A year ago Collin Trottier was a sophomore on a West Fargo Sheynne Mustang team that was mostly juniors and sophomores (no seniors). Collin played little varsity with Eric Ringdahl, Carter Bonnema, and Gavin Moeller filling up the frontcourt but Trottier is the biggest player on the team and he’s improving fast.
Collin spent his time with ECI improving and expanding his game in several different ways. The spring/summer experience with ECI paid off heavily.
“I could have asked for a better (Grassroots) season with ECI,” said Trottier. “I thought I really had improved my game on the perimeter this summer. I shot more three and attacked off the dribble more.
“What I really improved from this year to last year is shot selection and being able to score when I wanted. I mostly used the summer to work on that part of my game. I also had a blast with some great teammates and coaches.”
The 6-foot-5 Trottier played with the ECI Nagel team that went 15-19 this year while growing against local, and Midwestern competition.
“We continued to keep growing as a team and progressing our play as the season went on. It really helped playing with Josh Thiele and Carter Bonnema who I play at Sheyenne with.
“I also loved playing with my teammates Jacob Hanson, Hayden Hauff, Matt Thompson, Simon Habonimana, Reece Horerz, Matt Rudolph, and Brayden UsesArrow. This season helped me grown because of the guidance I got from coach Matt Nagel.
“What I learned from him was to put everything in each game. Nagel taught me to be aggressive and work on my skills as much as possible and the importance of getting in the weight room.”
Trottier is working to move into the rotation along with Ringdahl, Bonnema, and Moeller. He’s also very expected about what the 11-13 team with everybody back can to this year in the EDC and Class A basketball.
“I believe we will shock lots of people,” Collin said. “I expect us to be a top team in the EDC. We have everyone returning and are strong at every position. We have a lot of great seniors and juniors that are very hungry.
“I also think that we can make a deep run into the state tournament and finish strong. For me personally I really want to improve my on ball defense for varsity this year. There are lots of physical teams in the EDC so I also want to be prepared physically.”
Collin is just growing into his potential now and three local schools see it, and are aware of what he could become.
“I have received invites to Lake Region State and The University of Jamestown’s camp and received a letter from Minot State too,” said Trottier.
“I was invited to the Lake Region State camp and Jamestown camp but was unable to attend either. I was also sent a letter from Minot State after they watched our Mustang team at the Davies team camp. I have no visits set up right now but LRS and Jamestown showed the most interest.”
