Triton’s Skyler Reichert zips a pass around NorthWood’s Zach Zurcher Friday night. Zurcher and the Panthers were too much for Triton, 59-40, at the Trojan Trench. (Photos by Mike Deak)

BOURBON – Expectations for NorthWood’s boys basketball program – from head coach Aaron Wolfe’s to the Nappanee community to those who have to deal with the Panthers on the court – are sky high. After a 59-40 beatdown of Triton Friday night at the Trojan Trench, those notions ramped up one more notch.

Triton’s Jordan Anderson drives between NorthWood’s Tanner Farmwald (10) and Kyle McCoy for a shot attempt.

The Panthers, playing in its season opener, wasted little time putting the swagger in its step. Inside work from Will Stueve and Zach Zurcher exposed what Triton lacks – an inside presence – as NorthWood jumped out to a 16-5 lead after a quarter. Stueve’s presence became more evident as the second quarter went along, notably right at the end of the half.

With the Panthers up 28-16 and holding for the last shot, Jon Wilkinson snuck behind the Triton defense for an alley oop attempt but missed the throw down. Stueve corralled the errant attempt and tossed in the shot and was fouled. Despite missing the and one, NorthWood had silenced a mildly optimistic Triton nation that saw the Trojans hang around despite shooting just 29 percent in the first half from the floor.

“Let’s face it, they just kicked our butts tonight,” Triton head coach Jason Groves stated. “Plain and simple. They beat us in every phase of the game. Offensively, defensively, physically, everything. It was just confidence. I was disappointed we came out with such confidence against Plymouth and this game we just seemed a little flat.”

Tanner Shepherd of Triton flies between NorthWood’s Jon Wilkinson (21) and Will Stueve.

Stueve would finish with 16 points, six boards, three assists and three blocks on the night. His dunk after Triton had cut the lead to 38-29 on a Joey Corder steal and conversion was key. Another huge block in the fourth keyed a fast break for NorthWood, which Wilkinson converted on the other end for a three-point play.

Wilkinson lit up the second half, scoring 17 of his game-high 22 points in the final 16 minutes and was all over the paint in the fourth quarter. The versatility of Wilkinson at the glass, but also from 10 feet and further stretched Triton’s defense impossibly thin, allowing the Panthers to dive inside with ease.

Zurcher tossed in 11 points for NorthWood before fouling out.

“I thought this was two fold,” Wolfe stated. “Our seniors were poised in a very difficult environment. But I also thought that we were fortunate that Triton missed some shots they made Tuesday night against Plymouth that gave them some separation. That certainly helped us tonight.”

Triton found little rhythm on offense, regardless of the pressure NorthWood did or didn’t employ. Finishing the game 11-38 from the floor (29 percent), Groves felt his club shot itself in the foot as much as NorthWood clamped down defensively.

NorthWood’s Jon Wilkinson led all scorers with 22 points.

“NorthWood was able to make baskets, they were able to get to the basket and score,” Groves said. “They can stretch you out because they have shooters on the outside. We have to get better, be more physical and get stronger. Ultimately, this will make us better, but it exposed some things we can focus on going forward.”

Tanner Shepherd had the most pep on the offensive end, scoring 17 points, but was frustrated throughout by the physicality of NorthWood’s defense. Joey Corder added nine points but was saddled in foul trouble for much of the second half.

NorthWood asserted its size and speed in the junior varsity contest, using a game-high 15 points from Vincent Miranda to topple Triton 46-33. Chad Sellers and Cam Simpson added 10 points each for NorthWood while Landon Kaufman led the Trojans with 11 points.

NorthWood (1-0) will play again Saturday night at home when it hosts LaVille while Triton (2-1) will suit up again Tuesday for a roadie at North Miami.