Bourbon - The Triton Trojan Express continued to roll Saturday night.
Following a 20-point victory over Elkhart Christian Friday night, Class 1A No. 2 Triton played host to Bethany Christian and crushed the Bruins 68-43.The win ran Triton's record to 12-0 on the year.
"We had a double weekend coming from Elkhart Christian last night and I was a little worried about what our energy and intensity level would be like," said Triton coach Jason Groves. "I was proud of the team as they came out focused and concentrated."
Triton immediately took control of the game in the first quarter, as the Trojans went up 19-8 early with a defensive effort that kept the Bruins at bay.
The Trojans went on a tear to start the second quarter. Led by three-point baskets by Jake Everett, Reggie Davis and Griffyn Carpenter, Triton went on a 16-2 run to increase the lead to 35-16.
Again Bethany closed the second period on a run of their own. Seth Kauffman converted on a three-point play to lead Bethany to 7-0 run to close the lead to 12 at the half, 35-23.
"I felt there was a couple of times that we let up on our defense," said Groves. "We let Bethany penetrate just a little too much at times. I have told the guys that defense is what fuels our offense. For the most part we did a pretty good job defensively.
A.J. Harrison came out in the second half and single handedly went on a 7-0 run against the Bruins. Harrison converted two of three three-point plays coming off fouls. He scored 10 points in the third quarter.
"A.J. had a pretty good night in the second half," said Groves. "He made some pretty aggressive moves and went to the basket."
Harrison led all players with 21 points, including 17 in the second half.
Triton's defense caused 15 turnovers, including five steals among four Triton players.
The Trojans committed only five turnovers in the game.
The Trojans shot 27 of 49 from the field, including 7 of 16 from the three-point arc. Triton held Bethany to 18 of 35 from the field and 1 of 7 from three-point land. The Bruins shot a woeful 6 of 15 from the charity stripe.
"We had different guys step up when we needed them," said Groves. "I was proud of the effort they put out tonight defensively."
Mark DeLeeuw scored 20 points to lead the Bruins. He shot 9 of 10 from the field but only hit two of seven free throw attempts.
Seth Kauffman contributed 13 points and five rebounds for the Bruins, while Jordan Shelter added six points.
Bart Christian scored 11 points for the Trojans, including a 3-of-3 performance from three-point range. Christian was 4 of 4 from the field overall.
Everett finished with 11 points and Colton Keel added nine points to the Trojan total.
Troy McIntyre was 3 of 4 in the fourth quarter and finished with six points.
Triton plays host to another state-ranked opponent Friday when Class 2A No. 7 Jimtown comes to Bourbon.
