CULVER — It was all Triton all night as the Trojans put an exclamation point on a first-round sectional win over West Central 88-38.
From the opening tip, Triton’s defensive intensity and savvy court play kept West Central on their heels and unable to effectively respond.
“We told our guys to control what you can control and come out with energy, communicate and play defense and I thought we did,” said Triton head coach Jason Groves. “When we do that we usually are clicking offensively. Even coming out after halftime with a big lead I thought we stuck it defensively. I think that we held them scoreless there for the first four or five minutes.”
They did that and held West Central to just five points in the third quarter and 15 in the second half.
The Trojans shared the wealth with 10 players getting into the scorebook and three in double figures. Ashton Oviedo had 18, Cole Shively had 11, and Tyson Yates had 11 to lead Triton. Yates also had six assists and five rebounds to lead in those categories. Cole McKinney had four rebounds and five assists.
“We have to move the ball to be successful,” said Groves. “You can’t just have one or two passes and try to penetrate through. Our kids have really worked on that and tried to improve upon it. I still want them aggressive. I still want them playing basketball but we need to just move the ball and wait for our opportunities and I think that our kids did a good job of that tonight.”
Triton also had 24 points from behind the arc.
“When we take good shots we are really good shooters,” said Groves. “I think our kids are starting to realize that and we have kids that shoot with confidence.”
“That was what I was looking for was focus and intensity and I think we showed that.”
Triton (17-5) will have a rematch in the semi-final with Oregon-Davis (8-11). The Trojans won the previous matchup in early January.
•TRITON 88, WEST CENTRAL 38
at Culver
Triton 21 41 70 88
W. Central 9 23 28 38
Triton (88) — McIntire 1 1-2 3, McKinney 3 2-2 8, Oviedo 5 4-4 18, Gardner 4 1-2 9, C. Shively 5 1-1 11, Johnson 3 0-0 9, Yates 5 1-1 11, C. Westafer 3 0-0 7, Large 1 0-0 2, K. Westafer 3 2-3 8, Cam. Shively 1 0-0 2. Totals 34 12-16 88.
W. Central (38) — Mariatt 1 0-0 3, White 1 5-6 7, Huber 3 0-0 7, Gutwein 1 0-0 3, Leman 4 4-4 14, Lewark 2 0-0 4. Totals 12 9-10 38.
