The Triton College women's basketball team had their season come to an end in a 70-62 loss at the hands of Olive-Harvey College in the NJCAA Division I Region 4 championship game on Saturday, March 8 in River Grove. The Panthers (32-1) rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit as the Trojans finished their outstanding season 27-5.
Even among a definitely pro-Triton crowd at the Jorndt Athletic Complex gymnasium who urged the Trojans on, Olive-Harvey brought dozens of fans who made noise.
"They really did their best to make it a neutral ground and appreciate all the Triton fans who came out and supported us," said Trojans head coach
Drew Winston. "It was a real good experience for our team for the future."
Even while falling behind 32-23 at one point (32-25 at halftime), the Panthers steadily got the foul numbers up against the Trojans. They were only 9-for-21 shooting free throws in the first half. Then, the Panthers roared out of intermission on a 9-0 run to take a 38-36 lead.
Triton fought back to lead 46-45 entering the fourth quarter, but still kept amassing fouls. Olive-Harvey forged ahead, while making key free throws. Trojan mainstays
Aliana Brown and
Jazzmine Smith fouled out. Eventually the Panthers were 24-for-42 from the free-throw line while the Trojans were just 6-for-10. Triton also committed 22 turnovers.
Trojans star center
Jordyn Coleman finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Smith had 13 points and Brown 12.
Lauryn Hunt had a big game inside with 16 rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Panthers duo of Nakia Bardney (22 points, four steals) and Khaniah Gardner (18 points, five steals) bedeviled the Trojans.
"I wanted it so bad, so much for the girls," said Winston.
Completing his third season as head coach, Winston now turns his attention to helping sophomores Coleman, Hunt and Brown make the right four-year college choice while going full-bore with recruiting for next season.
Coleman finished her career as the fifth Trojan to surpass 1,000 points. Her final career point total is 1,008. Coleman will leave Triton as the school's all-time career rebounds leader with 820.
With widespread interest from Division I schools, Coleman plans several upcoming college visits. Winston said she has sharpened her game to be a big factor as a junior.
"She extended her shot after starting out strictly around the basket," he said. "Now it's 15 to 18 feet. She's worked on her footwork. Being 6-foot-2 helps. We're working on getting her somewhere where they'll take care of her."
Hunt was not as advanced in her offensive production but still should make "an ideal player at the next level," said Winston.
"She has a D-I work ethic," he said. "She is great in how she conditions herself, and the mental aspect. It's the full package. She has an ability to lead the team. Lauryn was co-captain."
Division II or NAIA would be a good destination for Brown, Winston said.
"She's become a great point guard," he said. "She was recruited to be a wing player. We watched her gain confidence to became good ballhandler and decision maker. Aliana 's a diamond in the rough – she does so much for the team."
For his recruiting goals, Winston wants to "extend" the roster. "You know what injuries will happen so I want to be two to three deep at every position," he said.
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(Story by tritonathletics.com contributor George Castle) Â
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