The Triton College women's basketball team positioned themselves to have the road for both the Region 4 Division I and North Central District championships to come through River Grove.
The Trojans clinched the No. 1 seed and home-court advantage in the regionals by virtue of their 78-68 win Jan. 27 at Malcolm X College.
Due to covid protocols, the Region 4 announced in mid-January that for all three levels in basketball, postseason tournament games will be played at the site of the higher seed each round, instead of the designated neutral sites.
For Division I would have meant a return trip to Highland Community College in Freeport where Triton last April broke a 27-year drought by defeating Highland to win their first regional crown since 1994. However, the Trojans in late February will have a chance to make some more history as the program has never won a championship on their home floor.
"I'm extremely proud of the ladies for how well they have played this season,' said Triton head coach
Marques Hatch. "Earning the top seed is great, but winning the tournament is the most important thing. We are continuing to reach goals as a program that have not been done in quite some time. The playoffs will be a tough, but having home court advantage should give us an extra boost and look forward to defending our regional championship."
In the win at Malcolm X, the Trojans used an 18-5 second quarter to take a commanding 41-23 lead into halftime. Triton led by as many as 21 points entering the fourth quarter.
Proviso East graduate
Kendra Hatley scored 23 points to pace the Trojans on 11-of-17 shooting from the field.
Temya Russell (Marshall) finished with 18 points and seven rebounds. Sophomore
Monraia Wilson (Hoffman Estates) added 14 points and eight rebounds.
Triton (14-4) will return to action on Tuesday, Feb. 1 as they visit Olive-Harvey College. Game time is 5 p.m. The Trojans next home game is Tuesday, Feb. 8 in a rematch with Malcolm X. Game time is also set for 5 p.m.
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