Triton Trojans More Worried About Themselves
February 25, 2019 at 5:32 p.m.
By Aaron [email protected]
“In order for us to beat anyone, we need to find some confidence and consistency offensively,” said Triton coach Jason Groves.
The Trojans have struggled to put points on the board throughout the season. More recently, they fell short against Tippecanoe Valley after going 11 minutes without a field goal.
They followed that up by scoring just 11 points in a 30-point loss to Rochester.
“We must play more in attack mode, but within a team concept, and be smart and fundamental – not turning the ball over – while doing so,” Groves said.
“Individually, we need guys scoring their average more consistently. It’s more about us than the other team at this point.”
The other team will be Elkhart Christian. The Trojans and Eagles will tip off Wednesday. Triton and Elkhart Christian played Feb. 18, with the?Trojans winning 55-48.
Groves said playing the Eagles twice in such a short time span gave the Trojans the opportunity to get a better feel of matchups, as well as to experiment offensively and defensively to see what works.
The winner of Triton vs. Elkhart Christian will face the winner of South Central and South Bend Career Academy. The winner of that game will likely face Argos, which plays Culver Community the first round for a chance to face Oregon-Davis in a semifinal.
The Dragons defeated Triton 46-35 on Feb. 13.
Regardless, Groves’ focus remains inward.
“I’m most concerned with ourselves,” he said. “After that, I’m most concerned about our first opponent, Elkhart Christian. Obviously, Argos is the clear favorite and all the pressure is on them, though.”
Though the Trojans have been known to start games slowly, they’ve also shown they can bounce back.
“Getting off to a fast start will be important for our confidence, but if we don’t it’s not like we haven’t been there before,” Groves said. “We know we can fight our way back into games.”
More importantly, Groves said, will be the play of Triton’s seniors. That includes guard Beau Hepler, as well as forwards Tye Orsund and Lucas Richman.
“They need to play with a sense of urgency and purpose,” Groves said.
Hepler has proven he can play clutch basketball; he hit a game-winning three-pointer to lead Triton to victory over Clinton Christian on Feb. 9.
Meanwhile, Orsund has shown a penchant for grabbing rebounds.
Junior guard Ashton Oviedo could provide some sharp shooting from beyond the three-point arc. Junior forward Tyler Heckaman and sophomore forward Keegan Westafer, also will likely factor into Triton’s gameplan.
“We don’t really have that one player who we need to ride on his coat tails,” Groves said. “It really needs to be a team effort with everyone doing their part, from our seniors all the way down to our two freshmen.”
As for Triton’s chances to win the sectional, Groves isn’t ruling anything out.
“I would think everyone thinks they have a chance of winning,” he said. “That’s what makes tournament time so special; everyone is 0-0.”
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“In order for us to beat anyone, we need to find some confidence and consistency offensively,” said Triton coach Jason Groves.
The Trojans have struggled to put points on the board throughout the season. More recently, they fell short against Tippecanoe Valley after going 11 minutes without a field goal.
They followed that up by scoring just 11 points in a 30-point loss to Rochester.
“We must play more in attack mode, but within a team concept, and be smart and fundamental – not turning the ball over – while doing so,” Groves said.
“Individually, we need guys scoring their average more consistently. It’s more about us than the other team at this point.”
The other team will be Elkhart Christian. The Trojans and Eagles will tip off Wednesday. Triton and Elkhart Christian played Feb. 18, with the?Trojans winning 55-48.
Groves said playing the Eagles twice in such a short time span gave the Trojans the opportunity to get a better feel of matchups, as well as to experiment offensively and defensively to see what works.
The winner of Triton vs. Elkhart Christian will face the winner of South Central and South Bend Career Academy. The winner of that game will likely face Argos, which plays Culver Community the first round for a chance to face Oregon-Davis in a semifinal.
The Dragons defeated Triton 46-35 on Feb. 13.
Regardless, Groves’ focus remains inward.
“I’m most concerned with ourselves,” he said. “After that, I’m most concerned about our first opponent, Elkhart Christian. Obviously, Argos is the clear favorite and all the pressure is on them, though.”
Though the Trojans have been known to start games slowly, they’ve also shown they can bounce back.
“Getting off to a fast start will be important for our confidence, but if we don’t it’s not like we haven’t been there before,” Groves said. “We know we can fight our way back into games.”
More importantly, Groves said, will be the play of Triton’s seniors. That includes guard Beau Hepler, as well as forwards Tye Orsund and Lucas Richman.
“They need to play with a sense of urgency and purpose,” Groves said.
Hepler has proven he can play clutch basketball; he hit a game-winning three-pointer to lead Triton to victory over Clinton Christian on Feb. 9.
Meanwhile, Orsund has shown a penchant for grabbing rebounds.
Junior guard Ashton Oviedo could provide some sharp shooting from beyond the three-point arc. Junior forward Tyler Heckaman and sophomore forward Keegan Westafer, also will likely factor into Triton’s gameplan.
“We don’t really have that one player who we need to ride on his coat tails,” Groves said. “It really needs to be a team effort with everyone doing their part, from our seniors all the way down to our two freshmen.”
As for Triton’s chances to win the sectional, Groves isn’t ruling anything out.
“I would think everyone thinks they have a chance of winning,” he said. “That’s what makes tournament time so special; everyone is 0-0.”
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