Scouting Fox Valley boys basketball

Aurora Central Catholic Chargers

Coach: Nathan Drye (15th year, 209-191)

Last year: 11-15, 6-6 in the Metro Suburban Blue Conference

Top returning players: Senior Jonas Cebulski (6-3 G/F); Juniors Sam Antkowiak (6-0 F), Chris Cartwright (5-10 G), Colin Dean (6-0 F), Jack Dunn (6-2 F)

Top newcomers: Senior Noah Padilla (5-11 G); Juniors Donovan Grunloh (6-1 G), Tony Lopresti (5-10 G); Sophomores Dylan Bryant (6-2 G), Danny Cwinski (6-2 G), Patrick Kermend (6-0 F), Brendan O'Brien (6-0 F), David Swenson (6-2 G)

Outlook: For the second straight year, the Chargers lost their leading scorer to graduation as Kyle Czerak has joined his older brother, Brett, as members of the Carthage College basketball team. Drye, who collected his 200th career victory last season, expects big production from Cebulski. "He's our best returning player and we need him to kind of carry the scoring load," said Drye. "He has made a tremendous leap from last year and has looked great so far." Grunloh is a shooting guard who transferred from Oswego East. "He's an excellent shooter and should be a big help," added Drye, whose team finished 9-7 in games decided by 10 points or less a year ago. Cwinski, meanwhile, will handle point guard duties. "He's athletic with a lot of skills but he'll have to fight through the learning process, especially early," said Drye. ACC begins its season Nov. 27 against IMSA at the Wilkie Tournament. "Eventually, I think we'll put the pieces together and have a pretty solid team," said the coach. "We don't have much size but I like our length which could make our zone (defense) pretty menacing."

Aurora Christian Eagles

Coach: Dan Beebe (3rd year, 46-11)

Last year: 25-2, 10-0 in the Northeastern Athletic Conference

Top returning players: Seniors Michael Cruger (6-4 F), Trey Madsen (5-10 G), Lawrence Nyong (6-4 F); Juniors Taaj Davis (6-1 G), Dylan Den Hartog (5-11 G), Karsen Olsen (5-9 G), Will Wolfe (6-7 G/F); Sophomore Jaeshon Thomas (6-2 G)

Top newcomers: Senior Thomas Williams (5-9 G); Juniors Kyle Henning (6-3 F), Josh Smoot (5-10 G); Sophomore Kelvin Hartley (6-7 F/C)

Outlook: Beebe admits his team will miss the presence and leadership provided by all-state guard Jake Wolfe, now playing at Nashville's Lipscomb University. "You don't try to replace a guy like that," said Beebe. "We'll try to figure out who can pick up certain pieces." A year ago, the Eagles won their first 21 games on the way to their second consecutive Class 1A sectional championship appearance. "The past is the past but I believe we can look back and learn from it," said Beebe. "We've been to the sectional finals the last two years but we've stubbed our toe each year. Hopefully we've learned what the state series is all about." Aurora Christian will try to top the 20-win plateau for the fifth straight season. "We don't shy away from that," said the coach. "I know we have a good team coming back." That group includes veterans Cruger, Davis, Thomas and Will Wolfe. "They have a good understanding of the game and our system," said Beebe. The Eagles, who moved to the Metro Suburban Blue, will battle the likes of ACC, Bishop McNamara, Chicago Christian, R-B and St. Francis for conference honors. "It's exciting because game in and game out it'll be a slugfest," said Beebe. Aurora Christian begins its season Nov. 20 against Pekin at the Tournament of Champions in downstate Washington. "We'll face a team from Utah that has a 7-foot-4 center (Utah-bound Matt Van Komen) in our second game."

Bartlett Hawks

Coach: Jim Wolfsmith (12th year, 198-130)

Last year: 17-13, 7-3 Upstate Eight Valley (2nd)

Top returning players: Seniors Austin Gates (6-3 F), Garrett Jurina (6-2 F), Nick Mansk (6-2 F), Jack Stuenkel (6-1 G), Nicholas Wolf (6-3 F)

Top newcomers: Senior Andrew Gronemeyer (6-3 F); Junior Liam Gallagher (5-10 G); Sophomores Hayden Angell (6-4 G), Alec Palella (6-4 F), Clark Lewis (5-7 G)

Outlook: Bartlett graduated three of five starters from a Class 4A regional championship team, but Gates returns. The multisport athlete - nine of 16 Bartlett players call basketball their second sport, Wolfsmith tweeted this week - will play point guard. "When you've got a guy who is 6-foot-4 and can handle and shoot it, you put the ball in his hands as much as possible," Wolfsmith said. Jurina cracked the starting five late last season and played well in the middle. Wolf saw minutes last season and started a sectional semifinal against Benet in place of the injured Jurina. Stuenkel returns to the program after sitting out a year. He was one of the best shooters on the sophomore level two years ago, his coach said. Mansk is coming off a successful football season. Gallagher is another football player with explosive athletic ability. The roster includes three sophomores. Palella, who also played varsity football, is a "high motor" player who missed most of his freshman basketball season due to injury, Wolfsmith said. Angell is an athletic slasher comparable to Gates when he was a sophomore, his coach said. Lewis is a promising point guard. There is enough height to play big with 6-3, 6-4 across the board. Or the Hawks can go small with 5-10 guards in the up-tempo style Bartlett has played the last couple of years. "This group fits well together and we can play lots of styles," Wolfsmith said. "It's a deep team. Tryouts and practices have been very competitive. They've gotten after it and worked hard. I like the talent we are returning, but we are inexperienced at the varsity level. We might take some early season lumps until we figure it out by the end of the year."

