Trico returns a lot of experience from last year’s squad that went 20-12, claimed a share of the Black Diamond West title and advanced to the Chester 1A Regional finals. However, the young Pioneers have just one senior on their roster.
“We are still young, but the experience factor gained from last year will be huge for us,” said Trico coach Shane Hawkins. “We had no starts under our belt last year, and this year we are coming into the season with 100 starts.”
Hawkins will rely on returning starters juniors Logan Thies (6’1) and Jesse Smith (6’0) to carry the team. “Jesse and Logan started in every game last season and our team really feeds off what they can do,” said Hawkins. “Logan is so versatile that we can play him almost anywhere on the court, depending on who is guarding him. He came into his own last year and we need him to be a big part of our team again this year. Jesse runs the show for us and can knock down the deep shots as well as take people off the dribble. These two guys have been playing varsity ball since their freshmen year and they have to be leaders.”
Chase Heins a 6’6 sophomore is another returning starter as his development continues to grow. “Heins has gotten bigger and stringer since his freshmen year,” added Hawkins. “He is really a skilled big kid and we need him to control the paint for us this season.”
Tyler Coleman (6’1) was a part-time starter last year as a sophomore and his role will be bigger this season. “Coleman played in a reserve role last year, and he was solid for us,” said Hawkins. “I look for him to make big strides this year.”
Trico’s lone senior Clint Young (5’9) gives the team some strength inside and quality leadership. “Clint has to be a leader for us, and his play will be key for us this season,” added Hawkins.
Smith, Coleman, Thies and sophomore Dylan Witthoft (6’0) will see the majority of the minutes on the perimeter for the Pioneers. “Dylan shoots the ball very well and got some varsity experience last season as a freshmen.”
In the post, Trico will count of Heins, Young and a pair of sophomores, Kaleb Koester (6’3) and Trevor Compton (6’3) to hold down the fort. “Kaleb and Trevor will get their first taste of varsity competition this season and they have made great strides so far,” said Hawkins. “They give us some more size and depth down low.” Thies is also expected to see minutes in the post.
“This team really passes the ball well,” said Hawkins, “They are very unselfish and have good chemistry, which should help us. Last year we had a lot of questions marks coming into the season. This year we know what we have. We have a good core of players that have varsity experience, played in tournament championship games and played in a regional finals. This team has been through pressure situations.”

Last season, Trico shared the Black Diamond West title with Sesser-Valier, who returns all five starters and advanced to the Trico Sectional. This year looks like those same two teams will be on a collision course to settle the conference race.
“Sesser-Valier returns a lot of talent, and will be tough again this year,” said Hawkins. “I think we will be better this year as well. Carterville should be better and Zeigler-Royalton has the Tyler Mitchell kid that makes them a threat on any given night. Christopher lost a lot of talent last year and have some big shoes to fill, while Elverado is still rebuilding.”
Trico’s goal each year is to be in a position to win the conference and compete for a regional title, this year will be no different.
“The guys have high expectations for this season,” added Hawkins. “One thing I learned from coach Weber is don’t put a limit on what you can do. We have a legitimate chance to play for a regional championship, but we need to be playing our best basketball at the end of the season. This team has to be able to defend. We will be able to score points, but they have to defend and rebound and not get caught up in scoring. Teams that can win have the mentality to defend and rebound. There will be some nights where we don’t shoot the ball well, but if we can defend and rebound we can put us in position to win.”
The Pioneers open up the season in its own tournament Monday, November 30 against Shawnee.