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Boys basketball: Northwest all-area team

Patrick Benka FremdThe 6-foot-8 Benka has been a force for the Vikings for the past three years, playing all five spots on the floor at various times. He is the leading scorer for Fremd this season, averaging 12.5 points per game, and is the team's second-leading rebounder. "He is a very versatile athlete that has played all over the court for us," Fremd coach Bob Widlowksi said. "He creates a difficult matchup for our opponents with his size and skill."

TJ Best WheelingBest has been just that for the Wildcats this season. The junior is averaging 10 points per game to lead his team while also contributing 3 rebounds and 3 assists per game. He also led his team in 3-point field goals. "TJ is a gym rat who loves the game of basketball and is constantly working on his game," Wheeling coach Michael O'Keeffe said. "He is one of the best shooters in the area, but more importantly, he is hard-working, coachable, and a terrific young man. It has been fun seeing him grow as a player."

Joe Coffaro HerseyCoffaro has been the key to Hersey's defense this year. The junior, who was all-area last year as a sophomore, has 50 steals this season while leading the Huskies in points (14.6) and assists (4.1) while shooting 35 percent from outside the arc. He also averages 3 rebounds per game. "Joe is an explosive and aggressive basketball player," Hersey coach Steve Messer said. "He also starts our defense by smothering opponents, with very few fouls."

Ryan Davis ConantDavis has come into his own this season after contributing on the varsity as a freshman. The 6-foot-8 sophomore averaged 11 points, led the team with 8 rebounds per game and had 2.3 assists per game for the MSL champs. Davis scored in double figures 12 times for the Cougars. "He is a real presence in the post and has a nice touch on the perimeter and the free throw line," Conant coach Tom McCormack said. "He has tremendous hands, vision, and anticipation as well."

Michael Downing ConantDowning, who transferred in from St. Joseph this year, has stepped in quite nicely to the Cougars' lineup. He has made huge contributions and filled a void when Kyle Bradley went down with a season-ending injury. A tremendous shot-blocker averaging nearly 3 per game, Downing has also averaged 7 points and 5 rebounds. "Mike's biggest asset is his presence around the rim," Conant coach Tom McCormack said. "He is a real defensive presence that adds a whole different dimension to our defense and the way teams have to attack us. His length and mobility are big weapons."

Joey Gatziolis Elk GroveThe MSL East player of the year, Gatziolis was also all-area last year and named to the football all-area team in the fall. Gatziolis averaged 14 points and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 57 percent from the field. He also had 76 assists and 59 steals. "Joey has had a season filled with being efficient and consistent," Elk Grove coach Anthony Furman said. "He has led this team and taken on all challenges along the way. He has defended all positions and made key plays in almost every game we have played."

Brandon Hall Hoffman EstatesHall has been a key contributor to the Hawks for the past two seasons. With his 6-foot-6 frame and long wingspan, Hall averaged 8 rebounds and 12.8 points. He also played football, where he was a wide receiver. "We have the utmost respect for Brandon achieving what he has this year considering he's a two-sport athlete and also had a very successful football season," Hoffman Estates coach Luke Yanule said. "It really speaks to his work ethic and commitment on how well he's played in both sports."

Frankie Mack ProspectMack has grown into one of the area's top competitors. Playing on the varsity team since he was a freshman, Mack has already been named all-conference in the MSL the last two seasons. He averaged 15.7 points, shooting 40 percent from outside the arc. "Frankie set a positive tone early on in the season for our team and it carried us throughout the year," Prospect coach John Camardella said. "He has worked hard to improve all aspects of his game this past year and is primed for a big senior season."

Jared Murphy Rolling MeadowsMurphy has been one of the area's top scorers all season, and his season-high with a 32-point game. A 6-foot-3 forward, Murphy is averaged 20 points and 6 rebounds while knocking down 54 percent of his shots. Murphy also became the sixth player in school history to reach 1,000 points. "His work ethic both in practice and games along with his competitive spirit lifts the entire team," Rolling Meadows coach Kevin Katovich said. "He has worked tremendously hard on his game and continues to improves on a daily basis."

Payton Kim FremdAn unsung player on the court for the Vikings, Kim has done it all for Fremd the past two seasons. He averages 8.3 points per game while leading his team in assists. Kim has converted 53.7 percent of his shots and made 35 3-pointers. "Payton leads by example," Fremd coach Bob Widlowski said. "He has tremendous work ethic and energy on a daily basis. Does a great job of running the offense and is our first line of defense. He has been rock solid all year long. His leadership can't be underestimated for this season."

