College Commitment – Chace Nichols (2026 Trinity Lutheran)

The Class of 2026 continues to make their college destinations known and that includes some standouts from the smaller classifications. Trinity Lutheran guard Chace Nichols Chace Nichols 6'2" | SG/PG Trinity Lutheran | 2026 State OR recently announced that he'll stay in-state to continue his education and athletic pursuits at Southern Oregon, and it's an opportunity he feels very blessed to have as it was the right fit both on and off the basketball floor.

"What made me decide Southern Oregon was the right place was how at home I felt when visiting the campus and how coach (Matt) Zosel runs his program - it really resonated with me," Nicholsl said. "What I like about the school is it's smaller atmosphere and how beautiful the campus was and what I liked about the program is it isn't just set around basketball but rather setting you up for a success after college and basketball."

A big guard that averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists last season, Nichols is actually looking to make an initial impact on the other side of the floor at Southern Oregon. "I can see myself filling a defensive role player at first and then gradually working my way into a point guard position later in my college career," Nichols said. "They favor bigger guys with good shooting and I think I fill the frame there looking for and the shooting capabilities shooting almost 40 percent from three during my senior year in high school."

It was a banner final season for Nichols at Trinity Lutheran, one where he earned Second Team All-Tournament honors while leading the Saints to the 2A state title. "I feel very blessed to continue to play basketball after such a great season," Nichols said. "This season meant so much to especially being the first team to win it with all my brothers."

Our congratulations go out to Nichols and his family on his decision.