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Boys basketball: Scouting the Fox Valley

Bartlett Hawks

Last year: 15-15, 4-8 Upstate Eight Valley (tie-fifth)

Coach: Jim Wolfsmith (eighth year, 125-83)

Top returnees: seniors Jordan Anderson (6-1, G), Alex Curtis (6-6, C), Ryan DiCanio (6-3, G), Cal Pauletti (5-10, G); juniors Jason Hasenberg (6-4, C), Robbie Jimenez (6-4, F), Tyler Pauletti (6-2, G)

Top newcomers: Juniors Brett Awalt (6-5, F), Ben Johnson (6-2, F), Ben Reyes (5-5 G)

Outlook: The Hawks are poised to make a move in the Upstate Eight Valley, an already tough basketball league that gets tougher this season with the additions of West Aurora and Glenbard East. Bartlett returns seven of its top 10 players from a .500 team, including senior guard Ryan DiCanio, the area's second-leading returning scorer. DiCanio led the team in scoring last season with 536 points in 30 games (17.9 ppg). He shot 72.3 percent from the free-throw line (73 of 101) and 34 percent from 3-point range (62 of 191). Ball-handling guard Robbie Jimenez averaged 5.6 ppg as a sophomore. Bartlett coach Jim Wolfsmith calls 6-1 senior guard Jordan Anderson "one of the best athletes I have ever coached." Anderson's role is expected to expand this year after he contributed 4.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game as a junior. Guards Cal and Tyler Pauletti each gained varsity experience a season ago, when they combined to make 47 steals. Jason Hasenberg (2 rpg) and Alex Curtis return in the post. Several reserves are expected to play and contribute. "We have a deep bench of seniors and juniors that could make this the deepest team I have ever coached," Wolfsmith said. The tests begin right away with 4 games at the Wheaton Academy Thanksgiving Tournament, followed by the UEC Valley opening weekend against West Aurora on Dec. 5 and at Glenbard East on Dec. 6.

Burlington Central Rockets

Last year: 18-9, 8-4 Big Northern East (third)

Coach: Brett Porto (sixth season, 77-60)

Top returnees: Seniors Stefan Jochum (6-0, G), Nathan Moxness (6-2, F), Drew Wiss (5-11, G); juniors Ryan Fitzgerald (6-5, F), Luke McCurdy (6-2, G)

Top newcomers: Seniors Andrew Lippert (6-0, G), Patrick Sernett (6-1, G); juniors AJ Gouriotis (6-2, F), Ethan Mayfield (5-11, G); freshman Zach Schutta (6-0, G)

Outlook: The past two seasons it was common to see five Rockets lined up at the scorer's table, ready to make wholesale lineup changes midway through a quarter. That won't be happening this season, at least not until coach Brett Porto can get the end of his bench more experience. "Hopefully, we can add a guy or two (to the rotation) by March," Porto said. This team seeks an identity after graduating its top five scorers. Guard is an area of strength, led by 6-foot-2 junior point Luke McCurdy, who scored 3.5 ppg last season in a reserve role. Another player expected to play an expanded role is senior Stefan Jochum, who sank 5 of 25 attempts from 3-point range and made 7 steals in 21 games. They are joined on the perimeter by multisport athlete Drew Wiss and promising freshman Zach Schutta. Wiss went downstate last year in the Class 3A 3-point shooting contest. Schutta can finish at the rim with both hands and is expected to contribute right away by picking up some of the scoring slack. The Rockets return experience in the post with 6-5 junior Ryan Fitzgerald (3.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 7 blocks). He is joined by 6-2 senior Nathan Moxness. This team may not be as deep as recent editions, but Porto says it is a particularly tough group, physically and mentally. "They are really hard workers who get after it," he said. "For us, it'll be a combination of smart guard play and knocking down shots and being able to defend. That will be big, taking away other people's options and making life difficult on their offense."

