Lofty expectations will surround the Trico boys basketball program this year, as the defending Class 1A Regional champions return with just one player gone from last year’s roster.
The Pioneers went 21-10 overall and 10-0 in the Black Diamond West, which included two wins over 1A state runner-up Sesser-Valier.
Back from that squad are four starters, senior guards Jesse Smith (6’0) and Tyler Coleman (6’2) along with senior forward Logan Thies (6’2) and junior forward Chase Heins (6’7).
However, a key injury to Thies, Trico’s top returning scorer and rebounder, starts off the season with some questions.
“Logan has a torn ACL in his knee,” said Trico coach Shane Hawkins. “He is going to try to play this season. How effective he will be, will be determined on a day-to-day basis. The team was hit hard when he went down. All of these kids grew up playing with him. Last year, his ability to score big baskets at anytime was huge for us. If he can’t play, that will be greatly missed.”
With Thies’s availability possibly limited due to injury, Hawkins has confidence that other players will step up.
“To be successful, you have to have a great point guard,” said Hawkins. “A point guard who can break down defenses and distribute the ball, and we have that in Jesse Smith. You also need a good big guy who can score in the paint. We have that in Chase Heins, who has a lot of talent and continues to get better. Tyler Coleman has a high basketball IQ and understands everything we are trying to do here.”
Hawkins also expects senior transfer Taylor Pyatt (6’4) from Pinckneyville, senior guard Dennis Froemling and junior guard Dylan Witthoft to play key roles this year.
“Taylor is a tall athletic kid who can score, his arrival will really help us fill the void left after Thies’s injury,” added Hawkins. “Dennis Froemling puts good defensive pressure on the ball and is just a hard-nosed player. Dylan is our best shooter, and he really improved the rest of his game, as well, from last year.”
Coming into the season in which the Pioneers are one of the top-ranked 1A schools in the state, Hawkins knows the journey is a long and tough one.
“Expectations are high this year,” added Hawkins. “We have never played a season where the bull’s-eye has been on our back. We will get everyone’s best shot night in and night out. It will be interesting to see how we mature and develop through the entire season.
“This team is experienced. The players have been through many battles. They have won regional titles and played in sectionals. I don’t think they will get rattled, and I expect them to play more consistently this season.”
The Pioneers ran through the Black Diamond West conference last year finishing with a perfect 10-0 record, and they are the favorites once again this season.
“There will be a lot of unknowns about conference play this season,” said Hawkins. “Sesser-Valier lost seven of its top eight players. Zeigler-Royalton lost its best six players, and Christopher lost its top player from last year. There still will be tough games to win. Playing at Sesser is not easy. Chester should come into the conference with a lot of confidence. They have a chance to compete every night, and I think it will be good for their program.”
The Pioneers open up the season at home in their own Trico Pioneer Invitational Tournament November 29 through December 4.

Trico Pioneers Schedule

11/29-12/4    H    Trico Invitational
12/10    H    Okawville
12/17    A    Chester
12/18    H    Elverado
12/27-30    A    C’dale Holiday Tourn.
1/4    A    Christopher
1/7    H    Chester
1/8    H    Sesser-Valier
1/11    H    Sparta
1/15    A    Du Quoin
1/18-22    A    Sparta Midwinter Classic
1/25    A    Zeigler-Royalton
1/28    A    Sesser-Valier
2/1    H    Christopher
2/5    A    Benton Shootout
2/11    A    Steeleville
2/12    H    Black Diamond Shootout
2/15    H    Zeigler-Royalton
2/18    A    Elverado