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Conant, Fremd aiming high

MSL EASTBuffalo Grove

Coach: Keith Peterson

Last year: 7-20, 3-7

Top returning players: Hans Haller (Sr., F.); Joey Pinakidis (Sr., F.); Collin Dekorsi (Jr., G.); Jack Vaselaney (So., G.)

Newcomers: Jimmy Trieb (Jr., F.); Chris Tsevis (Jr., G.); Leo Rule (Jr., G.); Zach Fricke (So., G.); Caleb Mayhorn (So., G.); Mac Camardo (So., F.)

Key losses: Conner Reid, Ryan Williams, Nate Woten

Outlook: Buffalo Grove will have a nice mix of youth and experience when the Bison take the court this year. After a couple of tough seasons, coach Keith Peterson thinks his team may have turned the corner this year. “We had a great summer,” Peterson. “We went to Wisconsin Oshkosh for a great weekend and competed against Wisconsin teams. Hans Haller, who is a 3-year starter who averaged 8 points and 6 rebounds last year, returns. He will be joined by Joey Pinakidis, who is also a three-year starter along with Collin Dekorsi, who was all-area last year as a sophomore, averaging 10 points and 3 assists. Sophomore Jack Vaselaney, who played 16 games last year as a freshman, also figures to see lots of playing time again this year. “We will try to play a more up-tempo style this year with our team depth and skill set,” Peterson said. It could also be something of a youth movement for the Bison, who could have as many as four sophomores on the court at one time. Joining Vaselaney will be Zach Fricke, Mac Camardo and Caleb Mayhorn. Also look for Jimmy Trieb, who was a wide receiver on the football team, to have an impact after leading the sophomore team last year in rebounding.

Elk GroveCoach: Anthony Furman

Last year: 17-10, 7-3 (2nd MSL East)

Returning players: Joey Gatziolis (Sr., G/F); (Sr., G); Fulton Wingba (Sr., F); Kyle Zuba (Sr., G)

Newcomers: Stefan Pantovic (Jr., C); Nico Collazo (Jr., G); Joe Lopez (Jr. G);Filip Siwecki (Sr., G)

Key losses: Dan Hadler, Tyler Ingebrigtsen

Outlook: The Grenadiers are coming off one of their best seasons in recent history. But Elk Grove will have huge shoes to fill with the graduation of Dan Hadler, who averaged 12.3 points and 3.6 rebounds and Tyler Ingebrigsten, who averaged 11.6 and 8 rebounds. But the Grenadiers hope to get things going behind Joey Gatziolis, who averaged 9.1 points and 4.7 rebounds, Tyree Howard, who averaged 5.1 points and Fulton Wingba, who averaged 3.0 points. Gatziolis should pick up some of that scoring slack for a Grens team that will average 6-foot-4 across the front. “We have solid returning minutes from Gatziolis, Howard and Wingba,” Elk Grove coach Anthony Furman said. Elk Grove got off to a slow start last season before roaring down the stretch, winning 4 of their last 5 before bowing out to Proviso East in the state playoffs. Furman hopes 6-foot-4 center Stefan Pantovic and guards Joe Lopez, Nico Collazo and Flip Siwecki can integrate themselves into the system quickly. “This year's team will have a nice mix of kids who can play multiple positions on the floor throughout the game,” Furman said. “We need a strong start to the season from Zuba, Siwecki, Collazo, Pantovic and Lopez to get us going.”

HerseyCoach: Steve Messer

Last year: 18-10, 9-1 (1st, MSL East)

Top returning players: Zack Cooper (Sr., F); Joe Coffaro (Jr., G); Mark Milligan (Sr. F), SR Michael Lelito (Sr., F); Kevin Starr (Sr., F); Buzz Lindgren (Sr., G); Ken Hasley (Jr., F).

Newcomers: Josh Seafield (Sr., G); Eddie Mlecko (Jr. G/F)

Key losses: Max Heeren, Payton Haas, Cole Monckton

Outlook: Hersey made it all the way back to the MSL title game after rolling through the East last year. And the Huskies are hoping that they can do it again this season. To do that they will need find solid replacements for Payton Haas, who was Hersey's leading scorer after averaging 18 points, and playmaker Max Heeren, who averaged 6 assists. But the cupboard isn't completely bare in Huskieland. Joe Coffaro, who was all-area last year as sophomore, will look to improve on his 10 points, 2 steal and 2 assists average. Also returning is Zack Cooper, who averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds, as well as Mark Milligan, who came off the bench to average 6 points. Michael Lelito and Kevin Starr, who are seniors and played key minutes a year ago, also figure into coach Steve Messer's plans, as well as junior Ken Hasley, who logged plenty of minutes a year ago as sophomore. “We could be a very well balanced team defensively with the ability to score,” Messer said. “If this turns out to be true, I like our chances.” Josh Seafield, who was injured last season as a junior figures to also contribute as well as Eddie Mlecko, who led the sophomore team last year.

