Since many members of the St. Peter’s Prep basketball team from a year ago graduated last June, it was only natural that senior point guard Trevis Wyche would have to take more of the leadership reins this season.
“We needed him big time,” Prep head coach Todd Decker said. “We’re asking him to do a little bit of everything. Of course, he’s the floor general, but we’re also asking him to rebound more. We’re asking him to push the ball. But the biggest thing is that he’s been able to step up and score more. He’s improved on his shot.”
Wyche knew that his responsibilities would increase.
“I’ve always been the leader on the floor,” said the 6-foot-1 Wyche. “But I had to become more of a scorer this year. I knew that if I could do that, things would open up for me and the rest of the team. It’s definitely more responsibility. I knew that I would have to take the blame for some things and the credit for other. But if I could lead on the floor and score more, it would really help the team.”
The Marauders have played 10 games thus far and so far, so good for Wyche handling the increased roles. Wyche is averaging close to 18 points per game, including 26 in a huge 58-50 win over Marist last Sunday, sending the Royal Knights to defeat for the first time this season after eight wins.
For his efforts, Wyche has been selected as The Hudson Reporter Athlete of the Week for the past week.
Decker believes that Wyche is also bigger – like stronger and taller – than he was last year.
“He was in the weight room all summer to strengthen himself,” Decker said.
“I’m definitely stronger,” Wyche said. “People have said that I grew, but I don’t know about that. Coach Decker did a great job with conditioning. It really has paid off on the court.”
Decker said that he works with his team all year in terms of weight training and conditioning.
“I think that’s a big thing for us,” Decker said. “We lift 12 months a year. I think it helps to make us stronger all around. With Trevis, it’s really helped his range. He’s really improved with his outside shot.”
Decker likes the way Wyche is finding his way to get to the basket more.
“He really has a knack now of getting into the lane and he’s been using that a lot,” Decker said. “He’s able to shoot that little floater in the lane and use that to his advantage.”
Decker has nothing but praise for his senior leader.
“He’s the ultimate competitor,” Decker said. “He brings it every single day.”
Need proof? Well, Wyche lives in Neptune on the Jersey shore. So to get to Jersey City every day for school, he’s up at 4:30 a.m.
“That’s the type of commitment he makes,” Decker said.
And his dedication?
“Well, the other day, when we played Marist, the kids were expected to be at school for a walkthrough at 3 p.m.,” Decker said. “I got to the school at noon and Trevis was there. When you get that kind of commitment from a senior, it makes your job easier. It shows just how into the game he is. He wants to continue to get better.”
“I knew they were a good team and we had to come out with a win,” Wyche said. “So we all had to play harder. We had to come out with more intensity. If that means getting to school early before the game, then that’s what I have to do.”
Wyche has already decided on his college. He signed a national letter of intent early to go to St. Peter’s University, so he’ll remain in Hudson County and will continue to play for a Peter’s team come next fall.
“Believe it or not, it was the only fair offer he received,” Decker said. “He felt comfortable there. It’s close to home. He’ll get a chance to play a lot earlier. Most likely, he’ll start. I think it’s a steal for them. He was under the radar for so long. He started to turn it around in the summer and become a [NCAA] Division I player.”
Wyche is excited about becoming a Peacock next year.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Wyche said. “I like the coaching staff there. Coach [John] Dunne did most of the recruiting. He showed the most interest. He came to a lot of my games to see me play. I like the campus. I like having the opportunity to play.”
Wyche will more than likely major in business management at St. Peter’s.
So needless to say, it’s been a good time for Wyche this season.
“I like the way I’m playing,” Wyche said. “I’m doing all I can do to help this team win. It’s my senior year, me and [Prep teammate] Sean Cummings. We want to get a ring and go out with the ring.”
There is one item that has to be settled. His first name is definitely TREVIS, not Travis as it has been written hundreds of times, including this sports section.
“I’ve seen it as Travis so many times that it doesn’t bother me anymore,” Wyche said. “I’m actually Trevis, Jr. My Dad is Trevis as well.”
However the name is spelled, Wyche has learned one thing so far this season. He is definitely an elite point guard and a player to watch. – Jim Hague
Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com.