Trojans Want More

BOURBON - For Kevin O'Rourke, it gets a bit easier from here.

As he begins his second year as head coach of the Triton Trojans, O'Rourke can begin to get a sense of his team and his team can begin to get a sense of him.

"It's easier for the kids," O'Rourke said. "They know what to expect and they know what's important and what's stressed."

Last year's team finished the season strong after beginning 1-5.

"We do not want to start where we started last year," said O'Rourke. "We do not want to have to take a step backwards."

The Trojans ended the season 11-11 with a loss to Warsaw in the sectional semifinals. But this is not the same team as last year, not by a long shot.

Although it returns three starters, it lost the floor general point guard (Quentin Blackford) and the leading scorer inside (Garrett Howell). It no longer has that go-to guy down the stretch, but it does have intelligence.

With five senior starters, this team will match experience and wits with everyone on its schedule. Although short inside, with the forwards and center standing at or around 6-feet, they will use whatever they can to their advantage.

"These are very smart kids," said O'Rourke. "Although we are short inside, that helps the defense. We have to execute and do the little things that are often overlooked."

The three returning starters are seniors Scott Blackford, Cory Monesmith and Philip Reed. Also stepping into the starting role is senior point guard Jeff Rupe, along with another senior, Bill Salyer. Kyle Gould and Nick Treber will see plenty of time off the bench to help mix it up inside.

"We are very optimistic," said O'Rourke. "It depends how well we gel together. Our goal is to have a successful conference schedule. To do that we cannot take a break on any night."

With the combination of five senior starters, solid depth and experience that many other teams cannot bring to the table, the Trojans hope to surpass last year's 11-11 record and could be a dangerous team to play when sectional time rolls around.

Triton Trojans

Coach - Kevin O'Rourke (2nd season)

Last year - 11-11, (5-2 NSC); lost in sectional semifinals

Key returners - Cory Monesmith, Philip Reed, Scott Blackford

Key losses - Garrett Howell, Quentin Blackford

1996-97 Triton Roster

Name Pos. Ht. Yr.

Jack Hackworth G 5-8 11

Jeff Rupe G 5-8 12

Austin Unterbrink G 5-8 9

Matt Savill F 6-0 10

Scott Blackford F 6-0 12

Derek Ganshorn G 5-10 11

Cory Monesmith G 6-0 12

Andy Westafer G 5-11 11

Kyle Gould G 5-11 11

Bill Salyer F 6-1 12

Nick Treber F 6-0 11

Philip Reed C 6-1 12

Danon Young C 6-2 12

1996-97 Triton Schedule

Nov. 19 at Oregon-Davis (L)

Nov. 23 at CMA

Nov. 30 BREMEN

Dec. 6 at NorthWood

Dec. 7 at LaVille

Dec. 13 at Plymouth

Dec. 19 at Culver Tour.

Dec. 20 at Culver Tour.

Jan. 4 CULVER

Jan. 10 GLENN

Jan. 17 at Bethany Christian

Jan. 18 at Jimtown

Jan. 24 CASTON

Jan. 25 WAWASEE

Jan. 31 NEW PRAIRIE

Feb. 1 ROCHESTER

Feb. 7 at Argos

Feb. 14 WHITKO

Feb. 15 TIPPY VALLEY

Feb. 21 at Knox