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Still undefeated in the Hoosier North Athletic Conference entering the final month of the regular season, the Triton boys basketball team had the opportunity to begin February with another conference victory on Thursday night. The Trojans made the most of it, trouncing visiting Argos 67-23 at the Trojan Trench.
“We came out ready to play tonight. It starts on the defensive end and I think these guys really brought it defensively tonight,” Triton head coach Jason Groves said. “When you play great defense and shoot the ball well, things are going to go your way. Great to see a complete game from our guys.“
A pair of threes by senior Gage Riffle gave Triton a 6-3 lead two minutes into the game. He didn’t stop there, scoring a layup after a steal as well as hitting his third triple in the first three minutes of the game to score the first eleven Trojan points, forcing an early Argos timeout in the process. The Dragons had a lot to discuss, as they were giving an incredibly gifted shooter far too much room to operate.
The visitors responded well to the early onslaught, scoring four straight points to tighten things up momentarily. It didn’t last long though, as the Triton offense was executing very well. A big reason Riffle was getting so open, and eventually would hit his fourth three of the quarter, was because of the hustle his teammates were playing with. Each player on the court took turns setting physical screens that gave the sharpshooter all the space he needed.
In the final minute of the period, Landon Patrick nailed a floater to score the first non-Riffle points for the home team. At the end of one, the Trojans led 16-7.
Julian Swanson got in on the fun with a pair of threes of his own early in the second. Triton was starting to share the ball, and it was showing on the scoreboard. It felt as if each player on the court touched the ball on each halfcourt possession for the home side, and soon, they were up by 20.
“We have the type of team where it can be anybody’s night, tonight it was anybody’s quarter,” Groves said with a laugh. “They understand that, and that’s why they’re so good at sharing the basketball. They know the opportunities are coming and they’re not selfish because of that.”
The long ball continued to fall in bunches as Swanson added his third and fourth of the quarter with Patrick hitting his first of the night sandwiched in between. The Dragons had absolutely no answers on either end, only managing two points over the first seven minutes of the quarter. Triton's defense was just as crucial to its success, as a lot of the open looks the home team was getting were coming in transition after forcing a turnover.
Triton senior Julian Swanson pulls up for a three-pointer during Thursday night's home game against Argos...Nieter
After a dominant showing in the second quarter that saw the home side outscore their opponent 24-5, the Trojans took a 40-12 lead into the break.
Jayden Overmyer scored just two points in the first half, but was still able to do his damage on the glass. He was rewarded for those efforts early in the third, as he was getting the ball in scoring opportunities and was able to take advantage with a quick seven points. Three minutes into the period, the home lead had grown to 35 and the running clock was put into effect.
With three different players having taken over three different quarters, the depth of the Trojans was on full display. Even with a lead now over 40 points, the home side was still giving everything it had on both ends. Defensively, Triton was still trapping and trying to force turnovers on every possession. On the other end, they were not settling for shots. No matter how long it took, the blue and gold were going to get the shot they wanted.
“They had a hard time getting up shots because of how we were getting after guys, and we did a great job on the boards as well,” Groves said. “I think the difference tonight was our consistency on both ends.”
Heading into the fourth, the lead sat a 43, and the Trojans had given up just two points in the third. This allowed the home side to empty its bench for the entirety of the final eight minutes. Things slowed down significantly at this point, with Triton scoring just two points before a four-point play by Jamison Swanson near the four-minute mark.
Argos emptied its bench near the two minute mark, allowing reserves to play things out for both sides.
Julian Swanson had 17 points, Riffle had 14, Overmyer added nine and six boards, and Patrick seven with 10 rebounds.
Triton (12-3, 6-0 HNAC) is at Caston on Saturday. Both teams are undefeated in conference play.
“They’re a really good basketball team. It’s a huge game,” Groves said. “They’re really well coached with some great players, it should be a great game.”
