After the opening five minutes, the Triton College women's basketball team had their way against Highland Community College in their first meeting of the season Dec. 1 at the George T. Jorndt Athletic Complex Collins Center Gymnasium.
The Trojans broke the game open by ending the first quarter on a 15-0 run capped by a
Trinity Barnes buzzer beating three to take a 25-8 lead en route to a convincing 99-65 win over their Region 4 Division I rivals.
Since Triton's move up to JUCO Division I during the 2019-20 season, the championship game has been between the Trojans and the Cougars, with each team winning the title on the other's home floor. Triton won their first regional championship in 27 years at Highland in 2020 and then the Cougars returned the favor last season, winning the crown in River Grove.
The Trojans (6-2) balance was too much for Highland (2-4) to overcome as six Trojans were in double-figures led by
Monraia Wilson's 19 points. The sophomore guard who is ranked in top 20 in the nation is scoring added seven assists, five steals and five rebounds.
Barnes continued her solid start to her collegiate career as the freshman from Gary, IN. finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Freshman
Jalyn Jimenez posted a season-high 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting from long-range.
Sophomore
Linarys Burnett-Romero had 12 points.
Shamiyah Godfrey added 11 points and seven rebounds.
Destine Lovett had a strong showing with 10 points.
Dana Walcott was almost the seventh Triton player in double-figures with nine points and eight rebounds.
Triton has already notched regional DI wins against Highland and Sauk Valley and will see the Cougars again Feb. 4 in Freeport.
The Trojans after a home-heavy start to the season will now have six of their next eight games on the road beginning Saturday, Dec. 3 at Spoon River College in Canton, IL.
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