NEW CARLISLE – The Triton boys and girls basketball teams opened play in the TCU Bi-County Tournament with wins Tuesday night.

The Trojans collected a pair of victories over conference foe New Prairie in first-round action.

Tanner Shepherd continued his outstanding play of late to pace the Trojans to a 57-40 win.

A strong finish carried the Triton girls team to a 55-49 victory.

Shepherd poured in 26 points as the Trojans avenged an earlier league loss to the Cougars. Shepherd, who has scored 72 points in his last three games, hit three treys and went 7-7 from the free throw line in the win.

The Trojans led just 18-16 after the opening period before outscoring New Prairie 28-11 in the second and third quarters.

Skyler Reichert had eight points for the Trojans, who hit 7-10 from distance.

Triton, now 6-5, faces NSC foe John Glenn in a semifinal game Friday night at 6:30 p.m. at LaVille High School. Glenn (5-5) defeated the Trojans 46-38 on Jan. 11.  Glenn topped Culver 51-49 in a first-round game Tuesday night.

Taylor Hatfield led the Triton girls team to its win with 14 points. The Trojans outscored New Prairie 22-11 in the fourth quarter after trailing 38-33 after the third period.

Jaela Meister netted 11 points and Kylie Mason had 10 for Triton. Krystal Sellers scored eight points and Mallorie Jennings six to lead a balanced offense for the Trojans, who improved to 10-5 with their third straight win.

Triton plays Culver Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in a semifinal game at LaVille High School. Culver (12-3) defeated John Glenn 45-44 Tuesday night. Triton topped Culver 41-34 last Friday in an NSC game at Culver.