Batavia Bulldogs

Coach: Jim Nazos (7th year, 91-82, 19th overall, 269-234)

Last year: 21-9, 7-5 Upstate Eight River (T-3rd)

Top returning players: Seniors Aiden Carlson (6-4 F), Reese Carlson (6-4 F), Jack Carlson (5-10 G), Ethan Neibch (5-10 G), Joe Oroni (6-0 G), Jack Myers (6-2 G), Zach Weber (6-4 F), Marko Yager (6-7 F); Juniors Jayden Johnson (6-6 G/F),

Top newcomers: Juniors Devin Cheaney (6-8 F/C), Tyler Cooper (6-1 G), Josh Costello (6-4 F), Kevin Farbisz (5-11 160), Charlie Grimm (5-10 G), Ian Konsbruck (6-0 G/F), Andrew Konsbruck (6-0 G/F)

Outlook: Batavia basketball gets off to a staggered start. Seven players will swell the ranks when football ends: Jack Carlson, Neibch, Oroni, Myers, Weber, Cheaney and Cooper "It'll take a few weeks here before we're us, but by Christmas I think we will be," Nazos said. Johnson returns to lead the way. As a sophomore, the all-area forward scored 13.1 ppg, shot 53 percent from the field and 41 percent from 3-point range. He holds an offer from Southern Illinois and has the interest of several more, according to Nazos. He said the 6-foot-6, 200-pound prospect has developed as a defender and ballhandler and honed the ability to post up. Early on, the starting lineup will likely include Johnson, Yager in the post, twins Aiden and Reese Carlson and Grimm at point guard. Nazos said sophomore point guard Luke Fehrenbacher will be brought up temporarily to provide depth at the point until the football players return. Do the Bulldogs have what it takes to challenge for the top spot in the new DuKane Conference? "I think we're balanced," Nazos said. "We have some guys inside and some people outside who will shoot it decently again. Some guys are not that well known because they were behind very good players last year, but they are better than what people might think. Guys are kind of ready to make their own name."

Burlington Central Rockets

Coach: Brett Porto (10th year, 171-87)

Last year: 28-4, 12-0 Kishwaukee River (1st)

Top returning players: Seniors Logan Andersen (6-0 G), Adam Finstein (5-9 G), Patrick Mayfield (6-5 G), Kyle Moring (6-0 F), Brandon Seyller (6-0 G); Juniors Joshua Hudgens (6-5 F), Jake Lenschow (6-3 G)

Top newcomers: Seniors Isaiah Bell (5-6 G), Josiah Blakley (5-5 G); Juniors Kyle Fischer (5-10 G), Edward Wells (5-8 G); Freshmen Gavin Sarvis (5-11 G), Zac Schmidt (6-2 G)

Outlook: Program all-time leading scorer Zach Schutta was among several key players to graduate from a sectional finalist that lost to Rockford Boylan by a basket. Nevertheless, the Rockets return a strong nucleus, headed by Mayfield and Lenschow. Mayfield was an all-area selection as a junior when he averaged 17 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.7 assists, shot 42 percent from 3-point range and 76 percent from the free-throw line. Lenschow averaged 4.6 points and 3.3 rebounds and is expected to take on a larger role as a junior. "Patrick and Jake are probably our two main ballhandlers and both are 6-foot-4," Porto said. "Not many teams have two good ballhandlers that size. The break will look different, but I think it will be pretty effective because of those guys' ability." Seyller will see regular playing time after averaging 1.4 points and 1.3 rebounds as a junior. Moring (3.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg) played in 16 games last year and Hudgens (2.7 ppg) played in 6. Both join the starting lineup this season, Porto said. Freshmen Sarvis and Schmidt are both physically ready to play varsity basketball and will contribute, Central's coach said. Can the Kishwaukee River Conference champs defend their title in their final season in the league before departing for the Fox Valley Conference in 2019-20? Said Porto: "I'm sure people around the area and in our conference saw we lost a lot of seniors, but with the guys we have returning and some of the things we've been working on in the summer I think it could be another successful year. I don't know how we'll be from a win-loss standpoint, but I don't see why this group can't be competitive and make a run in the postseason."

