titles in 2000 and 2001.