While the 2021-22 season didn’t go the way they wanted, the Community R-6 Trojans showed signs of improvement and proved they had the talent to mix it up. And as first-year Trojans coach Tad Shotten puts it, there’s reason for optimism in 2022-23.

They squared off with Van-Far Monday, Feb. 21 in the opening round of the Class 2 District 5 District tournament. In the end, No. 4 Van-Far would defeat the No. 5 seeded Trojans 50-31.

The Trojans finish with an 8-18 record - three more wins than last season. That’s reason for positivity.

“Overall I’m really proud of the boys and what we were able to accomplish this season,” Shotten said. 

The season was a bit staccato with the lingering COVID-19 uncertainty, and there were injuries, which bit the Trojans early and often.

“Four starters missed three or more games,” Shotten said, “and when you are not very deep that really hurts you.”

And Shotten knows there’s an adjustment period, as this was his first season as the Trojans coach.

“It is tough on a team when you get a new coach and you have to learn a new system,” he said. “I’m not from this area so I wasn’t really able to gauge our competition.”

WIth a year under their belts, Shotten feels the Trojans will be able to ”hit the ground running” next season.

“I also will now have a better understanding of what the teams around here like to do,” Shotten added. “I think we got better throughout the season and started to understand how to play basketball. I am excited for our future and what we are building.”

After a hard-fought winter season, spring is just around the corner. With that in mind, Shotten - who is also R-6’s activities director - is looking forward to the next upcoming season.

“I’d like to wish the boys baseball team the best of luck this year,” he said, “and I am ready to cheer them on!”