In a thrilling display of grit and determination, the Triton Central Tigers delivered a remarkable performance Friday night, handing Class 3A No. 3 Roncalli its first loss of the season in a decisive 52-43 victory.

The Tigers showcased remarkable resilience, overcoming adversity even after losing their leading scorer Eli Sego to a technical foul in the final quarter-and-a-half. Junior guard Jackson Faust emerged as the game's standout player, scoring 13 crucial points that helped propel Triton Central to victory.

Coach Mark James praised his team's discipline and strategic play, highlighting their ability to maintain composure against a formidable opponent. "We had really good patience on offense at times," James noted. "Our discipline was pretty good down the stretch and we played really hard."

Brody Hartman and Eli Sego contributed 11 points each, complementing Faust's performance and providing the offensive firepower needed to overcome Roncalli's challenge. The Royals, who hadn't played since a December 23rd win, struggled particularly with perimeter scoring in the second half.

The tournament landscape is heating up, with impressive performances from teams across Indiana. At the Fishers tournament, top-ranked Fishers dismantled Fort Wayne Wayne 99-53, while Evansville North and New Albany also secured significant wins. Silver Creek and Plainfield are positioning themselves for potential championship showdowns, adding extra excitement to the high school basketball season.

Next up for Triton Central is a Jan. 9 appearance at the Shelby County tournament, where they'll look to carry forward the momentum from their breakthrough victory against Roncalli.

With the win, the Tigers improve to 7-2 on the season, sending a powerful message to their competitors about their competitive spirit and potential.