Triopia Girls Basketball Surges, Ava Petefish Sparks Turnaround

Triopia’s girls basketball team turned a slow start into momentum this month, beating West Central 49 38 on December 15 after a decisive 55 41 victory over Auburn on December 4. The Trojans’ resurgence was driven by junior guard Ava Petefish, who scored 20 points in both games and provided the scoring punch and composure needed in close moments.

Petefish supplied an offensive spark against Auburn, making four three pointers and setting the tone for what has become a more aggressive offensive approach. Against West Central she showcased finishing ability, converting 12 of 14 free throw attempts overall and sinking 9 of 10 in the fourth quarter to seal the win. The December 15 victory was Triopia’s first over West Central in five years, a milestone that could reshape expectations for the season as conference play continues.

Coach Kelley Wessler credited Petefish’s development and growing trust within the team. “She’s a junior now. She's an upperclassman,” Wessler said. “I think she's got a little bit more confidence and knows that I trust her with the ball in her hand. And I think her driving to the basket and her being able to shoot threes really opens up a lot for us offensively for everybody else that's on the court with her.” Petefish described a change in her mindset and the team’s cohesion. “This is a huge win,” she said. “We have never beaten West Central before, so this is a big moment for us.” She added, “I think I've been looking more to score,” and “My confidence has gotten a lot higher, and I've been wanting to score more.”

Defensively Triopia limited West Central’s leading player Ali Little to 14 points, a key factor in the outcome. Wessler noted the team’s progress after an early season stretch that left limited practice time, saying the Trojans had finally settled into a rhythm and routine. “We played in the Waverly Tournament, we played something like five games, and then we didn't have much time to come and work on anything,” she said. “And now we've finally got some practices in, and we’re kinda just getting on a roll and getting in a good rhythm and routine.”

For Morgan County residents the Trojans’ rebound matters beyond wins. Improved performance can boost attendance and school pride, influence youth participation in sports, and affect seeding as conference play continues. Triopia was scheduled to travel to Carrollton following the West Central game as the team looks to sustain its newfound momentum.