Cary-Grove Trojans

Coach: Adam McCloud (3rd year)

Last year: 14-14, 8-8 FVC

Top returning players: Seniors Ryan Rice (6-2, F), Dave Aulert (6-5, F), Addison West (6-4, C); Juniors Beau Frericks (6-1, G), Frank Jakubicek (6-8, F)

Top newcomers: Senior LJ Waco (6-2, F); Juniors Dan Sowa (6-3, G), Clark Cunningham (5-10, G); Sophomore Ryan Weaver (6-2, G)

Outlook: Jakubicek averaged 11 points and 7 rebounds a contest last year. He plays for the Illinois Wolves AAU team and coach Adam McCloud noted he's already had an offer from DePaul. Frericks, a member of Team RWA on the AAU circuit, returns after averaging 11 points last year. The 6-4, 280-pound West is a Western Michigan football recruit. Cary-Grove returns six seniors (Waco did not play last year). McCloud labels Jakubicek and Frericks as two of the best juniors in the area who both competed at the national AAU level. "We had a strong summer installing new offensive and defensive philosophies," he said. "We're looking to compete to win the Fox Valley and regional championships." McCloud said the bar has been raised higher with Jakubicek, Frericks and West having started last year. "We have significant depth adding junior perimeter players Dan Sowa, Drew Szydlo (6-2), Clark Cunningham and Ryan Weaver," he said. "We will play a faster brand of basketball this season with 10 players who will see minutes." McCloud said Crystal Lake Central, Huntley and Jacobs look to be top-tier contenders in the FVC.

Crystal Lake South Gators

Coach: Matt LePage

Last year: 12-16, 7-9 Fox Valley (fifth place)

Top returning players: Seniors Matt Reall (6-5, F), Ben Geske (5-11, G), Ryan Lawson (6-0, G); Junior Tyler Miller (6-2, G)

Top newcomers: Juniors Tom Wolek (6-4, F), Ian Gorken (5-11, G); Sophomore Casey Haskin (6-6, F)

Outlook: Reall (7 ppg, 5 rpg), Geske (third year in varsity) and Larson all started last season for the Gators, while Miller also started some games. "We return six players from last season so we have some experience coming back, especially our major ballhandlers," said LePage. "We will be a very balanced team that should be able to have many different contributors each game. We have some medium size length that should help us defensively." LePage likes the team's balanced offensive approach, "with the goal of taking good care of the ball and understanding shot selection." That group of returning players also is strong on the defensive front. "I like the way our returners defend, so getting the newcomers up to speed will be crucial," said LePage. The coach said keys to success will be senior leadership and how fast the Gators' younger players can adjust to varsity competition. LePage sees a "very competitive" FVC from top to bottom. "Hopefully, we'll be in the mix," he said.

Dundee-Crown Chargers

Coach: Lance Huber (16th year, 195-220)

Last year: 17-13, 11-5 Fox Valley (T-2nd)

Top returning players: Seniors Damarion Butler (5-10, G), Logan Frey (6-1, F), Jordan Hairston (6-1, W), Robby Krueger (6-0, G), Jack Michalski (6-4, F), Josh Raby (6-5, F), Matthew Shydlowski (5-6, G), Brad Stec (6-6, F); Junior Trayvon Hatcher (5-7, G)

Top newcomers: Juniors Ryan Hodor (6-4, F), Kyle Huber (5-10, G), Vincent Mercado (5-6, G), Douglas Miller Jr. (6-1, G), Justin Prusko (6-6, C); Freshman Kennon Cook (6-1, W)

Outlook: Six players return to the rotation from a team that defeated rival Jacobs to win Dundee-Crown's first regional title since 2009. Multisport athlete Butler returns at point guard. Energy player Michalski runs the floor well and rebounds, according to Huber, who called Stec "as solid as they come, a high school basketball player that gets the most out of himself." Hairston is a strong defender who can make tough shots. Raby, the school's quarterback this fall, might have been D-C's best player down the stretch last season. He was instrumental in playoff victories over higher seeds St. Charles East and Jacobs. Hatcher, a junior, is another good defender who worked on becoming a better shooter in the off-season, his coach said. Krueger played minutes last year when Raby missed time due to an injury. Shydlowski is "the ultimate teammate," Huber said, and Frey knows what it takes to compete. Prusko and Hodor add size to the lineup and will get minutes. The Chargers should be in the mix to win a wide-open race in the Fox Valley Conference. "I think if we stay healthy and we continue to do the things we need to do to get better, we'll let the chips kind of fall where they may," Huber said. "But we have to figure out our identity. Jack (Orndahl) and Gabe (Bergeron) graduated and we have guys in different roles. We'll have to see how soon the juniors can step up and be a contributing factor. I think we have some guys who can play. It's just a matter of if we're going to take the steps necessary to compete."

Elgin Maroons

Coach: David Hess (1st year)

Last year: 11-18, 2-10 Upstate Eight River (6th)

Top returning players: Seniors Kamarr Banks (5-10, G), Kejuan Harvey (5-10, G/F), Joe Hoberg (5-7, G), Ryan Lim (6-1, F), Laroyce Montgomery (5-8, G), Trey Yarber (6-3, G); Juniors Xavier Bonds (5-10, G)

Top newcomers: Seniors James Mabry (6-3, F), Cameron Muller (6-5, F/C), Z'Kwan Stewart (6-1, F), Kefonte Taylor (6-0, F); Juniors Prem Patel (5-8, G), Christopher Toolsie (5-8, G); Sophomores Giovoni Griffin (5-10, G), Darien Jackson (5-9, G), Jeffrey Lomax (6-4, F)

