Trojans Looking To Regain It’s Sectional Swagger
BOURBON – It’s been quite a ride for the Triton boys basketball team.
The Trojans have been consistent in several aspects, but inconsistency in key moments have put several question marks next to Triton as the state tournament looms.
One night, the Trojans are hoisting a Bi-County championship, days later, the team is losing by 12 at home to an Argos team that lost both of its games at the Bi-County. Hence some of the inconsistency within the program, which has struggled to score in losses. Triton averages about 38 points per game in its seven losses, but nearly 59 points per game in its 16 wins.
Triton has struggled against some of the area big boys, losing to state-ranked NorthWood and Warsaw along with conference powers Winamac and Culver. Triton is also 1-2 against Class 1-A Sectional 51 opponents, the losses to Culver and Argos, the one win against Oregon-Davis to open the season.
Triton, through all the numbers and logistics, still is one of the favorites for one simple reason: the sectional is at Triton.
Last year’s upset by Oregon-Davis over Triton in the sectional finals was the second straight bounce in the sectional round for the Trojans. Triton had won six straight sectional titles from 2008-13, including two trips to the state finals. The Trojans are still very dangerous and boast of a pair of scorers who can drop points in the dish with the best of them.
“I believe this sectional is wide open,” said Triton head coach Jason Groves. “I don’t even know if it’s who is playing well at this point in the season or has momentum, but more just who plays better on their respective night. I felt like there were times this season where we were playing well, but then had a game where we just didn’t play well for one reason or another. This year’s winner could be the team who can just put together two or three good games in a row. One thing I do know is that all the teams will be well coached and prepared.”
Jordan Anderson has the ability to quickly put points on the board, both with rim-attacking speed off the dribble and behind the three-point arc. The Bi-County Tournament MVP is shooting over 40 percent from three, scoring 15 points per contest and is registering over three rebounds and two steals per night.
Mason Yeo has come into his own this season, posting 12 points and four boards per night and has paired with Anderson as the two primary options for the Trojans each night. Yeo has had off nights, but has also has stepped forward, combining for 45 points in wins against Clinton Christian and Caston.
Grant Johnson mans the middle, and has posted 10 points and five boards a night, and has averaged over a block and steal per game as well. Johnson’s play of late has been a boon for Triton.
Guards Jarrett Kreft and Zac Pitney provide quality depth on the perimeter, and have the ability to score, both giving Triton around four points per game each. Dalton Bailey has started almost every game for Triton, serving as more of a role player in the offense.
“I wish that there was a magic bean that would allow our kids to show up on the same night,” joked Groves. “Consistency has been our Achilles heel all year long. We have several players that are definitely capable, but for some reason it has been a struggle getting them clicking all together; we’ve seen it at times. Jarrett Kreft, Zac Pitney, and Grant Johnson have been playing much better and are very good players when they want to be. As seniors, Masen Yeo and Jordan Anderson have been really good for us this year. We just need them to be great for the next few weeks.”
Play at the Triton Sectional opens Tuesday, March 1, and will carry on through Saturday, March 5, in the championship game. The Trojans, which drew the bye, will face either South Central or Argos in the sectional semi-finals. Triton will also host a Class 1-A regional.