Since head coach Jason Groves took over at the end of the 2004-05 season, the Triton boys basketball team has had plenty of success. State champions in 2008. Three more appearances in 2009, 2011 and 2013. That 2013 season was the last time the Trojans won a regional, a statistic they’d like to update when they take on Lakewood Park Christian this weekend.
Triton (21-4) heads into the regional round playing very well. Winners of 10 of their last eleven, the Trojans won their three sectional games by a combined 65 points, which included a 16-point victory over a 16-win Trinity team in the championship game. Of those 10 wins, Triton has won eight of them by double digits, including five by more than 20 points.
“I do feel like we’re playing our best basketball right now. At this point, we’ve seen almost everything possible from our opponents offensively and defensively, so we know what we want done in pretty much every situation,” Triton head coach Jason Groves said. “We have been pretty consistent defensively all year, and we can apply pressure in many different ways if needed.”
That defense has been a calling card for the Trojans all season long, as the team headed into the tournament averaging the lowest points allowed across the entire state. Offensively, Triton is one of the most balanced teams in the area, boasting four to five players that can go for double figures on any given night.
“Right now we have many guys that are attacking more aggressively and reacting well to that and playing off of each other right now,” Groves said. “To add to that we are shooting the ball really well as of late.
If all that isn’t enough, Triton has one more factor in its favor during the regional round: the Trojans are the only team across the entire state that will be playing their regional game at home this week.
“Obviously, it’s really nice to be able to play on your home court, and I’m sure our fans will be out in full force and bring a lot of energy,” Groves said. “I am sure that gives us a slight advantage, but at this point in the tournament, you are going to have to play well to win no matter where the game is. You don’t want to get too comfortable.”
While Triton will be playing this game in its own backyard, its opponent, Lakewood Park Christian, will have to make an hour and 20 minute drive from Auburn. The Panthers are just 7-16 this season, but head into the regional after beating Bethany Christian and Fort Wayne Canterbury by a combined three points. While the team’s record isn’t much to write home about, Lakewood Park is playing its best basketball at the best time, and that’s something Groves isn’t taking for granted.
“It is definitely a concern that our kids may overlook them. They may see their record and get too far ahead of themselves,” he said. “What they need to realize is that they have played a tough schedule, are well coached and have a full week to prepare for us. For them to be playing in the regional says something about them, and we need to be ready for a battle.”
The Panthers’ best player is undoubtedly junior Avery MacFarlane, who leads the team in points per game (18.8), field goal percentage (48%), rebounds (12.0) and blocks (1.5). Senior guard Davi Freitas is second in most of these categories, averaging 9.2 points a game while also putting up 3.8 assists and 1.7 steals a night, both team highs.
“Defensively, we’ll need to find a way to limit MacFarlane and make it difficult for him to operate, especially near the basket area,” Groves said. “He is a really good player. Also, we need to make sure that doesn’t allow their other guys to have career games as well. They’re really long, so we must box out and rebound.”
Offensively, Groves would like to see his team continue to do what’s made them successful so far this season.
“We need to push the ball in transition and attack, value the basketball and knock down some shots because their length is going to make it hard to score inside.”
Triton and Lakewood Park Christian will tip off at 1 p.m. at the Trojan Trench on Saturday. The second game will be a 2A clash between Jimtown and Westview at 4 p.m.