Outlook: Elgin basketball transitions to a new coach in Hess. He coached sophomores the last six years at Stevenson, where he helped develop the Patriots' read-and-react offense. He brings that positionless system to Elgin, which fits the style of play of Yarber and Bonds. Yarber can shoot and score. Bonds is an aggressive defender who can attack the rim, his coach said. Banks is a hard worker who will be in the mix. Hess said he is excited about Harvey, who he called "a great leader with a great work ethic who is competitive and brings toughness." The Maroons add two seniors who did not play last year. Mabry is an athletic slasher who can dunk. Muller has been improving steadily since the Summer and provides height in the middle at 6-5. Senior transfers Stewart and Taylor should contribute along with sophomores Jackson, Lomax and Griffin. Jackson has speed; He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. Lomax (6-foot-8 wingspan) can run the floor, rebound and dunk. Griffin is a good shooter with good strength for a sophomore, his coach said. The Maroons' first order of business is to improve their standing in the realigned 10-team Upstate Eight Conference. The Maroons finished 2-10 in the final season of UEC River Division play. "We definitely want to improve on that with not a lot of experience coming back," Hess said. "West Aurora is very good and Larkin went downstate last yer. If we can compete in our conference, we can compete at the highest levels. Elgin has a great tradition and that's what attracted me to it. The guys are passionate. Those types of players thrive in my system. That's what we want."

Elgin Academy Hilltoppers

Coach: Rick Williams (3rd year, 9-40)

Last year: 5-22, 0-12 in the Independent League

Top returning players: Seniors Noah Townsend (G), Colin Konicek (G); Juniors Cameron Agno (G), Christian Rodriguez (G)

Top newcomers: Junior Ryan Ulrichs (6-3 F); Sophomore Joseph Hargrave (6-4 F); Freshman Elijah Pegues (F)

Outlook: Williams feels his team has the ability to put its best foot forward on a daily basis. "Talent aside, we know that we can control our effort in practice and in games," said the coach. "We have a really great group of 10 to 12 athletes who are excited about working hard and playing hard. We hope to establish ourselves as one of the hardest playing teams in (Class) 1A basketball." The Hilltoppers have put in the work over the summer months. "We have had a very active offseason in the weight room and getting shots up - something we have not been able to say in the past," added Williams. The four veterans figure to provide an on-court presence for the younger players. "With Colin (Konicek) and Christian (Rodriguez) setting the tone defensively, and Cameron (Agno) and Noah (Townsend) controlling the pace with their solid handles, Elgin Academy basketball should be able to compete locally." According to the coach, Pegues "has a ton of raw potential," and will ease into varsity competition as a freshman. The Hilltoppers open their season Nov. 20 against Indian Creek. "Our conference will always be difficult considering the enrollment disparity (112 students attend Elgin Academy) between us and the other schools in the conference but our goal is to steal a few wins whenever we can get them," said Williams.

Geneva Vikings

Coach: Scott Hennig (2nd year, 19-13)

Last year: 19-13, 7-5 Upstate Eight River (4th)

Top returning players: Seniors Daniel Belzer (6-4, F), Ben Johlie (6-0, G), Ben Johnson (6-2, F), Garth Kross (6-5, F), Mitch Mascari (6-5, F), Jack McDonald (5-11, PG), Mark Riley (6-2, G), Reilly Waldoch (6-3, F); Junior Josh Preston (6-3, F)

Top newcomers: Senior Garrett Sneed (G, 5-10); Sophomore Mason Mascari (6-3, G)

Outlook: McDonald (14.6 ppg) and Mascari (13.6 ppg) were Geneva's top two scorers a year ago. McDonald is an elite ball distributor who averages 6.8 assists per game. He set the program record for assists midway through his junior season and shot 85 percent from the free throw line. Mascari is one of the area's best outside shooters. He shot 44.3 parent from 3-point range (74 of 167) and 82.5 percent from the free-throw line (52 of 63). He led the Vikings with 4.6 rebounds per game. Garth returns to the starting lineup after averaging 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds last year. Waldoch (3.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg) is a physical presence in the paint. Preston contributed 3.6 points and 2.8 rebounds as a sophomore. Johlie, Riley, Johnson and Belzer all return. Sneed rejoins the basketball program after a year away. Mason Mascari joins the team as a sophomore. Geneva lost a good shooter when Nate Santos transferred to a prep school for his junior season. He averaged 4.5 points and 2.3 rebounds a year ago. "Losing Santos hurts us but we have a lot back, good kids," Hennig said. "Our strength is our perimeter attack with Jack and Mitch with the ball in their hands and we have others returning at guard. We don't have that 6-foot-8 kid but we have five or six kids who are 6-4, 6-5 so we have good size across the board. I think we have the best backcourt in the conference but at the end of the day you need five guys playing Geneva basketball. Having Jack and Mitch starting for three years is phenomenal but we have a long way to go."

Hampshire Whip-Purs

Coach: Ben Whitehouse (4th year, 23-64)

Last year: 5-24, 1-15 Fox Valley (9th)

Top returning players: Seniors Bryce Anderson (5-10, G), Justin Anderson (6-3, F), AJ Bishop (6-0,), Thomas Dumoulin (5-11, F), Kyle Johnson (6-0, G), Marcus Lazar (6-1, G), J.D. Shaw (6-3, F); Junior Collin Woods (6-5, G)

Top newcomers: Juniors Nicholas Erickson (6-7, C), Jackson Milison (6-3, G), Jeremy Rosa Jr (6-5, F); Sophomore J.T. Parreno (5-9, G); Freshman Keynan Davis (6-2, G)