ProspectCoach: John Camardella

Last year: 14-14, 6-4 (3rd, MSL East)

Returning players: Frankie Mack (Jr., G); Matt Szuba (Jr., F); Michael Ritchie (Jr., G); Alec Busiel (Sr., F); Liam Benson (Sr., G); Dan Marshall (Sr., G); Scott Baackes (Sr., G); Luke Wrede (Sr., F)

Newcomers: Antonio Gardner (Jr., G); Grant Whitebloom (Jr., G); David Swedura (Soph., G); Grant Zellmer (Jr., G); Jonathon Raupp (Jr., F).

Key losses: Kyle Beyak, Kyle Formanski, Grant Miller

Outlook: Prospect might be a year away, but coach John Camardella is going to try rush the future. Before he can do that, he has to find a way to replace two-time all-area guard Kyle Beyak, who took his playing skills to Wisconsin-Oshkosh. The Knights will be young and have a pair of returning starters in juniors Frankie Mack and 6-foot-5 Matt Szuba. Michael Ritchie, who is a junior guard, played off the bench last season and should see more time this year. Alec Busiel leads a group of seniors that include Liam Benson, Dan Marshall, Scott Baackes and Luke Wrede. “We are undersized and need to play fast,” Camardella said. “Getting out in transition and putting early pressure on teams will be key.” The Knights will also look to youth for most of their depth. Junior guards Antonio Gardner and Grant Whitebloom saw a lot of time last year as starters on the sophomore team, while 5-10 guard David Swedura should also be key to the offense. “We will run a variety of options in secondary transition,” Camardella said. “In the half-court or in a slow-down type game, a majority of our offensive looks with be set play calls.” Grant Zellmer and 6-4 Jonathon Raupp should also find themselves in the mix for playing time. “We will learn a lot on the fly this season,” Camardella said. “We have a group this year that is pretty deep when it comes to talent. They already showed this summer they are more than willing to share the ball and we will look to this selflessness even more this winter.”

Rolling MeadowsCoach: Kevin Katovich

Last year: 11-15, 3-7

Top returning players: Jack Schoessling (JR, G); Jared Murphy (Jr.,F); Matt Wojcik (Sr., G); John Lothery (Sr., G); Luka Pavlakis (Sr., F); Ryan Laboda (Sr. F).

Newcomers: Alexs Subotin (SR., C); Charlie Cox (Jr.,F); Tony Taibi (Jr.,G); Justin Thompson (Jr., G)

Key losses: AJ Aluquin, Emmanuel Lopez

Outlook: The Mustangs have their core back and expect to pick things up this season with it, losing just two players to graduation. Rolling Meadows will be guard-dominated team again this season. They will be led by juniors Jack Schoessling, who averaged 12 points and will play guard, and Jared Murphy, who had 19 points per game and should continue to be force at forward. Senior guards Matt Wojcik, who had 11 points per game and John Lothery also figure to give opponents fits with their ability to move the ball in the front court. “We don't have a lot of size,” Rolling Meadows coach Kevin Katovich said. “But we should be able to score some points.” Rolling Meadows will get some help on the glass from 6-7 center Alexs Subotin, who did not play last season, as well as Luka Pavlakis, who averaged 5 rebounds, and Ryan Laboda, who had 4 rebounds per game. “We still need to battle on the boards,” Katovich said. “How well we do on the glass will tell how good we will be.” Charlie Cox, Tony Taibi and Justin Thompson figure to give the Mustangs some depth.

WheelingCoach: Michael O'Keeffe

Last year: 6-21, 1-9

Top returning players: Jalen Dennis (Jr. G); Nick Janulis (Sr. F.); Dylan Draka (Sr. F.); TJ Best (Jr. G); Patrick Szpir (Sr. C.); Ryan Caulfield (Sr. F.); Torion Brooks (Sr. G.); Peter Allen-Schuetz (Sr. G); Charlie Zettek (Sr. G.); Alex Chicas (Sr. G.)

