Five Takeaways: A look at Trinity
The Trinity Titans football program has emerged as a small-school powerhouse in the state with more than two dozen players holding major Division I scholarships. While the football programs is thriving, the Titans have quietly emerged as a force in basketball with its young and talented corps. The Titans are the No. 1 seed in the loaded Class 3, District 6 tournament at Duchesne. They moved into Saturday’s championship game with an impressive 73-40 victory over Lutheran North in the semifinals. Next, is a date with defending state champion Northwest Academy.
Here are five takeaways after watching Trinity in action:
Jaron Thames is a bonafide go-to guy
The 6’4″ 2019 guard was dominant on Wednesday night with a game-high 36 points. He scored in a variety of ways with short jumpers, transition buckets, offensive rebounds a a couple of 3-pointers. A transfer from Atlanta, his addition to the program has taken Trinity to a higher level with his skill level as a scorer and passer.
The Titans have waves of athletes
Coach Jeff McCaw has a a strong group of athletes that he can throw at the opposition in waves. Class of 2019 guards Isaiah Williams and Marcus Washington are high level football recruits, but they have also been three-year starters on the basketball team. 2019 forward Dajuan Young is a pogo stick who can rebound and throw down dunks. There is depth to go along with that athleticism as well.
Ryan Kalkbrenner is an improving big
A 6’10” center, the 2020 post player has made big strides from his freshman year when he was pushed around quite a bit. He has the ability to score around the basket with his size and soft touch. Kalkbrenner has become an imposing force on the defensive end with his length and shot blocking ability. That was on full display on Wednesday night against Lutheran North as he blocked a career-high 12 shots on the evening. And he did it without fouling. His timing was impressive.
Trinity is dangerous in transition
The Titans are at their best when they can get out on the fast break and showcase their athleticism. When they can create turnovers with their pressure in the halfcourt, they are off to the races. They are becoming more efficient in the half court offense and Thames has made a big difference, they can turn a close game into a blowout in minutes if they are allowed to get in transition.
Trinity is just getting started
The impressive part about the Titans are that they are still relatively young.Regardless of what happens in the championship game against Northwest, the Titans are primed to be a factor for quite awhile. Thames, Washington and Williams are 2019s while Kalkbrenner and talented guard Rashad Weekly are 2020s. Guard Terrell Rush, also a 2020, is a good offensive player who missed a large part of the season with injury while Young is a 2019.