Triton Puts Kilgore In The No Score Zone
(March 17, 2022) Hutchinson, KS – Playing in their first National Tournament in Hutch, after a strong recent history of DII success, the Trojans are playing with a lot of cohesiveness, and even more confidence.
Kilgore, the #3 Seed, is in their 7th showing at Hutch, and in the field now in back to back years.
Both teams had leads in the first half, Triton’s reached six, Kilgore took it to eight. By the time the teams were done getting to know each other, it was halftime and the score was tied at 33.
Like in the previous win over Indian River State to reach the quarterfinals, Triton pulled away in the second half. Leading by seven four minutes into the second, Triton started to pull away to get to their largest lead of 21 at the 10:00 mark.
The Trojans busted loose for 45 second half points against the nation’s 8th best scoring defense, holding the Rangers to 36. The 76-65 victory sends the Trojans to the final four where they will face Northwest Florida State, a winner of their own quarterfinal over Dodge City CC. A No. 11 Seed vs. a No. 10 seed.
A key to the Trojans success, was their their first year Head Coach John Clancy’s decision to switch up the defensive coverage. “The difference in the game was our 1-3-1 (zone),” Clancy said. “I thought it could be something that could throw (Kilgore) off their rhythm. They’re a really good man offensive team and we did a nice job rebounding out of the zone as well.”
Triton, 30-5, had four finish in double figures. Led by Cobie Montgomery’s 18 points, he was also one of four Trojans with 5 rebounds. Brandon Muntu and JJ Kalakon each brought 16 points, with 5 and 7 rebounds respectively. Cam Denson capped off at 12.
For Kilgore, DaVeon Thomas led all scorers with 26 points (8 for 9 from the free toss line). Dantwan Grimes finished with ten points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Da’Sean Nelson and Paul Otieno were team high six boards. Kilgore, after being ranked for most of the season in the top three, sees their record slip to 31-3.