Outlook: Hampshire was more competitive last season than its final record made it appear. By Whitehouse's count, the Whip-Purs lost nine contests in which they either led or trailed a one-possession game in the final two minutes. The hope is a better off-season approach by motivated players pays dividends in the win column. "We were that close to winning 14-15 games, so the kids put in a lot more work in the off-season," Whitehouse said. "Guys are buying in better." Woods, Shaw and Justin Anderson return to the starting lineup. Woods led the Whip-Purs last year with 10 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Justin Anderson put on 15 pounds of muscle, developed a more consistent shot and gained interest from small-college programs after a successful AAU season, his high school coach said. Shaw is a versatile player who can guard in the post or bring the ball up. In fact, versatility is an overall team strength for a team with good height. Whitehouse said the Whips should be able to invert defenses because their inside players can play outside and their bigger, stronger guards can score inside. Defensively, such versatility should allow for perimeter switches. Will it be enough to turn the close games in Hampshire's favor this time around? "We have a very deep group, a hungry group that is out to prove how good we can be," Whitehouse said. "Last year, we talked the talk but we weren't able to walk it. This group is doing a lot less talking but wants to go out there and prove they are capable of challenging for conference and making a push in the playoffs in 4A."

Harvest Christian Lions

Coach: Bryan Bradshaw (2nd year, 19-9)

Last year: 19-9, 8-2 Northeastern Athletic Conference

Top returning players: Seniors: Grant Young (6-0, PG), Payton Kasper (6-0, SG), Nolan Boyce (6-4, PF), Jack Nohava (6-6, PF-C), Brock Wilken (6-4, PF-C); Juniors: Nate Boldog (5-11, SG), Caden Zerby (6-2, PF); Sophomores: Matt Ellett (5-10, SG), Brandon Keeran (5-10, SG)

Top newcomer: Senior: Gabe Garza (5-9, SG)

Outlook: In an area dotted with large enrollments, Harvest Christian will look to make some noise in Class 1A this winter. Nohava is one of three returning starters for the Lions this season. Bradshaw has grand hopes for the senior who alternates between Nos. 4 and 5 in basketball speak. "I expect our game to flow through (Nohava)," Bradshaw said. "He has really responded well in developing a jumper. I expect him to do a lot in scoring and leadership." Nohava averaged 16 points per game a season ago. Young orchestrates the Lions' offense from the point-guard position; the senior was also in double figures last year at 10 points a contest. Kasper, the Lions' off-guard, is the third returning starter. Harvest Christian will no longer have to contend with Aurora Christian, the last undefeated team in Chicagoland last season, as the Eagles have moved to the Metro Suburban. "We lost to (Aurora Christian) three times last year," Bradshaw said. "With Aurora gone (from the conference), I think that opens (the championship) up for us, Westminster and Mooseheart." In its youthful history as an IHSA member school, Harvest Christian has one regional championship. "We want to be the best that we can be," Bradshaw said. "I want to see us take strides in the right direction."

Huntley Red Raiders

Coach: Will Benson (5th year, 33-84; 11th year overall, 79-153)

Last year: 6-23, 2-14 Fox Valley (8th)

Top returning players: Seniors Nathan Draper (6-2, G/F), Nolan Engmann (6-2, F), Blake Ottaviano (6-0, F), David Pasco (6-0, G), Patrick Roppolo (5-11, G), Ryan Sroka (6-4, G); Juniors Ryan Crosby (5-7, G), Uchenna Egekeze (6-3, G),

Top newcomers: Juniors Rafael De La Paz (5-10, G), Luke DeFrancesca (6-6, C), Zachery Fitzgerald (6-2, G), Nikolas Mendoza (6-0, G/F), Hunter French (6-1, G), Josh Guyer (5-11, G), Ryan Vrugt (5-10, G), Brock Tinsley (6-1, G),

Outlook: Huntley returns six of the top eight players from a year ago. Sroka was the team's leading rebounder and second-leading scorer. Egekeze finished third in scoring and second in cumulative rebounding despite missing 5 games. They started along with Pasco and Roppolo. Crosby played significant minutes off the bench last season and Ottaviano was part of the rotation. Draper begins the season healthy for the first time in three seasons and is expected to contribute, Benson said. Engmann (240 pounds) will be tough to block out. "I feel better about this group moving forward in terms of athleticism, skill, buying in and the consistency of the roster, which we haven't always had," Benson said. "The kids are ready. We just have to go out there and prove it to everybody and ourselves." The Huntley coaching staff has been stressing the importance of wins and losses as they translate to eventual seeds in holiday tournaments and the state playoffs. "My message is that every game matters," Benson said. "I'll probably turn it into a hashtag because we need to understand that. If you want to win a regional championship, it's easier to do if you only have to win two games instead of three. You've got to win enough games to get out of that third game if you can. Every game during the season matters."