Cary-Grove Trojans

Last year: 15-13, 7-5 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division (tie-third)

Coach: Ralph Schuetzle (11th season, 144-142)

Top returnees: seniors Nick Barr (6-2, F), Justin Blair (5-11, G), Michael Coleman (6-4, F), Jason Gregoire (6-4, G), Trevor Ruhland (6-4, 285), Matt Sutherland (5-8, G),

Top newcomers: junior Adam Loch (5-11, G), Danny Schmidt (6-3, F)

Outlook: With three key players preoccupied with football deep into November, the Trojans don't figure to be at full strength until the Jacobs Holiday Tournament at the earliest. The three players are guards Jason Gregoire and Matt Sutherland and center Trevor Ruhland. Gregoire is a two-time all-area selection and the area's third-leading returning scorer. He poured in 499 points as a junior (17.8 avg.). Gregoire shot 54.5 percent from 2-point range (110 of 202), 41.7 percent from 3-point range (48 of 115) and 82.8 percent from the free-throw line (135 of 163), the third-highest percentage in the area. Ruhland, committed to play football at Notre Dame, returns to the basketball court for the first time since his sophomore year. A labrum injury suffered late in the 2013 football season forced him to miss his entire junior basketball season. "He's a rebound machine," Cary-Grove coach Ralph Schuetzle said. "And he's pretty agile for a big guy. How are people going to guard a 6-foot-4, 280-pound guy?" Sutherland is a defensive-minded player who registered 11 steals in a limited role. The Trojans are in good hands in the short term with senior forwards Michael Coleman (3 ppg, 2.6 rpg) and Nick Barr (3 ppg) and senior guard Justin Blair (3.3 ppg). Coleman will play center until Ruhland is ready, then move to his natural position, power forward. Blair sank 12 of 38 shots from 3-point range (31.6 percent). Rounding out the lineup are junior point guard Adam Loch and junior forward Danny Schmidt. Loch was the leading scorer for the sophomore team last year. Schmidt is an athletic left-hander. "Jason and Matt will be banged up and they haven't dribbled a ball in four months, so other guys have to step up until those guys are ready," Schuetzle said. "We'll be as competitive as we can be until then. We'll hang together. If we play harder and smarter than our opponent, we have a chance win games with our without these other players."

Crystal Lake South Gators

Last year: 15-13, 4-8 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division (tie-sixth)

Coach: Matt LePage (third season, 29-28)

Top returnees: Seniors Tyler Baker (5-9, G), Kyle Bartusch (6-2, F), Alex Reich (5-8, G), Matthew Schingel (6-4, F); juniors Wes Buckner (6-5, F/C), Joshua Friesen (6-9, C)

Top newcomers: Juniors Zach Geske (6-2, G), Timothy Siesennop (5-10, G)

Outlook: If any benefit came from losing leading scorer Austin Rogers and his 23 points-per-game average 3 games into the FVC Valley season last January, it was the experience his backups were able to gain. The Gators enter the 2014-15 campaign a more seasoned group than they would have been otherwise. "It was not fun at the time," coach Matt LePage said of Rogers' injury, "but it got a lot of these guys reps and game experience as younger players, as sophomores or juniors. It wasn't ideal, but now they come into this season more confident and we know what we'll get out of them." LePage said any one of his top seven players could be the leading scorer on a given night, which should make the Gators a dangerous team to guard. CL South graduated its top four scorers, but three returnees scored over 100 points last season: 6-foot-9 center Josh Friesen (124), 6-5 forward Wes Buckner (115) and 6-2 forward Kyle Bartusch (109). Buckner had 104 rebounds; Friesen 73. Guard Tyler Baker dished 41 assists and he led the Gators with 38-percent 3-point accuracy (13 of 34). Junior Zach Geske should add scoring punch. An athletic wing who can shoot it and score in transition, Geske averaged over 15 ppg for the sophomore team. The Gators added tough nonconference games against Larkin and Lake Zurich. "We're picking up our nonconference schedule to get us ready for the conference season because it's a grind," LePage said. "These guys have set some lofty goals. Our expectation is to play well. We want to come for our division and regional and do all those things when it counts. They're working hard and our leadership has been strong."

