Triton varsity boys basketball coach T.J. Morrison wasn’t ruling out a trip to the NCHSAA playoffs after a 60-48 loss to host Southern Lee on Tuesday night in the semifinals of the Tri-County Six 3-A Conference tournament.

“We are going to have a short practice tomorrow, just in case,” Morrison said Wednesday. “I doubt we make the playoffs, but there is a slim chance. I don’t want to take off completely, then try to play.”

Juniors Josiah Lett and Travion Sanders led the Hawks (12-14) offensively on Tuesday night with 12 and 11 points respectively.

Triton was on top, 30-23, at the half.

“We defended well in the first half,” Morrison said. “It was much better than our recent starts. Josiah was big for a stretch with several offensive boards and put backs. Scoring was tougher in the second half. They also hit a number of threes — five in the third. They would drive, draw help, and kick.”

The Hawks are the only league team with a win over the Cavaliers (23-3), who defeated Harnett Central (13-11) by a 73-44 margin on Thursday night at Lee County for the tournament title.

“Plenty of ups and downs,” Morrison said of the season. “Like a roller coaster. At times we weren’t bad. Some nights we were one or two plays away.

“In some ways we were better than I thought we’d be, but even so, you’re never satisfied. You want to be better and win some more, especially the close games. We have improved defensively but didn’t always get the results we wanted.

“I thought (senior) Derreon (Burnett) had a good season, really stepped up after a more limited role last year. I think Kalil (Hodges) may have felt a lot of pressure, maybe tried to do too much at times.

“I am excited about having Travion back. He’s a great kid, coachable, works hard. He made some ‘wow’ plays this season. I bet there will be more and he’ll be more consistent next year.”

And maybe Triton will get a chance to extend the current campaign.