Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The TRAC is notorious for having some of NW Ohio's best teams overall within their conference. With 3 teams making deep postseason runs last year, optimism and confidence is riding high for everyone. See who I pick to advance this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Whitmer</em></strong>- The Panthers showed they can be a threat after a District Runner-Up finish this past season. While they return one of the best young players in the conference in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432018' first='Antione' last='West Jr']</strong> (So) along with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1398626' first='Deric' last='Jaynes']</strong> (Sr), the Panthers added plenty of depth through transfers; adding <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='922598' first='Ja'Vaughn' last='Jones']</strong> (Sr) from Toledo Central Catholic, <strong>Corvell Morgan</strong> (Sr) from Toledo Start, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605205' first='Pharrell' last='House']</strong> (Sr) from Toledo Rogers. The Panthers have the talent and experience to defend their TRAC title and be a challenger at the District level again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Lima Senior</em></strong>- The Spartans are one of the better coached teams in the state and reload talent every year. Last season, their group got to the Regional Finals before falling short to St. Ignatius. Now the Spartans must replace 3 All-District players from that team. Fortunately, some of their top talent is in their underclassmen. Led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432045' first='Jagger' last='Hutchins']</strong> (So) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1475110' first='Jekel' last='Cotton']</strong> (So), Lima will again be a tough team to beat, although their youth could create problems come tournament time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Findlay</em></strong>- The Trojans are becoming a consistent household name in NW Ohio for the talent they continue to churn. This upcoming season should be another exciting one as Findlay will return a great group of young guys along with an experienced core that won 19 games last year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1340512' first='Jake' last='Bishop']</strong> (Sr) will provide the senior leadership and perimeter scoring for the Trojans. Role guys <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1225074' first='Sam' last='Ernst']</strong> (Jr), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432062' first='Brady' last='Lentz']</strong> (So), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432040' first='Ryan' last='Montgomery']</strong> (So) will step up and give the Trojans the needed depth to continue competing in the TRAC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Toledo Central Catholic</em></strong>- The Irish were a very solid team a year ago, getting to the Regional Semifinals in Division II. Before the Summer, I likely would have had this team at #2 to start the year. Unfortunately, star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='867942' first='Chico' last='Johnson']</strong> (Sr) went down with an injury and his timeline to return is unknown. Assuming he doesn't play, the Irish have some experienced names in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='867935' first='Michael' last='Greenlee']</strong> (Sr), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1225067' first='Isaiah' last='Brenneman']</strong> (Jr), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432039' first='Makhi' last='Leach']</strong> (So) that can provide production. If Johnson is able to play, this could turn the Irish back into District contenders for the 2nd year in a row. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Toledo St. John's</em></strong>- The Titans always are a tough out come tournament time and create their own problems for TRAC teams. This year's group is returning a lot of their top end production, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='867941' first='CJ' last='Hornbeak']</strong> (Sr) who was 1st Team All-District last year. Hornbeak has returning guard depth in <strong>Marquez Frazier</strong> (Sr) and <strong>Jaylen Murphy</strong> (Jr) to help him, as well as a talented underclassman in <strong>Race Kowalcyzk</strong> (Fr) who should see some Varsity minutes early on. St. John's is always a tough team to beat and will continue this.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Fremont Ross</em></strong>- Bring back the 2023 class' biggest stock riser in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1183906' first='Ayden' last='Carter']</strong> (Sr) who is committed to Walsh. While the Little Giants will have him and <strong>Anthony Vann</strong> (Sr) both returning, they lack the depth that is needed to challenge the top half of the TRAC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Toledo St. Francis</em></strong>- The Knights were a young team last season and it showed during their 3 win campaign. Returning <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1068250' first='Elvis' last='Syroka']</strong> (So) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605229' first='Jameson' last='Heck']</strong> (So) will help with the growth and development of the program, but struggles will continue against the top teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Clay</em></strong>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1417494' first='Lucas' last='Measel']</strong> (Sr) returns but things will be rough yet again</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->