Key losses: Jake Jordan, Alex Karras, Bobby Webber, Alex Pawelek

Newcomers: Johnny Kappel (Jr. G.); Nick Schaller (Jr. F.); Mike Waise (Jr., F); Tyler Testa (Jr., F.); Deshon Jacobs (Jr., F.); Martin Laureano (Sr. G.)

Outlook: There is reason for optimism at Wheeling this year. The Wildcats return 10 players from last year's squad including Jalen Dennis, who was all area last year, and Nick Janulis and Dylan Draka, who were honorable mention. Add in 6-foot-8 Patrick Szpir, who has committed with Chicago State, and new coach Mke O'Keefe, and Wheeling is eyeing a conference title. “Wheeling has the most talent and depth that we have had in a while,” O'Keefe said. “We don't have a guy that can take over a game, but we have a lot of good pieces to work with.” Wheeling, which has not had a winning season in 12 years, figures to go 9-deep in their lineup each game with Dennis, who averaged 8 points and 2 assists driving the offense, just like he did this past season as the quarterback on the football team. “He is a bit banged up from football,” O'Keefe said. “So we are going to do our best to get him back when he is ready.” O'Keefe said the development of Szpir should help his squad. “He is a basketball-only guy,” O'Keefe said. “But he really only started playing when he was in eighth grade. He has worked hard to develop his game and you can see how far he has come with the offer from Chicago State.” Nick Janulis and Dylan Draka will give Szpir some help on the front line.TJ Best, Ryan Caufield, Torrion Brooks and Charlie Zettek also figure into the plans. “There is quite a bit talent to work with,” O'Keefe said. The first-year head coach feels like he has a team that can compete in the MSL East. “There are a lot of good players in the conference,” O'Keefe said. “But I think it is very balanced and I think we should be in the mix.”

MSL WESTBarringtonCoach: Bryan Tucker

Last year: 23-7, 8-2 (1st, MSL West, MSL Champs)

Top returning players: Brett Budzak (Sr., F); Mickey O'Donnell (Sr., G); Will Reinhard (Sr., C); Ethan Small (Sr., C); Sawyer Smith (Sr., C); Justin Speigel (Sr., F); Ben Weber (Sr., G)

Newcomers: Jackson Perkins, (Jr. C); Ely Polovina (Jr., F); Bart Susol, (Jr. F); Blake Gosswein (Jr., G); Anthony Spann (Soph., G)

Key losses: Rapolas Ivanauskas, Tristen Becker, Scott Bennett, Justin Hennenfent, Chris Lester, Matt McAndrews, Jake Orr.

Outlook: It will be life after Rap for Barrington, after Ivanauskas transferred to an East Coast prep school. But the Broncos are ready to face the challenge. “We are excited about our kids,” Barrington coach Bryan Tucker said. “They are working hard. They have a great attitude and are fun to be around.” Tucker will have good size, with four players over 6-foot-5 including Will Reinhard, who was a key to the Broncos winning the conference title last season. Ben Weber also returns to give the Broncos a very nice 1-2 combination. “We have some nice experience there,” Tucker said. “Ben and Will we need to play because after that we don't have much experience.” Tucker will have five other seniors that will lean on to give his team the leadership they need. Ethan Small, who saw action at times last year, should have a larger role this year along with Mickey O'Donnell, Sawyer Smith, Brett Budzak and Justin Spiegel. Tucker will look to juniors Jackson Perkins, Ely Polovina, Bart Susol and Blake Gosswein along with sophomore Anthony Spann to give his team some depth. “We have a lot of kids here who have not played a ton of minutes,” Tucker said. “And that could be tough when conference rolls around. Our side of the division is very talented. I don't see a lot of down times.”

ConantCoach: Tom McCormack

Last year: 19-9, 6-4 (2nd, MSL West)

Top returning players: Jimmy Sotos (Jr., G); Kyle Bradley (Sr., F); Chima Oduocha (Sr., F); Ryan Davis (Soph., F); Ben Schols (Soph, F); Brandon Vinson (Sr., G); Nikola Todorov (Sr., F).