Jacobs Golden Eagles

Coach: Jimmy Roberts (6th year, 118-33; 9th year overall 137-96)

Last year: 25-4, 16-0 Fox Valley (1st)

Top returning players: Seniors Keshaun Lyons (6-2, F), Matt McCoy (6-0, G), Jalen Ramsey (5-9, G); Junior Jaden Henderson (6-4, G)

Top newcomers: Juniors Riley "RJ" Anderson (6-3, F), Andrew Balkcom (6-0, G), Daniel Goldberg (6-2, F), Brock Lewis (5-10, G); Sophomores Daniel Destin (5-9, G), James Hayes (G, 5-10), Zach Leahy (5-11, G), Matthew Lodi (6-4, F), Robert Pennel (6-0, G), Max Stec (6-2, F)

Outlook: Jacobs retools following the graduation of five starters who led the program to a fourth-straight Fox Valley Conference title. The 2018-19 roster includes three seniors. Only McCoy (4.4 ppg) and Henderson (2.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg) played regularly last year. Henderson started the last eight games as a sophomore in place of an injured senior. Roberts said Henderson "has a chance to be special." The 14-man roster includes five juniors and six sophomores. "More so than any of our five previous years it's our biggest turnover, if you will," Roberts said. "Matt and Jaden are the only two guys back with varsity experience, but we have a bunch of kids who can play." Ramsey did not see significant minutes last year but could be "extremely valuable" this season, his coach said. Jacobs will be without 6-foot-8, 295-pound senior Joacheim "Joey" Price. He injured a knee playing football. Price recently committed to play football at Western Michigan. The Golden Eagles enter the season on a 26-game FVC winning streak after going 51-1 in league games over the last four years. That pace might prove difficult to match for such a young team, but the bar remains high. "Our goals and our expectations remain the same," Roberts said. "To the kids' credit, they wouldn't have it any other way. We know youth brings on certain challenges and things like that. We're trying really hard not to compare to last year or any previous years because we've been fortunate to be very good and put up some guady numbers the last few years. Our goal is to be what we've been the last few years and continue on, but in our league you don't have to go 16-0 to be in the mix"

Kaneland Knights

Coach: Russ Zick (39th season overall, 597-458)

Last year: 11-19, 4-9 Northern Illinois Big 12 East (3rd)

Top returning players: Seniors Luke Brost (6-4, C), Wyatt Peeler (6-2, F), Brett Wallner (6-2, G); Juniors Gavin Cano (G), Will Cushman (G), Brett David (6-0, G)

Top newcomers: Seniors Chase Carlson (6-2, C), Chris Angelotti (6-0, G), Kyle Angelotti (6-0, G); Juniors Ben Durbala (G), Ethan Feiza (C/F), Derek Vaca (6-5, C)

Outlook: Coaching experience? New Kaneland boss Russ Zick epitomizes it after 38 consecutive seasons as a high school basketball coach at Scales Mound (1980-84), Paxton-Buckley-Loda (1984-98), Rochelle (1998-2011) and Ashton-Franklin Center (2011-2017). The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association hall-of-fame inductee owns a 597-458 career record and ranks 38th on the IHSA career wins list. Zick still teaches part time at Rochelle. He wanted to remain a high school basketball coach after resigning from Ashton-Franklin Center last spring. "I just love it," he said of coaching. "I know the norm is to go do something else, but I told my wife this is too much fun." The new coach said Peeler, Cushman and David have stood out in practice, Brost and Feiza are playing well inside and Wallner will be a major contributor. He also said the 13-man roster is remarkably equal from a talent standpoint so fitting the pieces together will take time, but the Knights hope to get there by February. "You'd think with all this experience I'd be able to predict better, but it's going to be an evolving team as we continue to figure out what we've got," Zick said. "Our realistic goal is by regional time I'd like to be the best team in it, even if our record may not show it."

Larkin Royals

Coach: Deryn Carter (10th year, 146-115)

Last year: 24-10, 11-1 Upstate Eight River (1st); Finished fourth in Class 4A

Top returning players: Seniors Pierre Black (6-0, G), Trevell Cooks (5-6, G), Victor Perez (6-1, F), Christopher Rose (5-9, G);

Anthony Ramirez (6-1, G), Jashon Johnson-Neals (6-1, G)

Top newcomers: Juniors Jashon Johnson-Neals (6-1, F/C) Mirko Sarovic (5-11, G), Mashari Brumfield (6-4, F) Marcus Green (6-2, G); Sophomores DJ Jones (5-11, G), Sebastian Derrios (5-10, G), Trace Boley (6-2, F); Freshman Damari Wheeler-Thomas (5-10, G)

Outlook: Fans of up-tempo, high-energy basketball will enjoy watching Larkin basketball this season; The Royals intend to push the pace. Larkin lacks the inside presence it enjoyed the last five seasons with either 6-foot-10 Jalen Shaw or 6-6 Christian Negron. "We'll be back to those teams where we were pressing and running up and down the floor and causing as much chaos as possible," Carter said. "That's who we have to be to have success. I want to play real fast, try to penetrate and kick, get out and pressure, which is what the reputation of our program has become anyway." Senior guard Pierre Black returns for his third varsity season. He was the third-leading scorer on the team that placed fourth in Class 4A after shooting 39.5 percent from 3-point range (85 of 215). Perez played 11 minutes in the state semifinal against Bellville West but will be asked to score. Perez will also be assigned to defend the other team's best scorer most nights, Carter said. Rose is a defensive stopper on the wing who has good court vision and can make plays in transition. Neals put up gaudy statistics while developing at the sophomore level. He will play center right away. Green, a transfer from Indiana, will be in the rotation off the bench. He can make plays off the dribble and create for teammates, Carter said. Larkin's coach called point guard Wheeler-Thomas "one of the best freshmen around." The young ballhandler won't be the only underclassman on the roster. "A third of this team is freshmen and sophomores, so you're not going to be as good right now as you will be later in the season," Carter said. "It's really important that our leaders keep us focused so we can continue to improve and keep the big picture at hand."