Aaron Kline SchaumburgKline has come of age this season for Schaumburg, especially with the injuries that the Saxons have suffered this year. The junior is averaged 10 points and converted 38 percent of his shots from outside the arc along with 80 percent from the line. "Aaron has done a really nice job of developing his shot and transitioning himself into a much-needed ball handler," Schaumburg coach Wade Heisler said. "He has become a very good decision-maker in the absence of some other players and gets us into our actions."

Will Reinhard BarringtonThe 6-foot-6 Reinhard has been a huge contributor for the Broncos for three seasons. He led the team with 13.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. He also was the team leader in blocked shots and was a member of the MSL all-academic team. "Will is a threat both inside and out, scoring in the low post as well as at the arc," Barrington coach Bryan Tucker said. "His physical presence is a factor every night. Will leads by example, never missing a practice and giving 100 percent at all times."

Kyle Sliwa FremdSliwa has been a fixture at the guard spot for the Vikings the past two seasons and has played a key role in their many successes. Versatile at both driving the lane and pulling up to shoot, Sliwa averaged 10.9 points this season. "His quickness and basketball IQ creates problems for opposing defenses," Fremd coach Bob Widlowski said. "He brings a positive steady attitude to everything he does. A very smart player, Kyle always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He has hit multiple clutch shots this season. He has contributed daily at both ends of the floor."

Jimmy Sotos ConantThe honorary captain of this year's all-area team, Sotos has been the guiding force for the Cougars for the past three seasons. An all-area selection last year as sophomore, Sotos has averaged 16 points and 4.5 assists per game. The team leader in points and assists in 17 of the first 25 games for the Cougars this year, Sotos shoots a slick 47 percent from the field and 84 percent from the free throw line. "He is the glue to everything we do," Conant coach Tom McCormack said. "He is extremely hard to guard because his skill set is so complete."

Jake Stepuszek St. ViatorA very athletic player, Stepuszek is also a standout in lacrosse. He led the Lions in scoring with 13 points per game and 2.6 assists per game. Stepuszek converted 42 percent of his 3-point shots and made 81 percent from the foul line. "Jake is a team captain who led his teammates on and off the court with his unselfishness and team-first attitude," St. Viator coach Quin Hayes said. "He has done everything we asked of him and more."

Matt Szuba ProspectSzuba is a high-energy player with a motor that never shuts off. He can be dangerous both inside the paint and outside the arc and has great floor vision, which is demonstrated by his 2.5 assists per game. Szuba also averages 8.1 points and 9.1 rebounds. "One of the most dynamic big men in the area," Prospect coach John Camardella said. "He led our team in rebounding and assists and really opens up the floor for our team. Does a great job guarding in the lane and is the backbone of our defense."

Jorden Thornton Hoffman EstatesA starter since his freshman year, Thornton has been the engine that has made the Hawks fly during that span. Thornton has also shown that pressure does not bother him, hitting a game-winning shot against Fremd and tying shots against both Niles West and West Chicago last season. Thornton has scored over 1,200 points in his career and averaged 16.7 points and 2.2 assists this season. "Jorden's growth and maturity over four years has been incredible," Hoffman Estates coach Luke Yanule said. "He is a complete player and will be greatly missed not only as a player but as a student walking our building as well."

Matt Ulrich PalatineA solid performer, Ulrich has been a fixture in the Pirate lineup for the past three years. He can score either by going to the hoop or by shooting from outside the arc and averaged 10 points this season. He also does a terrific job of creating plays, as evidenced by his 3 assists per game. He also averaged 3 rebounds and 1.5 steals and has drawn interest from D-3 and NAIA schools. "Every facet of Matt's game is air-tight," Palatine coach Eric Millstone said. "He's fiercely competitive, very fundamentally sound, and he thinks the game on a different level than most kids. He's had a very productive career at Palatine, and a lot of that success stems from his work ethic and his approach. He was just rock-solid for us."

Danny Walsh St. ViatorWalsh is a two-year starter who has helped the Lions win over 40 games over the past two seasons. This year, he's averaged 11 points and 5 rebounds while hitting 44 percent of his shots. He also has 34 steals this season. "Danny is a superb and versatile player who has played all five positions for us this year," St. Viator coach Quin Hayes said. "He is a talented athlete who really excelled this year in a leadership role. Dan's growth over the past two years has been a key element to our success this season."

