The Indiana National Guard performed the national anthem at Jimtown High School Friday night before the start of the Jimtown-Triton boys basketball game. (Photos by Mike Deak)

ELKHART – On a night when Jimtown saluted its heroes in uniform, Triton had a chance to also cheer on its boys in blue. A streaky first half coupled with a consistent second half allowed Triton to a 48-40 boys basketball win at Jimtown Friday night.

Triton’s Jordan Anderson drives for a bucket against Jimtown.

Jimtown had all the reasons to play with energy, using the night to honor the military. Special uniforms provided by the Indiana National Guard, a riveting opening ceremony and digital camo all over the arena should have put Triton in the fox hole. Instead, the Trojans rushed out to a 9-0 lead, which took Jimtown almost the entire first half to make up.

A big shooting night from Skyler Reichert, who drilled three from deep and added 7-8 from the free throw line, provided the big blow for the Trojans. Reichert’s 18 total points led all scorers. Coupled with 10 points each from Jordan Anderson and Austin Sellers, the Trojans extended its win streak over the Jimmies to eight games dating back to 2008.

With the Northern State Conference disbanding at the end of the season, Triton (9-6 overall) now holds a distinct advantage in the final NSC standings. Sitting at 4-0, the Trojans handed the Jimmies (9-4, 2-1 NSC) its first loss in the conference and are the last unbeaten left with three conference games to play.

Jimtown were led by 13 points and five rebounds from Nick Floyd while Trevor Hobbs chipped in six points and nine boards.

In the JV contest, the Jimmies rallied with 19 points in the fourth quarter to overtake Triton, 47-42. Dalton Whitman and Tevin Klosinski each finished with 13 points for Jimtown while Dalton Bailey led Triton with 16 points and Zac Pitney added 11 points.

Saluting The Troops

Jimtown players wear uniforms sponsored by the Indiana National Guard while the Jimtown cheer squad held a full-sized American Flag during the national anthem.

While it was a night of basketball, both fan bases saluted our military between games. Members of the Indiana National Guard were on hand to sing the national anthem, saluting the full-court-sized American flag that was held by the Jimtown cheer squad during the rendition.

An opening monologue by Jimtown athletic director Nathan Dean was read ahead of the anthem, current and retired service members in attendance were honored, and the Blue Star Mothers, led by Jimtown athletic secretary Kathy Spaugh, collected donations at the gate. All of the donations will be distributed to military members as part of care packages including non-perishable food, books and games, practical items, toiletries and cards full of well-wishes and thanks.

The table overflowed outside the gate, leaving one soldier only to gasp in awe at the collection.

“I think it is important for everyone to see that this is about America, not Jimtown or Triton,” said Dean, who has a son in the United State Air Force, Special Ops Team. “Last year the Blue Star Mothers were able to fill up an entire barrel of items to donate in care packages.”

Added Triton athletic director Mason McIntyre, “Triton High School feels honored to play in the Military Appreciation game with Jimtown. We would like to thank Jimtown for their efforts in putting this on, and together, we would like to salute our military men and women for their service to our country.”

Triton head coach Jason Groves noted, “It is an awesome thing that they are doing for our military personnel. We are honored to be a part of it.”