Dundee-Crown Chargers

Last year: 10-18, 3-9 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division (tie-sixth)

Coach: Lance Huber (12th season, 163-142)

Top returnees: Seniors Sam Buckley (5-10, G), Caleb Parson (5-8, G), Kiwaun Seals (6-1, G)

Top newcomers: senior Montez King (5-10, G); junior Nick Shydlowski (5-9, G); freshman Jack Ornbaugh (5-9, G)

Outlook: The Chargers lost a couple of potential difference makers before the season began. Malik Dunner, a varsity basketball player for two seasons, opted not to play following an injury plagued football season in which he was never at full strength after Week 2. He'll concentrate on getting healthy and preparing to play football on scholarship next fall at Ball State. Also, 6-4 forward Juwan Stewart (6.1 ppg) transferred to Larkin. D-C's top returning scorer is senior forward Kiwaun Seals (10.1 ppg). Senior Sam Buckley has a strong work ethic in practice, according to coach Lance Huber, which could lead to an uptick in scoring from the 2.7 ppg he posted as a junior. Senior guard Caleb Parson played his best basketball in the postseason last year. He is expected to contribute offensively with increased playing time. Seniors Jameson Cowan and Keonte Terrell add a veteran presence. Senior Montez King returns to the D-C program for the first time since his freshman year. He will be part of the rotation, as will junior Nick Shydlowski and freshman Jack Ornbaugh, a talented ballhandler who will have to adjust to the physicality of varsity guard play. "I'm hoping we can come together and sneak up and surprise some people," Huber said. "If we decide to play the right way, we can hang in there and be OK."

Elgin Maroons

Last year: 10-17, 4-8 Upstate Eight River (fifth)

Coach: Mike Sitter (eighth season, 111-88)

Top returnees: Juniors Desmond Douglas (5-7, W), Lavion Baldwin (6-2, W)

Top newcomers: seniors Chaquille Bennett (6-0, W), Alonzo Golliday (6-0, P), Mike Miller (5-10, P); junior Jakub Zajac (6-2, W); sophomore Courtese Cooper (6-6, P)

Outlook: Elgin doesn't have a lot of height outside of 6-foot-6 sophomore Courtese Cooper, but coach Mike Sitter thinks his seven-man rotation to open the season possesses enough athleticism to offset that factor. "We're a little undersized but really athletic," Sitter said, "so we'll pressure the ball aggressively and create some offense through our defense. Two experienced players return from last year's 10-win team: juniors Desmond Douglas and Lavion Baldwin, both junior wings. Baldwin averaged 8.3 ppg. He has added 15 pounds of muscle since last March, according to his coach, and has developed into a better ball distributor to complement his scoring ability. Douglas is an adept ballhandler with leadership skills. Rounding out the starting five will be senior posts Mike Miller (5-10, 160 pounds) and Alonzo Golliday (6-0, 200) and senior wing Chaquille Bennett (6-0, 160). This team doesn't have a dominant rebounder, so crashing the boards as a group and getting into transition will be critical. A player to watch is Cooper, a sophomore transfer from Streamwood with a wide wingspan. He'll be counted on for his defense initially as his offensive game continues to develop. One advantage this team has is continuity: many of these players formed Elgin's JV squad last season. "The fact that most of them have been in our system and played together means there's a lot of familiarity," Sitter said. "Myself and (assistant) coach (Jeff) Howard don't have to teach a lot of plays so there's a lot of smaller stuff we can concentrate on. It comes down to energy for us. When we bring a lot of energy and emotion and we're active, we can compete with anybody. We're undersized so if we don't play hard, we're not going to be able to compete."

Elgin Academy Hilltoppers

Last year: 2-20, 0-12 Independent School League

Coach: Dewayne Robinson (fourth year, 13-54)

Top returnees: Senior Gannon Cottone (5-11, F); junior Dietrich Robinson (6-1, G); sophomores Andrew Wilson (6-2, G), Ian Wilson (6-4, F/C), Elliott Wittmeyer (6-2, G),

Top newcomers: freshman Jordan Hare (6-4, F)

Outlook: The goal over the next two years is to surround the area's top returning scorer, junior Dietrich Robinson of South Elgin, with enough supporting players to finish with a winning record and challenge for a regional. Robinson finished fourth in area scoring average last season with 21.2 per game. An 85-percent free-throw shooter, a 44-percent shooter from the floor and a 31-percent 3-point shooter, the all-Independent School League pick averaged 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.5 assists per game. Robinson advanced to the state finals of the Class 1A 3-point shooting competition. He's going to have a lot of responsibility on his shoulders," said coach Dewayne Robinson, no relation. "He spent a lot of the summer working on his game and becoming a better leader so he can become a collegiate athlete." Sophomore guard Elliott Wittmeyer (5.5 ppg) will miss the beginning of the season while recuperating from a concussion suffered during the soccer season, his coach said. Gannon Cottone is the lone senior on the roster. "The program is young overall," Dewayne Robinson said. "We have a bunch of guys who will be able to play together for two years and we'll add more pieces. As they understand the offense more in depth, it will put us in a position to compete for a regional championship."