Marmion Cadets

Coach: Tony Young (second year, 9-19)

Last year: 9-19, 2-6 in the Chicago Catholic League White

Top returning players: Seniors Ryan McMahon (6-3, SF), Tim Pecharich (5-9, PG), Daniel Pleckham (5-10, SG), Jonathon Reid (6-3, PF), Thomas Surges (6-0, SG); Juniors Griffin Bohr (6-0, PG), Henry Doroff (5-8, PG), Connor Jenig (6-0, SG), Nathan Johnson (6-3, C), Carlos Liz (6-0, SG), Quinn Rollins (6-1, SF); Sophomore Nick Reid (6-0, SG)

Top newcomer: Freshman Sean Kavanaugh (6-1, SF)

Outlook: Young certainly has the pedigree to be a coach after being a mainstay on the Schaumburg Class AA state-championship team from 2001, followed by a Division-I career at Southern Illinois University. Young will look to mold a young team this winter in the ultra-competitive Catholic League. "I didn't want to measure our year on wins and losses," Young said of last year. "We're still working. I expect my team to play hard. They're still learning as well. I am trying to set a certain culture." Young is blunt when assessing the upcoming season. "We have no bigs," Young said. As a result, Young expects rebounding to be a major emphasis. Jonathon Reid and Surges are the Cadets' two returning starters. Marmion may seek to confound its opponents this winter. "Being a smaller team allows you to be a little more flexible," Young said. "We're trying to do things the right way. We have to trust each other. I think we will be all right."

St. Charles East Saints

Coach: Patrick Woods (126-74, 8th year at St. Charles East; 223-221, 16th year overall)

Last year: 18-10, 6-6 in the Upstate Eight River

Top returning players: Seniors Cody Mitchell (6-7 F), Nate Ortiz (6-3 G), Mark Musial (6-5 G), Jake Champine (6-3 G/F); Junior Aidan Sullivan (6-4 F).

Top newcomers: Juniors Luke Matheny (6-0 G), Zack Clodi (6-0 G); Sophomore Tommy Craven (6-0 G)

Outlook: Four-year starting forward and leading scorer Justin Hardy graduated and is now playing at Washington University (St. Louis) but the cupboard isn't empty. Ortiz averaged 11.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game last year while shooting 44 percent from 3-point range. "He is our motor and one of our leaders," said Woods. "He has great quickness and lateral speed, and he's a workhorse on and off the court - 5.1 GPA." Ortiz often matches up against opponents' top scoring threats. Mitchell, who grew 3 inches in the offseason, averaged 4.2 points and 4.3 rebounds as a junior. "I expect to see his output triple," said Woods. "He has the ability to shoot the three and finish inside." Musial can light it up from beyond the arc, evidenced by his 51 percent 3-point shooting numbers from a year ago. "He has a world of potential and can make us more dangerous than people expect," added Woods. Matheny, Clodi and Craven should strengthen the Saints' backcourt. "Luke led our 2021 class to 44 wins the past two years and Tommy could be a possible starter for us this season. He can handle the ball incredibly well and get to the hoop as well as distribute." The junior class won 20 or more games each of the last two seasons. The Saints, who open their own Thanksgiving tourney Nov. 19 against Hampshire, also await play in the new DuKane Conference. "It'll be a challenge night in and night out, and if we're not ready to play, we'll lose," said Woods.

St. Charles North North Stars

Coach: Tom Poulin (13th year, 194-143)

Last year: 17-11, 9-3 in the Upstate Eight River

Top returning players: Seniors Billy Durocher (6-3 F), Tyler Czerniak (6-0 G), Lucas Heflen (6-2 G), Connor Linke (6-9 C), Luke Scheffers (6-1 G)

Top newcomers: Juniors Christian Czerniak (6-0 G), Thomas Kellen (6-3 G/F), Colin Nelson (6-2 G), Justinas Sapiega (6-7 F); Sophomore Nick DeMarco (5-11 G); Freshman Max Love (6-3 G)

Outlook: When you graduate your entire starting lineup, including 3-year standout Kyle King (now a preferred walk-on at Purdue), from a year ago, there obviously leaves plenty of decisions - and opportunities. "There are a lot of question marks - a lot of questions that need to be answered," said Poulin. "However, I believe that people will like this team - the community will like to watch these guys play." While Scheffers and Heflen received the most playing time as reserves last season, Poulin also expects big-time contributions from Durocher and Linke. "Billy (Durocher) had a very nice summer and Connor (Linke) really improved." Durocher, DeMarco and Kellen will have to knock off the rust as they are members of the North Stars' Class 7A football team playing in this weekend's state semifinals. "I'm not sure what type of start we'll have - it'll be a process," said Poulin. "We may be a bit under the radar but our guys truly believe they'll prove themselves right." Already facing a grueling nonconference schedule that includes Benet Academy, St. Joseph, Stevenson, Jacobs, Rock Island, Moline and the always-rugged Pontiac Holiday Tournament, the North Stars prepare to begin a new chapter in the inaugural season of the DuKane Conference. "There will be no nights off but I think it'll be fun to play in this conference." St. Charles North opens its season Nov. 21 against Minooka at North Central College.

