BOURBON – Triton heads into sectional play this week with a number of tangible reasons for confidence. The Trojans have a solid winning record against an upgraded schedule; they have a history of success in the postseason; they’ve overcome injury and illness; and they will host both sectional and regional tournaments, meaning as long as they keep winning their next five games would be in the Trojan Trench. At some point starters have missed several games this year. Masen Yeo had an appendectomy around the holidays and Skyler Reichert had been running around with a huge bandage on one of his hands, leaving the Trojans to carry on without him for four games. “Injuries have been an issue all season long, but I think it has only made us stronger in the long term” said Triton head coach Jason Groves. “Obviously, it has hurt us in some games in the regular season, but it has forced other players to step up in different ways such as scoring, rebounding, and defending.” Senior Joey Corder has averaged nearly 8-1/2 points and right at six rebounds per game, while Jordan Anderson is averaging about nine points per game. Yeo, after missing a couple of games and playing reduced minutes in five others, is still averaging just under eight points. Austin Sellers and Grant Johnson average around 10 points and nine rebounds a game between them. Groves said Reichert is likely to suit up for the sectional game at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday against LaCrosse. “My main concern now is just getting used to having him back,” he said. Playing at home should be an advantage, but in a “win-or-the year ends,” scenario, it guarantees nothing. “I think it is just a comfort thing,” Groves said of playing at home. “Sometimes playing in a sectional can be nerve-racking for players, so being in a familiar setting at home may help ease that tension and give them a sense of comfort or confidence. “You still have to compete and execute no matter where you are though.” Last year was the only season of the last eight in which Triton failed to win a sectional game. This year’s team has grown up seeing the Trojans succeed in the postseason, and Groves said that can be a bit of a double-edged sword. “I think Triton basketball players expect to win in the postseason,” he said. “Last year, I felt that our kids felt a little pressure because of our past success though. “This year, that pressure is off. Hopefully, they are just hungry to compete and win. I know they’re very excited for this post season.” Triton didn’t win the sectional championship a year ago, but a title this week would be the Trojans’ 12th in program history and seventh in a span of eight seasons. In a span of six seasons, the Trojans advanced to the state finals in Indianapolis four times, winning it all in 2008. Groves said among the keys for this year’s Trojans is the different skill sets each player brings. The team knows who does what well, and play toward those strengths. “We have a good, diverse group of kids who have been very dedicated to basketball throughout their careers,” Groves said. “We don't have any superstars, but we have kids who are very different players. They all work hard, accept their roles, and want to be successful.” Win a win Tuesday, Triton would play Northern State Conference foe Culver Community in the first sectional semifinal at 6:30 p.m. Friday. On the other side of the bracket, Argos and Oregon-Davis face off at 8 p.m. Tuesday, and the winner takes on South Central in the other semifinal at 8 p.m. Friday. The sectional championship is set for Saturday.