Harvest Christian Lions

Last year: 15-14

Coach: Scott Cork (first season)

Top returnees: Senior Noah Fox (5-10, G), Austin White (5-9, G); junior Brett Cramer (6-5, C)

Top newcomers: Sophomore Riley Steiner (5-8, G); freshmen Zachary Floyd (6-0, F), Dylan Lockwood (6-3, G)

Outlook: The Lions return only two seniors, including veteran starting guard Noah Fox, who averaged 10.5 points and 2.5 assists per game as a junior. The roster is comprised of more underclassmen than upperclassmen. Inheriting this young team is enthusiastic first-year coach Scott Cork, a longtime area feeder-team coach who spent the last five seasons as an assistant coach for the Elgin Community College men's basketball program. Cork has also been an IHSA basketball referee for 13 seasons and has officiated many games throughout the Northeastern Athletic Conference. His systems will take some getting used to for a young team. Whereas the Lions previously played mostly a half-court game offensively, the new coach wants them to get up and down the floor a bit while adhering to the basic tenets of his defensive philosophy. "They're learning a different style of basketball and trying to put things together," Cork said. "I'm trying to sell them on the defensive game. It takes a high basketball IQ on the defensive end, but they're getting better and better. I think some of the schools we play could be very surprised. More importantly, I just want to teach basketball and show them my passion and love for the game and the life lessons you can learn from playing it."

Hampshire Whip-Purs

Last year: 13-15, 9-3 Fox Valley Conference Fox Division (second)

Coach: Bob Barnett (13th season at Hampshire, 204-123; 28th season overall, 442-292)

Top returnees: Seniors Nico Bennett (5-8, G), Matt Bridges (6-2, F), Drew Doran (5-10, G), Ajiri Oghale (5-10, G), Austin Spaeth (6-0, F); junior Danny Duchaj (6-6, F); sophomore Brennen Woods (6-3, F)

Top newcomers: Seniors Matt Llamas (5-8, G), Jake Tuttle (6-5, F); junior Luke Tuttle (6-5, F),

Outlook: Hampshire graduated leading scorer Ryan Cork to Elgin Community College, but coach Bob Barnett returns seven players responsible for 40.8 points per game last season, led by 6-foot-2 senior forward Matt Bridges (15.3 ppg, 6 rpg). As a junior, Bridges shot 15 of 37 from 3-point range (40.5 percent) and his free-throw percentage of 85.8 (127 of 148) was second best in the area. The Whip-Purs also welcome back senior shooting guard Drew Doran (8.2 ppg, 22 3-pointers), senior forward Austin Spaeth (5.1 ppg, 5 rpg), 6-3 sophomore forward Brennen Woods (5 ppg, 3.8 rpg) and senior guard Ajiri Oghale (4.9 ppg). Senior guard Nico Bennett finished last season with 27 rebounds and 17 assists. Junior Danny Duchaj (6-6) joined the varsity for 14 games and grabbed 39 rebounds. "We've got some kids coming back with time, but the best part is we've got some juniors that are pushing those kids," Hampshire coach Bob Barnett said. One of those juniors is 6-5 forward Luke Tuttle. "I don't think I've had this kind of depth in my years at Hampshire," Barnett said. "I've always gone seven or eight deep. Now, I've got some thinking to do in situations. I've told them game by game I don't know who will start. It will depend on the matchups we want based on scouting and filmwork. We'll do a lot of mixing and matching."

