James Shaw scores for the host Hawks on Friday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
A second-quarter surge powered visiting nonconference opponent Wakefield to a 63-47 win over Triton’s varsity boys basketball team as the Wolverines stayed unbeaten on Friday night.
“I knew they’d have a good team and a good program,” said Triton coach T.J. Morrison. “I tell our guys I want to compete and I want to play and that’s what you want to see. I wish we had played the first half like we played the second half and it would have been a better game. But we did not compete like we wanted to (in the first half). It got much better defensively. We gave up 24 in the second half, which is much closer to being aligned with our goals. I’m proud of the way they fought. I didn’t love the first half, but I’m proud of the second half.”
Junior Will Heard had 13 points and five rebounds to lead the Hawks (5-4).
Nate McKoy had nine points and eight rebounds. Jalen Evans had eight points. Quashaun Williams and James Shaw each had four points and four rebounds. Jaleel White had four points. Romello Pegues had three points. J.J. Cowan had two points and two blocks.
Junior Ellija Preddy had 18 points and junior Khi Benjamin had 10 points to lead the Wolverines (8-0).
The game was tied 7-7 when Wakefield went on a 7-0 run to end the first quarter with a 14-7 lead. The Wolverines also outscored Triton 25-16 in the second quarter to lead 39-23 at halftime. Both teams scored 12 points apiece in both the third and fourth quarters.
Morrison said playing a high-level opponent like Wakefield should yield benefits for Triton in conference play.
“I think it’s great,” Morrison said. “If you want to be great and you want to be good, you’ve got to play great teams. Ric Flair used to say, ‘If you want to be the man, you’ve got to beat the man.’ And I think it can only make us better. We’re going to take our lumps and it’s going to be frustrating at times, but playing teams like that can only make you better, if you’re willing to fight.”
There was no varsity girls game because Triton’s girls are in quarantine for COVID-19.
Triton’s boys are scheduled to travel to Hobbton to participate in the Kenny Bass Holiday Classic tournament on Monday and Tuesday. The Hawks meet Lakewood (0-5) in the first round on Monday.
“I think a lot of Kenny Bass (a standout retired basketball coach, who Hobbton’s court is named for) and I respect him a lot,” Morrison said. “I’m happy to be able to play in his tournament. It’s an honor.”
J.J. Cowan blocks a shot attempt for the Triton boys.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Nate McKoy scores for Triton and draws a foul on a 3-point play.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Quashaun Williams eyes the basket as he scores for the Hawks.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Will Heard hoists a shot from long range for Triton against Wakefield.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