Newcomers: Mike Downing (Jr., F); Dan Ranallo (Jr., G)

Key losses: Danny Sotos, Chris Dolce, Jordan Hughes

Outlook: Despite losing three starters that cumulatively averaged 35 points and 15 rebounds last year, there is a bull's eye on Conant this year, with the Cougars nearly everyone's preseason favorite. Even with the losses to graduation, they return all-area guard Jimmy Sotos and forward Kyle Bradley. They also return 6-foot-5 Chima Oduocha and talented sophomores Ryan Davis (6-7) and Ben Schols (6-3). Both Davis and Schols saw significant time last year as freshmen, as did senior guard Brandon Vinson. “We do have quite bit back,” said Conant coach Tom McCormack, whose team won a regional title last year. “We still can be young at times with 2 juniors and 2 sophomores on the court at one time.” One of those juniors is Mike Downing, a 6-8 transfer from St. Joe's in Westchester. “He will have a significant impact when he learns the system,” McCormack said. “He is working hard for us out here, as are all of our players.” Nikola Todorov, who is 6-5, and Dan Ranallo will provide some depth for the Cougars. “We have some very nice players who should help round out the roster,” McCormack said. “We made nice progress together as a team working over the summer. We spent a lot of time working our skills and playing together.”

FremdCoach: Bob Widlowski

Last year: 18-8, 6-4 (2nd, MSL West)

Top returning players: Patrick Benka (Sr. C); Payton Kim (Sr. G); Connor Simios (Sr., G); Dylan Simios (Sr., G); Samson Oladimeji (Sr., F); Patrick Kurka (Sr., G); Kyle Sliwa (Jr., G); Brian Dompke (Sr., F).

Newcomers: Ryan Martin (Soph, G); KJ Jackson (Jr., G); Shaan Patel (Jr., F); Brock Rubin (Jr., G); Luke Schoffstall (Jr., G); Mark Kating (Jr., F); Austin Schwantz (Jr., F).

Key losses: Zack Schoffstall, Xavier Williams

Outlook: It was a youth movement last year for Fremd, which still was able to post an 18-8 mark. The Vikings are hoping to cash in on that this season with a very sound mix of seniors and juniors that saw a ton of playing time last year. “They are jelling well together so far,” Fremd coach Bob Widlowski said. “They all have experience from last year.” Widlowski will be counting on seniors Patrick Benka, who is 6-foot-7, guards Payton Kim, twins Connor and Dylan Simios and Patrick Kurka, along with forward Samson Oladimeji. Mix in Kyle Sliwa, who developed nicely as a sophomore last year along with 6-4 Brian Dompke, and the Vikings are quite formidable. “We would like to be a little more consistent defensively,” Widlowski said. “And be much better balanced offensively. If we can do that, we will have great success.” Widlowski will also have a nice group of juniors in KJ Jackson, Shaan Patel, Brock Rubin, Luke Schoffstall, Austin Schwantz and Mark Kating as well as sophomore guard Ryan Martin to give his team some depth. “We need to get some juniors to step into their roles,” Widlowski said. “If we can do that, we can be in the conference race. As always, it is a tough MSL West. Any night, any team must be ready to play no matter what gym you are playing in.”

Hoffman EstatesCoach: Luke Yanule

Last year: 6-20, 1-9 (6th, MSL West)

Top returning players: Jorden Thornton (Sr., G); Brandon Hall (Sr. F); Dante Cleveland (Sr. F); Lamont McIntosh (Sr. G); Terry Davis (Sr. G); Malik Blackwell (Sr. F); Kylann Griffin (Sr. G); Michael Johnson (Sr. F)

Newcomers: Konrad Kieruzal (Sr. F); Marshall Davis (Soph. G); Miciah Hill (Jr. F); Ryan McCurry (Jr. F); Sam Mwangi (Jr. G); Errick Delany (Jr. F); Byron Williams (Sr. F).

Key losses: Curtis Palucska, CJ Conway, Andrew Vesper

Outlook: With nine players returning from last season, Hoffman Estates is looking to make a a 180 degree turn this year. “I like our team,” Hoffman Estates coack Luke Yanule said. “Not only as players, but as people as well. We have a nice core of character kids. And we have had good energy in practice.” All nine of those returners are seniors, led by Jorden Thorton, who averaged 16.3 points, and Dante Cleveland, who averaged 6.4. Both have been on the varsity since they were freshmen. The Hawks will also look to 6-foot-6 Brandon Hall, who has been on the varsity since his sophomore year and averaged 12.5 points and 6.3 rebounds. Lamont McIntosh, Terry Davis, Mailk Blackwell, Kylann Griffin and Michael Johnson all saw significant time last year and Yanule expects that experience to play huge dividends. “It is a veteran group,” Yanule said. “We are leaning heavy on these guys for their leadership and to teach the young guys.” Konrad Kieruzal, who did not play last season so he could focus on soccer, and sophomore guard Marshall Davis should also contribute. “This team appreciates little things,” Yanule said. “And those little things make a difference.” The Hawks will begin the season without Cleveland, who will be sidelined with an injury he suffered during football. Hoffman Estates expects to have him back near Christmas. “That should make us even better,” Yanule said. “We will have an opportunity to play even more players and use our depth.”