Huntley Red Raiders

Last year: 21-8, 10-2 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division (first); Class 4A regional champion

Coach: Will Benson (first season)

Top returnees: Senior Connor Boesch (6-5, F); sophomore Jack Bessey (6-2, G/F)

Top newcomers: Seniors DJ Cruz (6-0, G), Cameron Dion (6-3, G/F), Josh Esikiel (5-11, G), Kyle Nwogu (6-4, F); juniors Jeremy Behnke (6-0), Brendan Boesch (6-5, F), Makomborero Tizora (6-3, F), Jason Zobott (6-0, G); sophomore Alex Coss (5-10, G)

Outlook: A new era of Huntley basketball dawns. First-year coach Will Benson takes over a program that graduated six of its top seven players - including area player of the year Amanze Egekeze (Belmont) - after winning its fourth straight FVC Valley title and a regional championship. The leading returning scorer is sophomore guard Jack Bessey, a Division-I prospect in soccer. Bessey was Huntley's fifth-leading scorer (4.7 ppg) as a freshman. He had 67 rebounds and 44 assists off the bench a year ago. The only other player that saw significant minutes was senior Connor Boesch, who grabbed 52 rebounds and took a team-high 14 charges. The next closest Red Raider took 5. Benson said battles for positions were wide open as of midweek. "We have a bunch of spots open for playing time, so it's been nice in terms of practice because it makes things competitive," Benson said. "We're going to play a bunch of guys and see who steps up. It'll be different guys on certain nights and that's OK. Whoever is playing well will play." Senior DJ Cruz, a team captain along with Boesch, is expected to step into a scorer's role this season. Sophomore Alec Coss could form a solid backcourt with Bessey for years to come. Makomborero Tizora has perimeter skills, but the team needs him to play inside this season, his coach said. The challenge for Benson is getting an overall inexperienced group of players to learn new systems while simultaneously adjusting to the speed of the varsity game. "I think defensively, (former coach) Marty (Manning) and I are very similar as far as principles," Benson said. "Offensively, it's a little different."

Jacobs Golden Eagles

Last year: 18-14, 8-4 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division (second); Class 4A regional champion

Coach: Jim Roberts (second season at Jacobs, 18-14; fifth season overall, 37-77 )

Top returnees: Seniors Matt Bindi (6-4, F), Cory Boeckh (5-10, G), Mike Canady (5-10, G), Kenton Mack (6-2, G), Chrishawn Orange (6-2, G), Kyle Ross (6-2, G); sophomore Cameron Krutwig (6-8, F)

Top newcomers: Juniors Steve Krueger (5-10, G), Loen Nelson (6-2, F), Tim Randl (6-2, F); sophomore Mason Materna (6-4, F)

Outlook: Jacobs returns many key players from its regional championship team, including four senior guards. Chrishawn Orange is a returning Special Mention All-State pick who scored 492 points in 32 games (15.4 ppg). He shot 80 percent from the free-throw line and averaged 3.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Mack, committed to Division II Northern Michigan, averaged 7.5 ppg and shot 68 percent from the free-throw line. However, Mack may not be available until holiday tournament time in December due to a torn meniscus. He had surgery a few weeks ago, Roberts said. Senior sharpshooter Cory Boeckh knocked down 3-pointers at a 40-percent clip last season. Athletic guard Mike Canady averaged 2.4 ppg and played strong defense. He will get the starting nod while Mack recuperates. Junior Kyle Ross is also in the guard mix. He was elevated to the varsity midway through his sophomore season. The frontcourt, when at full strength, will be a strong point, thanks to the return of 6-foot-8 sophomore Cameron Krutwig (6.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 20 blocks) and 6-4 senior Matt Bindi (2.5 ppg), a player Roberts says showed tremendous improvement over the summer when Jacobs went undefeated at the Loyola summer league. Like Mack, Krutwig is healing from an injury. He spent five weeks in a walking boot after he rolled an ankle and fractured his fifth metatarsal. Roberts said he expects Krutwig back soon, possibly during the Palatine Thanksgiving Tournament. Sophomore Mason Materna (6-4) will start in his place. The assemblage of talent makes Jacobs a threat to end Huntley's four-year stranglehold on the FVC Valley. "Our goals are to win a regional, win our conference and compete for a sectional championship," Roberts said.

Larkin Royals

Last year: 23-5, 12-0 Upstate Eight River (first)

Coach: Deryn Carter (sixth season, 67-72)

Top returnees: seniors Tanner Gardon (6-7, F/C), Trenten Jackson (6-5, F), Charles Sanders (6-0), DeShawn Steward (6-0, G); juniors Keyvon Kyles (5-9, G), D'Montrelle Mardis (5-10, G); sophomore Christian Negron (6-6, F)

Top newcomers: Senior Juwan Stewart (6-4, F); juniors Keion Adams (5-10, G), AJ Hunter (5-11, G), Daniel McFadden (6-5, F), Trevon Lindsey (6-1, G)

