After having enjoyed post season success the past several years in 1A, the Trico Pioneers will try their chances in 2A this season after being bumped up a class by the IHSA over the summer.
“I was surprised by the move,” said Trico coach Shane Hawkins. “It really came out of nowhere. For a school of 285 kids to be bumped up a class was shocking to me. The move really benefits the private schools. Just because they haven’t won in six years, they now get a chance to move down a class. Makes no sense to me. What if a public school doesn’t have success for six years, do they get to cut their enrollment?
“However, our goals haven’t changed. We want to win our conference and win a regional and compete to win a sectional. We have been to the sectional three times. We are looking to make that next step. That doesn’t change with the class.”
The Pioneers went 30-3 last season, undefeated in conference play for the crown and advanced to the sectional final. Trico returns two starters from that squad seniors Chase Heins (6’7) and Dylan Witthoft (6’1).
“These guys have been through the battles,” said Hawkins. “They have played in big games and should be leaders to our younger players. Chase has been around the varsity for four years, while Dylan for three years. These guys know how to play and how to win.”
The Pioneers should once again be deep with good size throughout their lineup.
“We are a very long team,” added Hawkins. “We are not as athletic as we have been in the past but our length gives an edge rebounding, playing defense and shooting over defenses. This team also shoots the ball really well. They are the best perimeter shooting team I have had in my six years at Trico.”
Also expected to see plenty of varsity minutes are seniors Trevor Compton (6’3), Daron Meyerhoff (6’3) and juniors Blaine LePere (6’4), George Kuhlman (6’5), Lucas Watson (6’3) and Klayton Bunselmeyer (6’0).
“Trevor played a lot of minutes on the junior varsity level and he understands what we are trying to do,” said Hawkins. “Blaine really shoots the ball well and with his height (6’4), he can shoot over people. George is a really smooth player. He does everything very good and understands the offense. He also shoots the ball well and can finish at the basket. Daron played some varsity minutes last year and shoots the ball extremely well. He has to make shots for us. Lucas continues to grow and mature. He knows how to score at the basket and has unlimited potential. Klayton will play some backup point guard for us. He has always been around the game and had a really good summer. We need him to come in and run the offense.”
Trico will have a huge target on its back come conference time as the early favorite.
“Sesser-Valier has a bunch of guys back and should be a tough team to beat,” added Hawkins. “They have enjoyed success in the past and will be gunning for us this year. The addition of Goreville to the conference makes things tougher. They are a good team that plays hard. Then you have Chester and Christopher you can be dangerous. In all, it is a very balanced league.”
Trico opens the season Monday, November 28 at its own invitational taking on Red Bud.