Jack Vaselaney Buffalo GroveVaselaney, who played in 14 games last season as a freshman, grew quite nicely along with the Bison offense this year. The sophomore led his team in points (10.4 ppg), assists (3.3 apg), steals, 3-point shooting percentage and made 3-point field goals. He also plays baseball. "Jack is a student of the game," Buffalo Grove coach Keith Peterson said. "His knowledge and awareness on the court for a sophomore is really impressive. He has handled the increased expectations that have been placed on him very well."

Ben Weber BarringtonA two-year starter, Weber has been a key factor for the Broncos. He is the team's second-leading scorer, averaging 13.2 points and 3 assists this season. A solid shooter outside the arc, Weber hits at a 40 percent clip and converts 87 percent of his free throws. Weber will play for Rockford College next year. "A versatile player, he runs the point as well as plays shooting guard," Barrington coach Bryan Tucker said. "He creates for his teammates as well, leading the team in assists."

Fulton Wingba Elk GroveWingba is the epitome of what hard work can accomplish. A freshman B-teamer who played sparingly his sophomore year, Wingba developed into a solid varsity player for the Grens. He averaged 12 points and 3.5 rebounds while hitting 44 on 3-pointers and converting 52.8 percent of his shots. "He is a sharp perimeter shooter and has combined that with a developing dribble-drive to his offensive game," Elk Grove coach Anthony Furman said. "He continues to get better each game. His length and quickness enables him to be a defensive force all around the court."

All-area roster

Player School Yr.

Patrick Benka Fremd Sr.

TJ Best Wheeling Jr.

Joey Coffaro Hersey Jr.

Ryan Davis Conant Soph.

Michael Downing Conant Jr.

Joey Gatziolis Elk Grove Sr.

Brandon Hall Hoffman Estates Sr.

Frankie Mack Prospect Jr.

Jared Murphy Rolling Meadows Jr.

Payton Kim Fremd Sr.

Aaron Kline Schaumburg Jr.

Will Reinhard Barrington Sr.

Kyle Sliwa Fremd Jr.

Jimmy Sotos* Conant Jr.

Jake Stepuszek St. Viator Sr.

Matt Szuba Prospect Jr.

Jorden Thornton Hoffman Estates Sr.

Matt Ulrich Palatine Sr.

Danny Walsh St. Viator Sr.

Jack Vaselaney Buffalo Grove Soph.

Ben Weber Barrington Sr.

Fulton Wingba Elk Grove Sr.

* All-area team captain

Honorable mentionMark Cabrera (Christian Liberty), Jordan Castro (Christian Liberty), Julian Dones (Maine West), Dylan Draka (Wheeling), Adam Guerrrero (Leyden), Kyle Hammarlund (St. Viator), Tyree Howard (Elk Grove), Bradley Hubley (Elk Grove), Mark Milligan (Hersey), Johnny O'Shea (Palatine), Kameron Powell (Schaumburg), Joey Pinakidis (Buffalo Grove), Ben Schols (Conant), Jack Schoessling (Rolling Meadows), Kevin Starr (Hersey), David Swedura (Prospect), Charlie Van Dyke (Palatine), Brandon Vinson (Conant)

Special mentionColin Calcagno (Buffalo Grove), Mac Camardo (Buffalo Grove), Ryan Caulfield (Wheeling), Marc Clark (St. Viator), Zach Cooper (Hersey), Brian Dompke (Fremd), Antonio Gardner (Prospect), Jackson Perkins (Barrington), Chris Refka (Palatine), Jason Schoo (Schaumburg), Ethan Small (Barrington), Jovone Stricker (Palatine), Patrck Szpir (Wheeling), Roy Vizcarra (Leyden), Matt Wojcik (Rolling Meadows)

Selections and profiles by Dick Quagliano

Sotos - gym-rat Jimmy, that is - thriving at Conant

TJ Best
Joe Coffaro
Ryan Davis
Michael Downing
Joe Gatziolis
Brandon Hall
Frankie Mack
Jared Murphy
Payton Kim
Aaron Kline
Will Reinhard
Kyle Sliwa
Jimmy Sotos
Jake Stepuszek
Matt Szuba
Jorden Thornton
Matt Ulrich
Danny Walsh
Jack Vaselaney
Ben Weber
Fulton Wingba
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