Maurice Williams made five 3-pointers for Triton on Tuesday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)

Triton’s varsity boys basketball team played like winners for three quarters in the first round of the NCHSAA 3-A playoffs at Terry Sanford on Tuesday night.

The problem for the Hawks was an 18-2 hole at the outset.

Although Triton (14-13) outscored the Bulldogs (21-5) by a 55-45 margin the rest of the way, cutting a 20-point deficit midway through the third quarter to four points in the last two minutes, the Hawks were turned back, 63-57.

“We dug a hole early,” said Triton coach T.J. Morrison. “We couldn’t hit shots. I’m proud of the way we fought and hung around. We kept clawing back. Then we’d shoot ourselves in the foot, turn it over or give up an offensive board and a basket.”

Maurice Williams of the Hawks hit five 3-pointers and led all scorers with 23 points. Shiquan Cox had 17 points. Chrishaun Henry scored 13 and Christion Green added four.

Triton junior point guard Kalil Hodges had eight assists and just two turnovers.

Shiquan Cox had 17 points in his final high school game for Triton.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)

Hawks coach T.J. Morrison takes a moment to implement strategy.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)

Junior Chrishaun Henry had 13 points for Triton on Tuesday night in the first round of the playoffs at Terry Sanford.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Maggie Hobson)