A deep and talented roster has the Trinity Trojans feeling optimistic as they open the 2024-2025 season.
Trinity returns four starters and a host of others with varsity experience from a team that finished 16-8 overall and 10-2 in finishing second in the Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division.
“We have the potential to be one of the top teams in Northeast Ohio and compete for the CVC title,” said third-year head coach Ron Donaldson, Jr. “We have depth in all positions and will have the ability to use different lineups based on our opponent.”
The biggest challenge Trinity faces this season is an internal one.
“Consistency will be the key to our season,” Donaldson said. “We will rely on our seniors to get us through any adversity we face this season.”
Three of those seniors are among Trinity’s projected starters including Iniyah Charlton, Nevaeh Harrison, and Jaynia Campbell.
Charlton, a 5-foot-7 guard, was named first-team All-CVC and all-district after averaging 10.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 steals, and 2.3 assists per game last winter.
“Dynamic player that has the potential to be the player of the year in the conference and all-state,” Donaldson said.
Harrison, a 5-foot-6 guard, averaged 10.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 2.1 assists per contest last season on her way to earning second-team All-CVC honors.
“Dynamic two-way player that can play on or off the ball,” Donaldson said. “Our best offensive player and should lead us in scoring.”
Campbell, a 5-foot-6 guard, averaged 2.5 points, 2.5 steals, and 2.1 rebounds per game as a junior.
“3-point threat and good defender,” Donaldson said. “Has expanded her game and is able to post up and score from mid-range.”
Jaila Wiggins and Kanora Bryant round out the projected starting lineup.
Wiggins is a 5-foot-8 junior forward who averaged 5.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game as a sophomore. Bryant is a 5-foot-5 junior guard. She averaged 2.0 points per contest last year.
“(Wiggins is a) Swiss Army knife for our team. She can play 1-5 and impact the game on both ends of the floor. She has expanded her game from the perimeter, and we are looking forward to a breakout season,” Donaldson said. “(Bryant is the) leader of our team and always makes winning plays. Plays both ends of the floor and has expanded her game from the perimeter.”
Trinity’s depth will come from Nilah Thornton, Isis Freeman, Charity Boyd, Isabella Dorsey, Taylor Chapman, Kendall Hughes, Christian Gore, and T’Niya Grant.
Thornton is a 5-foot-7 junior guard.
“Elite on-ball defender who can score in transition. Has improved her perimeter shooting and should have a breakout season,” Donaldson said.
Freeman is a 5-foot-9 junior forward.
“High IQ and excellent screener and finisher with both hands around the basket,” Donaldson said. “Has improved defensively and is competing to become a starter.”
Boyd is a 5-foot-9 junior forward.
“Tough defender and our best screener,” Donaldson said. “Good finisher off the screen and roll and will be a key part of our second unit.”
Dorsey is a 5-foot-3 sophomore guard.
“Our hardest worker who can score from all three levels and create for others with her dribble penetration,” Donaldson said. “Hardnosed defender who brings toughness and energy to our team.”
Chapman is a 5-foot-10 sophomore center.
“High motor and a great defender that blocks a lot of shots,” Donaldson said. “Runs the floor very well.”
Hughes is a 5-foot-6 sophomore guard.
“3-point specialist who has worked hard in the offseason to expand her game and willing to do whatever is needed for the team,” Donaldson said. “Came on late in the year as a starter to give us 3-point shooting that helped us advance in the tournament.”
Gore is a 5-foot-10 freshman forward.
“Incoming freshman that can play point and play in the post,” Donaldson said. “Extremely talented and very coachable. Bright future.”
Grant is a 5-foot-11 freshman forward.
“Amazing athlete who runs the floor very well and can shoot from the perimeter,” Donaldson said. “High motor and has a lot of potential.”
With a deep and talented roster, the Trojans are looking to compete for the CVC Metro Division title and to make a deep postseason run.
“Our keys to victory will be through our defense and execution in our half-court offense,” Donaldson said.
