Roundball renaissance

Khris Lane, in his first year at Trinity Episcopal, has become big man on campus … that is, if you don’t count TitanTron.

Lane is a bouncy, agile 6-foot-6 junior who dominates inside, outside and on every floorboard in between.

TitanTron is the school’s dark, menacing 9-foot-6 mascot who looks like he’s stepped off the page of a Marvel Comics superhero magazine.

Lane is arguably the Prep League’s most intimidating big man. “Tron,” hovering at end lines, makes Darth Vader look like a cuddly kitten, by comparison.

And that’s not all first-year coach Rick Hamlin has going for him on the south slope of the James River.

The Titans, 14-2 after a 74-71 loss to Christchurch last week, remain undefeated in their new playpen – the sparkling Estes Athletic Center, with double the seating capacity of the old facility.

What’s more, the private school has 445 students (grades 8-12), and you’d swear every last one of them is at full voice for home games, supporting the team and razzing foes Duke-style.

Then there’s the blaring pep band in the end zone and Richmond City Council president Kathy Graziano on the front row (rooting for grandson Joey).

What’s more, Lane’s supporting cast features:

* Quick, spring-loaded guard Jaylen Hinton, by way of San Antonio, Texas, and Cosby High;

* Turbo-charged defensive pest Torey Burston, borrowed from the football team, and;

* Josh Brown, the precocious 6-3 freshman already in his second varsity campaign.

“We’re looking at it as a ‘new beginning’ – new year, new coach, new gym,” said Hamlin.

At the same time, Hamlin (after 10 years as JV coach) is attempting to rekindle old spirit.

The Titans won nine Prep League crowns, 1981-97, and were Virginia Independent Schools champs in ’96.

Now bearded, Hamlin was the ace playmaker on the ’96 team and is a member of Trinity’s Wall of Fame.

“Coach is always pointing up to that banner,” said Hinton, acknowledging the ’96 placard. “We’re trying to bring back the glory.”

Hinton, who averages 15 points and 6 assists, made the Cosby varsity two years ago as a freshman. Last winter he was in San Antonio before returning to the area.

The 225-pound man-child Lane, a transfer from Meadowbrook, averages 22 points and 7 boards while floating about like a rhino with wings.

“I was only 6-1 when I started high school,” said Lane. “I wasn’t always big. I learned to play outside, as a guard first.”

Today’s Titans are no slow pokes. They demand a hip-hop pace with a swarming full-floor “diamond press” – similar to the one VCU rode to NCAA Final Four.

It’s a vice ‘n’ dice maneuver. The relentless Titans aim to squeeze the fight out of their foes; then carve them up.

The Titans feel they are not only faster than their opponents, but stronger, too. Another Estes addition is a spacious weight room, equal of most colleges.

TitanTron, whose identity must remain anonymous, is the strong, silent type – created, diabolically, in a nearby garage by the engineering father of a Titan player.

Rumors that “Tron” munches on visiting players for a late snack are untrue; still, parents are advised to keep young children at a distance.

“Man, the first time I saw that thing, I thought, ‘what’s that?’” said Lane, shaking his head, as if still disbelieving.

“Surprised me!”

So much for surprises.

TitanTron is for real and so, too, are the Titans, feeling frisky in their new digs and ready to pursue a title.