Outlook: Last year the Royals won 82 percent of their games en route to a second straight Upstate Eight River title. Larkin graduated four of five starters and its top 3-point threat off the bench, but coach Deryn Carter says the program goals remain the same regardless of the names on the roster. "Our expectations don't change, to be honest," he said. "Our expectation for our guys is to play at a certain level of effort and energy and play with a competitiveness that comes with what Larkin is about. This group doesn't want to be known as the team that took a big step back." The retooling begins with 6-foot-6 sophomore Christian Negron. As a freshman, he averaged 9.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1.6 assists. Negron already has offers from DePaul and Bradley with half the Big 10 showing strong interest. The Royals lose a lot of experience in the backcourt, but they still have talented guards: senior Keyvon Kyles can shoot and handle the ball; senior guard Charles Sanders (41 assists, 22 steals) brings an element of toughness to the team, Carter said; and junior Trelle Mardis is a "side to side guard who can cause havoc on both sides of the ball," according to his coach. Junior AJ Hunter is a dynamic athlete bound to make an impact, and junior guards Keion Adams and Trevon Lindsey provide depth at the position. Overall, the team strength has shifted to the frontcourt, beginning with Negron's move to the three spot. He will be joined by 6-foot-7 senior forward Tanner Gardon (2.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg). Two newcomers strengthen the inside game: 6-4 senior transfer Juwan Stewart scored 6.1 ppg last season for Dundee-Crown; junior Daniel McFadden (6-5) played varsity basketball for Larkin as a freshman. He returns after a year out of the program. "The past three or four years a staple of what we do centered around guard play," Carter said, "and high school basketball success still centers around guard play. But this team is different from what we've been the last couple of years. We're not completely reliant on guard play."

St. Edward Green Wave

Last year: 20-9, 6-4 Suburban Christian Gold (third)

Coach: PJ White (fifth season, 58-54)

Top returnees: Seniors Gino Domel (5-8, G), Nick Duffy (6-3, C), Danny Favela (6-1, F), Joe French (5-10, G)

Top newcomers: Senior Matt Hesch (6-0, F), Brandon Ostrander (6-3, C), Bryan O'Neill (6-3, C); juniors Dewayne Allen (5-8, G), Santos Gomez (5-8, G), Andrew O'Neill (6-1, F); sophomore Kelvin Cortez (5-8, G)

Outlook: St. Edward wants to maintain forward momentum on the heels of consecutive 20-win seasons. A senior-heavy team is poised to do exactly that. The Green Wave will be a bit shorter this season after graduating three players 6-4 or taller, but this team does not lack scoring punch. Returning are center Nick Duffy (13 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg), guard Joe French (12 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg), forward Danny Favela (8 ppg, 7 rpg) and guard Gino Domel (5 ppg, 2 apg). All four are seniors. They will be joined in the starting lineup by promising sophomore guard Kelvin Cortez. In fact, ball control should be a team strength since every guard can play the point, according to St. Edward coach and athletic director PJ White. Football players Brandon Ostrander (6-3) and Bryan O'Neill (6-3) lend the team height in a backup capacity. This season represents a new experience as St. Edward plays its first season in the Metro Suburban Conference against new rivals like Glenbard South, Riverside-Brookfield and Fenton and familiar foes like IC Catholic Prep, Wheaton Academy and Aurora Central Catholic. "Our biggest challenge will be that we have a considerably smaller enrollment than the other schools in our conference," White said. Nevertheless, the fifth-year coach expects his program to compete for another 20-win season, hopefully, more. "We have not won a regional game for several years and would like to be successful in that part of the season," White added.

South Elgin Storm

Last year: 18-15, 4-8 Upstate Eight Valley (tie-fifth); advanced to Class 4A sectional final

Coach: Matt Petersen (second year, 18-15)

Top returnees: Juniors Tyler Hankins (6-10, C), Justin Howard (5-9, G), Matt Smith (6-0, G); sophomore Logan Atkins (6-1, F)

