Raiders set high expectations this season

November 23, 2018 | 12:05 am

Updated November 22, 2018 | 9:26 pm

Illustration by The Owensboro Times

Following the first winning season in 15 years, the Trinity boys’ basketball team has lofty goals this year behind a strong returning core.

Third-year head coach Nathan West said it’s the most talented roster he’s had and expects to earn a second consecutive No. 1 seed in the District 12 Tournament. West isn’t getting too far ahead of himself, but his sights are set on a potential region title.

Full Schedule

“With all of the losses that the region sustained (to graduation), I believe we will be a top-three team in the region,” West said. “I have high hopes for the Raiders this season, and our schedule reflects that.”

The Raiders play every team in Region 3 at least once, and they will also take on top teams from Region 2 in Henderson County, Webster County and Union County.

Leading the way for Trinity this year will be senior Cameron Wright, though West said the whole team is full of talent. It’s going to allow the Raiders to put together a strong game plan.

Last year, Wright averaged 15.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. He is the No. 5 player for Region 3 in the The Cats’ Pause preseason rankings.

“Wright is the best post player, and possibly one of the best overall players, in the region, and we have tremendous depth at our other positions,” West said. “Because of our depth, I expect to play an up tempo offense and pressing, aggressive defense.”

Other key returning players for Trinity will be seniors Trenton Morris (9.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg) and Joe Brown (4.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg) as well as juniors Ethan Howard and Landon Hall.

West is also expecting big contributions from nearly everyone on the roster, as they can all make a big impact in any game.

He said depth will be one of the biggest strengths for the team this year, along with the different threats each player possesses.

“Cameron is a double-double threat every night, and I expect him to command double- and triple-teams every night,” West said. “My guards’ shooting ability should help offset strategies that try to take Cameron out of the game.”

He’s also hoping this year’s group gets back to the basics with their play. If they can do that, West said Trinity can be a top competitor in the area.

“Our biggest weakness last year was our lack of physicality, but we have all put in a lot of work in the weight room this offseason,” West said. “Furthermore, we have to do a better job of making simple, fundamental decisions, which we struggled with at times last season.”

November 23, 2018 | 12:05 am

Share this Article

Other articles you may like