Scouting Vernon Hills

CENTRAL SUBURBAN LEAGUE NORTH

VERNON HILLS

Coach: Matt McCarty (14th season)

Last year: 14-16 (6-6 North Suburban Conference)

Last year's tournament finish: Lost in regional championship to Ridgewood, 52-45.

Key players lost: G Michael Dougherty

Key players returning: G Jack O'Connell, sr., F Jack Forester, sr., G/F Chris Mariella, sr.

Newcomers: F/C Payton Foster, jr., F Dylan Webb, fr.

Outlook: The success of the Vernon Hills football team, which has advanced to the Class 5A state semifinals this weekend, has been the buzz all around campus. The one quiet place at Vernon Hills is boys basketball practice, because nearly half the team is comprised of football players. So the Cougars have been dealing with lighter numbers since the preseason began last week. "We have many fresh faces to the varsity squad and it is vital for us to become a cohesive unit as quickly as possible," Vernon Hills coach Matt McCarty said. "That may take some time since we have six football players that are still contributing on the gridiron. We look forward to developing as a team once we have our entire squad together." Vernon Hills lost four of five starters from last year. The one familiar face back is athletic point guard Jack O'Connell. He averaged 7 points and 2.5 assists per game last season. "He is a very solid ball handler and distributor," McCarty said of O'Connell. "We are looking for him to improve in the scoring column this season. He has worked hard to improve his overall game and I am certain the results will be seen on the court this winter." Forwards Jack Forester and Chris Mariella are seniors who will provide added leadership, and both are also solid 3-point shooters.

Opener: Monday, 7:30 p.m. vs. Montini at Northridge Prep