Player Profile: Cole Trn (Shippensburg, PA)
Hometown: Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
Height: 6-1
Position: Point Guard
High School: Shippensburg (PA)
Graduation Class: 2026
AAU Club: Sideline Cancer
GPA: 4.2
Status: Uncommitted
SHIPPENSBURG, PA -- Cole Trn (pronounced Turn) is a 6-1 Point Guard from Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. He's currently a freshman at Shippensburg Area Senior High School, and runs with Sideline Cancer on the AAU circuit. Trn is the son of Shippensburg University Women's Basketball head coach, Kristy Trn.
I discovered Trn from watching him throughout his freshman campaign. I remember one day back in January, can't put the nail on which date, but so many people asked me if I knew about the young man. I began to do some research and my jaw dropped immediately.
Trn plays well above his years. He's very poised as a lead guard who you never see rattled, can score efficiently from all three levels and has a certain 'IT' factor to him that any coach or spectator can respect. As a freshman this past season, Trn averaged 12.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game to help guide the Greyhounds to a 12-8 record and a District 3 postseason birth. Expect Trn to have an even better year two.
I caught up with the 2026 prospect on his freshman campaign, a breakdown of his game and preparation heading into sophomore year. He has a bright future ahead!
COLE TRN BREAKDOWN
Strengths:
Can score at all three levels.
- "Scoring is no issue for Trn, but doing it at all three levels is something to highlight. The 2026 guard is sharp in his mechanics as he has a solid mid range game, can load up off the catch and get downhill if needed. Trn displays a very mature offensive game, which I will detail more later, but he was one of the most efficient guards in the Mid-Penn for a reason. The little details matter."
High Basketball IQ/Leadership
- "That 4.0 talks heavy but when it presents itself on the court, that's a whole nother story. Trn's leadership as a freshman was very crucial for a rebuilding Ship team. Whether that was making the right reads on offense, little to no mistakes handling the ball or even speaking up giving advice to teammates, Trn showed that he's the right choice in leading the Greyhounds for the next three years. Bright future for the young man."
Plays at his own pace.
- "There is no speeding up Trn. No matter what you throw at him, the kid will continue to keep his composure. Seeing him against Chambersburg, Greencastle and Exeter Township this year, he just continued to play no matter the result. There's not much else to describe how he does not get rattled. He's a college coach's son for a reason. No matter the different level of competition, he gets after it and will ensure that he sticks to his principles and training."
Mature above his years.
- "We can speak about how high his ceiling is, but one thing to point out is how mature he is at his age. Yes, nobody is going to have life figured out at 14 or 15, but how he carries himself is important. Trn is a family person, highly spoken by a lot of people and the kid just knows how to light up a room as soon as he walks in. It's a refresher to see in the current state of high school basketball. I can go on and on about how great his production process was for this profile, but his parents did a well done job of raising him."
Improvements:
Finishing in the paint.
- "Trn has a toolkit of an offensive game, but one thing I would love to see him work on this offseason is finishing. I am not just talking about muscling through people, but adding more types of finishes. Getting more fundamental with baseline finishes on the reverse, consistently playing off of two foot or even a crafty floater to keep defenses guessing. Adding more to his bag will make him a dangerous offensive player."
Getting after it on defense.
- "Trn is a decent defender, but getting meaner on that end will make him stand out even more. By all means you don't have to press up on everybody you play. Some ball handlers will cook you into tomorrow if your feet aren't in position. Understanding the defensive principles, while working on his agility at that end will better him."
Getting Stronger
- "This is the biggest trait I tell the majority of my prospects. Especially the younger ones who are very skillful, but adding that second area in a physical matter will enhance your game. Trn discussed with me about getting stronger during his offseason. Hitting the weight room, building more explosion in his lower body and even taking on some conditioning with outdoor work. Once Trn learns to connect his mind to the body, there will be no remorse for opposing teams. Who knows, he could start flushing it down soon. Don't count people out as there's always room to learn!"
COLE TRN INTERVIEW
When did you first start playing basketball?
- "I started playing basketball in about first grade. I’ve been around the game for as long as I can remember."
Describe your game from the skill standpoint?
- "I am a good ball handler that makes it difficult for opposing teams to press. I can score at all three levels on the perimeter, mid range and towards the rim. I have a high basketball IQ that helps me understand the game to create for myself and my teammates. Also, I have the ability to adapt and play in any system."
How was life growing up in Ship?
- "It’s a small little town where almost everyone knows each other. Having the college in town brings a lot of different people and perspectives. With my mom being a coach at the university, it made me have an advantage growing up around basketball. So it helped me to develop skill, and a love for the game earlier than most in town."
How was year one for you?
- "It was good. It was a great experience for me to move up, and play on the varsity level which helped me elevate my game. Also, it was cool getting to play with and against people older than me who helped me improve even more as a player."
Speaking of elevating, growing up in a basketball family has drastically set your perspective on your game. How has your mom’s success been able to shape how you’re navigating your career?
- "With my mom being such a successful coach and having a great knowledge of the game, I have learned a lot from her. She is one of the biggest role models in my life, and is extremely supportive of me. She has taught me many things about basketball but most importantly, how to be a good person."
You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?
- "Really I am just trying to play as much as possible. I make sure I dribble every day to get a better feel with the ball, and get up as much shots as I can. I try and simulate different in game situations to help me make better decisions as a guard. Also, I train with Unleashed Potential who has really helped me improve my game."
Who is your favorite basketball player and why?
- "Steph curry because he is and an extremely hard worker, and has accomplished many great things. Even when he was doubted."
As you’re now at the age where you’re starting to look for college opportunities, what do you ideally look for in a college?
- "What I would look for in a college is just a place that is the right fit for me. I want it to be a system where I can learn and grow. I don’t really have a preference on the location just as long as I am able to reach my goals."
What are some expectations heading into sophomore year?
- "My goals are to get better, and try to get my name out there to get on schools' radars. Also, to prepare myself for the next season because I want to lead my team to have a good year. I want to break expectations because I think we will be overlooked."
Thank you Cole for taking the time to talk with me this morning. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?
- "I would just say trust the process, believe in yourself, and never give up."
Media Coverage on Cole Trn
Freshman Season Highlights https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18916485/63f57ae95eec2607f046bf37
Shippensburg High's Cole Trn draws basketball passion, maturity from time around SU women's program https://cumberlink.com/sports/high-school/basketball/boys/shippensburg-highs-cole-trn-draws-basketball-passion-maturity-from-time-around-su-womens-program/article_b894070c-9610-11ed-a149-8b5b5ac79155.html
Mid-Penn boys basketball underclassmen who have emerged this season https://www.pennlive.com/highschoolsports/2023/01/mid-penn-boys-basketball-underclassmen-who-have-emerged-this-season.html
Twitter @Coletrn10
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