Trinidad State set an all-time regional record in 2024-25, becoming the first team in Region 9's 64-year history to win four consecutive championships. This feat is even more impressive considering this year's team rostered only five sophomores. The Trojans entered the year on an uphill slant, facing the 9th most difficult non-conference schedule in the country. Perhaps predictably, they struggled early and entered Christmas break with a 7-9 record. Despite being accustomed to more success, the stiff competition served to strengthen the team for the second half of the season. The Trojans would close the season winning six of their last seven games, claiming the regular season title.
In the first game of the region tournament, Trinidad State cruised to a 95-69 win over Laramie County Community College. Next up they faced Casper College, who were considered one of the contenders to win the region.
Both teams played extremely well in a back-and-forth game before Trinidad State pulled away for an 86-77 victory. In the Championship, the Trojans would face the host team and region co-favorite, Gillette College. Trinidad State found themselves in a battle, trailing most of the game. Each time the Trojans made a run—Gillette did the same. In storybook fashion, the championship game would come down to the final possession. After getting a huge defensive stop, the Trojans had the ball with 22 seconds left—the game tied 92-92. After a time out, Trinidad State ran their offensive set which led to a game-winning layup with only 1.3 seconds on the clock, stunning the near capacity home crowd. The keys to the 94-92 victory included a 33-point performance by the Region 9 Player of the Year, Lateef Patrick. Amir Reaves chipped in 24 points, including the game winning basket. Kyren Allen capped off his strong tournament play with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Four Trojans made the Region 9 All-Tournament Team: Lateef Patrick, Amir Reaves, Kyren Allen, and Sean Johnson.
Nationals were next. - NJCAA National Tournament
Having made four consecutive trips to the national tournament, the Trojans were still looking for their first win since 1986. Entering as the #23 seed, the Trojans were matched against the 10th ranked team, Pensacola State College (FL), in the first round. Another powerful defensive effort would propel the underdog Trojans to an 83-75 victory. The Trojans were once again led by Lateef Patrick with 33 points and Amir Reaves, who added 31 points and 12 rebounds. Equally impressive was Kyren Allen's standout defensive performance that night. Facing arguably the best big man in the tournament, Kyren held him to 5 points and 4 rebounds. It was one of the top individual performances for the Trojans all season.
Entering the Sweet 16, Trinidad State found itself facing the eventual national champion, Trinity Valley (TX). Trinity would display its dominance, advancing with a 92-60 win and bringing the Trojan season to its close. Lateef Patrick would be named as a NJCAA Third Team All-American.
Season Recap
Trinidad State looks back with pride on the 2024-25 season. Your Trojans set the Region record with four consecutive championships—something no team had done in 64 years. Trinidad State also won its first national tournament game since 1986. An excellent group of sophomores set a high standard for a largely freshman team,
creating optimism for next year's team. Trinidad State College is proud of these accomplishments and wish all these young men the best in their educational pursuits.