In his second year of leading the Trojans program, coach Rick Raines plans to improve on Meadowview’s 10-17 campaign last year.

The Trojans are young, however they have plenty of size and speed to make up for it.

It could be a potent combination for Raines.

“We’re going to be as tall as last year and we’re going to be a little quicker,” Raines said. “The AISA has us picked as 13th this year.

We’re hoping to get into the playoffs this year.”

With only two starters returning from last year, the Trojans have a lot of new faces.

“We’re going to have a young team,” Raines said. “We have a lot of new young men.”

Despite the new faces, it will be familiar names to lead the way.

The Trojans have a pair of 6-foot-5 big men up front in John Robert Morton and Noah Reed.

They are experienced seniors that give Raines size and athleticism up front.

“If you’re 6-5 in the AISA, that’s pretty good size,” Raines said. “We’re going to have the height to contend with some people.”

Morton is back after averaging 19 points and 12 rebounds a game last year.

The fellow big man, Reed, will man the center position.

“He jumps well, he’s going to be a good ball player,” Raines said.

Freshman Derek Lassitter brings a 6-foot-3 presence to the front court.

The Trojans have some speed in the back court to help keep defenses honest.

Point guard Chris Sewell is back again while Derek Lee will play guard/forward.

Another new face is a familiar one, at least for Raines.

His son, Aaron, has switched over from public school and he’s learning the ropes at Trojans.

“He’s just kind of still learning,” the elder Raines said. “This is the first time I’ve coached him in a school situation.

It’s interesting.

It’s been a lot of fun.”

The father-son duo are already on the same page.

“He knows what I expect,” coach Raines said.

Bryant Barnes will provide depth at guard while Chris Henley and Jason Howell will compete for playing time.

While they’re winning more games this season, the Trojans will look better doing it.

“We’ve got some new uniforms, we’re going to be a sporting a new look,” Raines said.