PalatineCoach: Eric Millstone

Last year: 23-9, 6-4 (2nd in MSL West)

Top returning players: Matt Ulrich (Sr, G, 6 ppg); Jovone Stricker (Sr, G, 3 ppg); Chris Refka (Sr, G, 15 3s); Matt Mayer (Sr, F); Charlie Van Dyke (Sr, G); Jason Jarrett (Sr, G); Mike Hilmer (Sr, F); Thomas Nalley (Sr, G); Mikey Williams (Sr., F.); Scott Elter (Jr, F).

Newcomers: Johnny O'Shea (Soph, F); Josh Turner (Jr, G); Mackenzie Balanganyi (Jr, F); Zach Oles (Jr, F); Dylan Tapia (Jr, G); Matt Garner (Jr, G); Malik Harding (Jr, G); Hunter Lindell (Sr, G)

Key losses: Chris Macahon, RJ Smith, Justin Chaney, Mike Williams

Outlook: Palatine may get off to a slow start, with nearly half the team still playing football for the Pirates. “Once we get everyone back and they get their basketball legs under them hopefully we can ride this competitive wave they have set with the football program,” Palatine coach Eric Millstone said. Millstone will also need to find replacements for the four starters he lost to graduation who averaged a combined 45.4 points and 13 rebounds per game. “We will not be big this year,” Millstone said. “Last year we had three kids that could finish above the rim. That all meant you had a good chance of scoring.” But the Pirates will still have plenty of weapons in Matt Ulrich, Javone Stricker and Chris Refka, all of whom saw a lot of time last season. Matt Mayer, Charlie Van Dyke, Jason Jarrett, Mike Hilmer, Thomas Nalley and Mikey Williams saw limited time, but also figure in the mix. The Pirates did suffer a huge blow when junior Scott Elter, who saw significant minutes as a sophomore last year, went down with a torn ACL during the football season. Millstone also will be looking to a group of juniors, who were 25-2 last season as sophomores, to step in and help. They include Josh Turner, Mackenzie Balanganyi and Zach Oles, along with sophomore Johnny O'Shea. “This year we are going to have to manufacture some points,” Millstone said. “Last year we had the same starting 5 for 33 games. This year we are going to have to patch it together at times.”

SchaumburgCoach: Wade Heisler

Last year: 11-18, 4-6 (5th, MSL West)

Top returning players: Jason Schoo (Sr., G); Eric Rushing (Sr., F); Kenny Travis (Sr., F); Kameron Powell (Jr., G); Brandon Golliher (Sr., F); Sam Smith (Sr., F); Toru Yagi (Sr., G)

Newcomers: Aaron Kline (Jr., G); Anthony D'Orazio (Sr., G); Thomas Larsen (Jr., F); Daniel Pyde (Jr., F); Zackary Zolen (Soph., F).

Key losses: Conor Geraghty, Charlie Quilico, Brendan Parker, Demetrios Roumbos, Marquis Woodard

Outlook: Although he is brand new as head coach for the Saxons, Wade Heisler has familiarity with the players. He was an assistant coach on the varsity staff for two years and was the freshman coach last year. “I know every kid,” Heisler said. “This is a great school and a great group of kids I get to coach right now.” The Saxons will look to all-area guard Jason Schoo to take control. Eric Rushing, Kenny Travis and Kameron Powell should also be big contributors along with Aaron Kline. “The kids are working extremely hard,” Heisler said. “We don't have a ton of guys who have played a lot of minutes.” Heisler and the Saxons jump right into the fire when they open next week at the St. Charles tournament with defending Class 3A champion St. Joseph. “It is one of those things — we get to see where we are at right away,” Heisler said. “This is as hard-working a group I have ever been around.” Heisler is familiar with the MSL West and know what it will take to compete in the conference. “Every night is a battle, no matter who you play,” Heisler said. “But I expect us to compete quite well.”

  Senior forward Hans Haller is one reason Buffalo Grove is looking forward to improvement this season. Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com
  Junior guard Jared Murphy of Rolling Meadows, right, drives to the basket against Jacobs during tournament play at Palatine last season. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Palatine guard Matt Ulrich shoots against Fremd defender Patrick Benka last season at Fremd. Both are key returning seniors for their teams this winter. George LeClaire/gleclaire@dailyherald.com
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