Outlook: Last year's surprise sectional finalist returns two starters along with two guards who saw significant playing time as reserves. Back for his third varsity season is leading scorer Matt Smith, a smooth-shooting, hard-driving junior guard who last year averaged 16.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Smith scored 122 of his team-high 529 points in 175 attempts from the free-throw line (69.7 percent). He shot 38.5 percent from 3-point range (63 of 182). Also returning is 6-foot-10 center Tyler Hankins. In addition to his 8.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, the big man swatted 96 shots (2.9 avg.). A third returning starter, junior forward Jake Amrhein, must sit out the year due to a knee injury suffered late in the football season. Junior Justin Howard started 11 of 27 games last season but primarily came off the bench to score 4.7 ppg. Howard shot 28 percent from 3-point range (30 of 107). Sophomore Logan Atkins will take on a larger role after getting his feet wet last season. Depth could be an issue. A couple of role players from last year's team opted not to return this winter, coach Matt Petersen said, leaving younger, less experienced players to fill their shoes. "We need two things to happen," Petersen said. "We need each of those returning guys with experience to produce and have big years. They all have to take a big step from last year and I think they are all capable of doing that. We also need some periphery players to develop along the lines of what we're trying to do. I think we're further along than we were at this point last year, but we have younger players in some of those spots."

Streamwood Sabres

Last year: 2-28, 0-12 Upstate Eight River (seventh)

Coach: Paul Kowalyszyn (second season, 2-28)

Top returnees: Seniors Max Draper (6-4, F), Jake McGlone (6-1, G), Cole Seger (6-4, F)

Top newcomers: Junior Joey O'Halloran (5-8, G); freshman Brendon Marton (6-4, F)

Outlook: Things are looking up for the Sabres after a tough season a year ago, thanks to the return of three starters and an infusion of young talent. Leading scorer Cole Seger (11.3 ppg) returns at forward. The 6-foot-5 senior averaged 5.4 rebounds, also a team high. Flanking him is senior Max Draper, the school's 6-4 quarterback. Draper averaged 14 points in 4 games but an injury ended his junior basketball season prematurely. Also returning is junior guard Jacob McGlone, who averaged 7.1 points and 3 rebounds a game. The additions of junior point guard Joey O'Halloran and 6-4 freshman Brendon Martin should make the Sabres a more versatile team than they were a year ago, offensively and defensively. "This year we are definitely looking to compete in our conference and greatly improve on our overall record" coach Paul Kowalyszyn said. "We have a group of young men who have gained some experience and improved their game. We will also have some depth this year, which we were greatly lacking last year. This not only makes us better during games, but makes practice and earning playing time much more competitive."

Westminster Christian Warriors

Last year: 17-13, 5-3 Northeast Athletic Conference

Coach: Bruce Firchau (10th season at Westminster Christian, 152-105; 38th season overall, 535-443)

Top returnees: Seniors Sam Carani (6-4½, F), Robert Kleczynski (6-1, F); junior Dillon Rejman (6-1, G)

Top newcomers: Junior Peter Hahn (6-2, G/F); sophomore Scott Graziano (5-10, G)

Outlook: Westminster Christian is built to contend deep into the postseason with its top three scorers returning from a regional championship team. Senior Sam Carani led the Warriors in scoring last season with 17.1 ppg and averaged 5.9 rpg. The 6-foot-4 guard/forward scored 23 points in the regional title win over neighboring Harvest Christian Academy, including 2 free throws to seal it in the final seconds. However, Carani has been troubled by back issues. He practiced consecutively on Monday and Tuesday for the first time this season, coach Bruce Firchau said. Also back is 6-4 senior Robert Kleczynski, a 6-1 forward who averaged 13.4 points in 16 games. Many of his points were scored in transition, many more on second chances thanks to his team-best 6.4 rebounds per game. Junior guard Dillon Rejman grew three more inches to 6-foot-1, which should help him improve on the 8.8 points he averaged last season. Juniors Noah Anderson and 6-2 center Brian McDonaugh (22 blocks) and sophomore Nick Kleczynski give the team depth. Sophomore Scott Graziano, an all-conference wide receiver, will join the rotation, as will home-schooled transfer from St. Edward, Peter Hahn, a player Firchau calls "highly coachable." The hall-of-fame coach says the Warriors can compete for the title in the highly competitive NAC against defending Class 1A state champion Mooseheart, Luther North and Rockford Christian Life if Westminster adheres to its keys. "No. 1. We have to be able to defend," Firchau said. "Two. You have to rebound at both ends of the court. Three. Keep your turnovers down. Can we do that against the strongest teams on our schedule? We'll find out."

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