BOURBON - Before the season began, Triton head coach Mark Heeter talked about an opportunity. That opportunity was a chance for his team to put Triton on the map as far as Class A basketball is concerned.

When Triton opened the season at 6-1, it looked as if that opportunity may be realized. Then, when the Trojans lost six of their next seven games, it seemed that it had been squandered. However, Triton has now won eight of nine games, picked up the school's first girls sectional championship and will host a regional game against No. 10 Morgan Township on Saturday.

The Trojans can see that opportunity in clear view.

However, standing in the way is quite an obstacle. The Cherokees are 21-3 and have a 16-game winning streak. They also have Karin Morrisroe. The senior guard averaged at least 17 points per game in each of her four years as a varsity player. She is scoring at a 21.9 clip this year.

Heeter knows that she won't be easy to stop, but Triton may not have to shut her down entirely.

"I don't know that you can stop someone like that," Heeter said. "If she gets 20 points, we hold the rest of the team to 20 points and we score 60, we win by 20."

It sounds pretty lofty to keep the rest of the team to 20 points, but only five players on the team are scoring more than three points per game. Morgan Township's sixth player, Kelly Morrisroe, is averaging just 2.7 a game.

On the flip side, Heeter is getting production from everywhere in his lineup. No longer is this a team made up of just Jessica Kintzel, Chris Scott and Megan Sarber.

Amilia Devros led the Trojans in scoring in the sectional with 14.3 points per game. She also had 5.3 rebounds per game. Melissa Nifong scored just over six points a game in the sectional and grabbed seven rebounds. Jamie Bell had 14 rebounds in the three sectional games, and Gwen Roberts scored 6.3 points per game on 54 percent shooting. These Trojans are deep.

Heeter also likes to point out that his team has the strength of schedule on its side. Triton may be just 15-8, but five of its opponents won sectionals. Morgan Township, on the other hand, has not played a team all year that won a sectional. That could be a big advantage when push comes to shove.

Heeter also feels that an advantage could be gained in that the Cherokees and the Trojans play vastly different styles.

Morgan Township likes the slow, deliberate game. Triton likes to force the action. Without much depth, the Cherokees could be in trouble if the Trojans can keep a frenetic pace - one that causes players to tire quickly.

Then, there's the home-court advantage. Morgan Township will have to travel from Valparaiso on Saturday to play in a new gym. Triton, on the other hand, will have the day to relax and get ready. The Trojans know this court like the back of their hands. Morgan Township has probably never seen it outside of video tapes.

However, if Triton does win on Saturday, the Cherokees will probably become familiar with the area. Because, as long as class basketball remains, the road to the Class A semistate may well go through Bourbon. [[In-content Ad]]