TRAC Conference Preview featuring Central Catholic, Whitmer

As we approach the 2021-2022 basketball season with some sense of getting back to normal with having fans at the games, we take a look at the TRAC (Three Rivers Athletic Conference). Normally when you think of Toledo Central Catholic and Whitmer High School, you think of football powerhouse programs, that has begun to change on the basketball court. Coach Mike Floyd who was hired back in 2018 has put together a talented group of players, led by 4-star guard [player_tooltip player_id="867942" first="Chico" last="Johnson"]. Whitmer counters with Coach Anthony Stacey former BGSU standout and his talented group of players that will push for the TRAC crown this season.   [player_tooltip player_id="867942" first="Chico" last="Johnson"] - 6’2 CG - 2023 - Central Catholic <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/Chico-Johnson-e1635255248842.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1316230 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/Chico-Johnson-e1635255248842-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="125" height="125" /></a> We start with 4-star combo guard [player_tooltip player_id="867942" first="Chico" last="Johnson"] who is a prolific scorer, and has been on the radar since junior high and has not disappointed. He currently holds five D1 offers and is drawing interest from Big East and A10 programs. As I watched the CCHS scrimmage with other D1 programs in attendance, you could see that Chico is going to be the best player on the floor. He has a complete arsenal in his game from a really good midrange game to the way he can attack the basket with ease to his great vision for assists to go along with rebounding the ball and becoming a one-man fast break. Johnson will also be a nightmare on the defensive end, he possesses a 30+ inch vertical jump that allows him to protect the rim — I saw him block multiple shots coming from the weakside. He has great lateral movement that allows him to cover side to side. Johnson will be my Pre-Season POY in the TRAC with his multifaceted game that is already next level. Johnson will garner All-District and All-TRAC honors this season. [player_tooltip player_id="1181815" first="Micah" last="Thames"] - 5’10 Guard - 2022 - Central Catholic <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/Micah-Thames-e1635256151975.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1316236 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/Micah-Thames-e1635256151975-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="141" height="141" /></a> Thames is one of the most underrated players in the area. He is an absolute problem guarding the ball with fast hands and great instincts that will give guards trouble. He has a high IQ and feel for the game. His jump shot is lethal which will keep defenders honest. He is a heady player that will put you on your heels when he is attacking, with crafty shot fakes to get to his spot. Thames will be a great asset and leader to his younger teammates, I like the way he thinks the game, not just plays the game. Thames will be an intricate part of the Irish success this season as they make a run for the TRAC crown and an expected deep run in the state. [player_tooltip player_id="867935" first="Michael" last="Greenlee"] Jr. - 6’0 Point Guard - 2023 - Central Catholic <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/Michael-Greenlee-Jr.-e1635257898236.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1316253 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/Michael-Greenlee-Jr.-e1635257898236-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="143" height="143" /></a> I wrote an article on Greenlee about two weeks ago when he played in the Toledo Fall League, and the more I see him the more impressed I am with his game. During the scrimmage, he continued to make the right play for his teammates. First off, he is super quick and made the game look easy. His handle and decision-making are off-the-charts good, he picked his spots when he was going to score. Greenlee can get to the rim with a super creative dribble and if you play off of him, his 3-point shot will make you pay. The 3-star guard will be tough to deal with because of his unwillingness to not lose, he has a BIG TIME desire to win and will be a key cog in the Irish push for TRAC supremacy. Greenlee will garner All-District and All-TRAC honors this upcoming season, after coming off a strong fall and performing very well in the Toledo Fall League, look for his high level of play to continue as he heads into his High School season. He currently is being recruited by several programs. [player_tooltip player_id="1225067" first="Isaiah" last="Brenneman"] - 6’2 Guard - 2024 - Central Catholic<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/Isaiah-Brennemen-e1635260848570.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1316292 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/Isaiah-Brennemen-e1635260848570-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="152" height="152" /></a> Brennaman will be on everyone’s scouting report this season after the way he played in the state tournament with an 18 point performance versus Akron Buchtel. The Super Sophomore has had a strong fall in the Toledo Fall League, he had a game I saw that featured a performance of 16 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, nearly a triple-double. He has a way about his game that is beyond his youth. He is a strong finisher at the rim and can get to the paint at will. Brenneman will be a difference-maker as the Irish start the 2021-22 season, look for him to contribute nightly from scoring, defending, rebounding to assisting for a score. He plays downhill which will open up opportunities for his teammates, and his ability to make on-time, on-target passes will make him very hard to guard because of the pressure he puts on the defense. Definitely #onetowatch   Antwan West - 6’2 Guard - 2025 - Whitmer<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/Antwan-West-e1635262559428.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1316313 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/Antwan-West-e1635262559428-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="132" height="132" /></a> I have a future article that will have some of the top freshmen in the area, Whitmer has a really good one in Antwan Fisher. Michigan State and Ohio State have already stopped in the watch his scrimmages. The freshman has a game that is ahead of its time, he possesses the ability to get to the rim as he plays through contact to his step-back jumper that is incredibly accurate. When you think of freshmen you don’t know if they are ready for varsity action but Antwan is more than ready. West has a 6’2 frame to go along with his savvy demeanor and his understanding of angles and how to play and how he sets up his defender to finish how he chooses, He will get a lot of attention and will have opponents shaking their heads by the way he plays the game. Look for him to make a BIG impact his first year and through his senior year at Whitmer. His success will be a prime factor as Whitmer challenges Central Catholic for the TRAC Basketball Title. Tony Fisher - 6’3 Forward - 2022 - Whitmer<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/Tony-Fisher-1-e1635263284193.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1316325 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/Tony-Fisher-1-e1635263284193-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="141" height="141" /></a> If I’m going into battle, I’m taking Tony Fisher with me. I think his toughness and his high-octane energy will be something that will help propel Whitmer this season. He plays the game with such intensity and such a high level that it will help fuel his younger teammates. His leadership and communication are something that Coach Stacey will count on as the year progresses. Fisher will be a double-double player for the Panthers this season, his game will feature high-profile dunks to blocked shots and a ton of energy. Whitmer will need Fisher to be a steady factor the young talented roster. Tamarion Davis - 6’3 Guard - 2024 - Whitmer<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/Tamarion-Davis-e1635265701658.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1316355 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/Tamarion-Davis-e1635265701658-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="149" height="149" /></a> As you talk youth with talent, you have to include Tamarion Davis, the 6’3 guard will be one of the best two-way players in the league, Davis has worked hard to make himself a defensive presence, his length and athleticism will be a deciding factor for the outcome of games this season. Davis on the offensive end has a smooth lefty stroke and will challenge you at the rim. Look for him to do the little things that help win games, then check again to see the point total. Davis is capable of being a double-figure scorer every game out, to go along with the steals and rebounds he will add to the stat sheet, truly an X-Factor in how Whitmer will go, look for the Sophomore to make his presence felt this season. <hr /> As I close this preview it's great to see the football rivalry with the top two teams come over to the basketball court. Both teams have outstanding head coaches who know the game well and will have their players well prepared. Both teams have high-profile players and talented rosters, with the youth and talent of both teams, look for these two teams to battle for the TRAC crown over the next few years. When college coaches take the time to come to your open gym, you know you have some talent. Grab a seat and get your popcorn ready for this home and home match-up.