St. Edward Green Wave

Coach: Andy Zielinski (1st year at St. Edward; 4th year overall, 57-27)

Last year: 20-9, 8-4 Metro Suburban Red (3rd)

Top returning players: Seniors David Hill (6-0, G), Jake Kaufman (5-8, G), Daniel Parks (5-11, G); Juniors Sebastian Oquendo (5-9, G)

Top newcomers: Seniors Gio Gonnella C (6-1, G), Dominc Szpila (5-8, G), Ben Lococo (6-2, F), Massimo Ranallo (5-10, G); Juniors Luke Breier (5-10, G), Aidan Franklin (6-2, F) JT McGuire (6-0, G), Evan Sajtar (6-3, F); Sophomores Erik Hill (6-0, G) Jackson Godfrey (6-3, F)

Outlook: Change is in the air. St. Edward transitions to a new coach in a realigned division of the Metro Suburban Conference. Former Westminster Christian coach Zielinski will guide the Green Wave through a revamped MSC Red Division that includes Wheaton Academy, Fenton, Elmwood Park, Guerin, Timothy Christian and Ridgewood. St. Edward will be a work in progress. Parks is the lone returning starter and he underwent knee surgery in April. David Hill and Oquendo are the only other players who saw much playing time. The program gains a key contributor in Gonnella, a transfer from Schaumburg. Zielinski calls him "a good leader, a slasher who plays defense and gets after it." Soccer goalie Evan Sajtar joins the varsity as one of St. Edward's tallest players along with Godfrey (6-3). Godfrey and fellow sophomore Erik Hill will be important contributors. The younger Hill can shoot it and will be asked to pick up some of the scoring load, his coach said. Much depends on who fills the leadership and scoring voids left by the graduation of four starters from a 20-win team. The effort in practice has impressed the new coach. "These kids get after it," said Zielinski, who will face his former team in the second game of the season at the Westminster Christian Thanksgiving Tournament. "They compete. Practices are tough, which is good. That part of it I like. We have one returning starter and a lot of youth, so we're going to take our lumps here and there. By the end of the season I hope we're playing our best." St. Edward plays Chicago Christian at the United Center on Jan. 2 before the Chicago Bulls face Orlando.

South Elgin Storm

Coach: Brett Johnson (3rd year, 34-23)

Last year: 16-13, 5-5 Upstate Eight Valley (3rd)

Top returning players: Seniors Trace Ashby (6-0, G), Alex Errington (6-6, F/C), Cody Gallagher (5-10, G), Elijah Lee (5-8,), Oreale Luckett-Ware (6-2, F), Drake Montgomery (6-3, G), Vincent Miszkiewicz (6-7, F), Mark Petras (6-0, G), Jace Warrick (6-3, F)

Top newcomers: Juniors Derryl Barnes Jr. (6-0, G), Ryan Harvey (6-3, F), Moses Montgomery (6-2, F), Nicholas Rivera (6-0, G), Joseph Zdybel (6-4, F); Sophomores Aaron Wafford (5-10, G); Freshmen Drew Cwik (6-1, F), Lane McVicar (6-1, F), Kendis Wiley (6-2, G)

Outlook: Dynamic returnees Miszkiewicz and Montgomery will give Upstate Eight opponents headaches. Miszkiewicz led the Storm in scoring (16.3), rebounding (12.3) and field-goal percentage (67.3). The all-area pick shot 80 percent from the line, blocked 3.7 shots per game and made 1.9 steals. He added 15 pounds of off-season muscle and will get more opportunities to play on the wing, more akin to his future college role, Johnson said. Montgomery averaged 15.1 points, 5.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds and shot 80 percent from the free-throw line. He has grown more physical, now plays above the rim and can throw it down two-handed off a 1-2 step, said his coach. Warrick was known as an outside shooter a year ago but has improved at driving and finishing at the rim, Johnson said. Gallagher did not play as a junior but earned a roster spot through hard work. Petras returns to basketball after missing last season due to injury. Johnson calls Rivera "a good on-ball defender" who plays bigger than his height. Zdybel, Luckett-Ware and Errington will all get opportunities in the post to earn playing time. Freshmen Cwik and McVicar will be in the mix and both have the potential to crack the starting lineup at some point, said Johnson, whose team returns to the Jacobs Holiday Tournament this season. The Storm should contend in the Upstate Eight and be a regional title threat. "I tell our guys we could do some special things this year but it's completely up to them," Johnson said. "I can put them in the position I think they will best benefit from, but they have to go out and do it daily. If we do, I don't see why we won't be successful."

Streamwood Sabres

Coach: Kent Payne (1st year)

Last year: 11-19, 0-12 Upstate Eight River (7th)

Top returning players: Seniors Brandon Christopher (6-1, G), Keenon Cole (6-7, F), Nick Droll (6-2, G), Nikola Sinik (6-6, F); sophomore Zack Marquez (5-10, G)

Top newcomers: Juniors Kozyae Wright (6-1, F), Luke Pentecost (6-1, F), John Rivera (5-9, G), Julian Contreras (5-9, G), Jeremy Lunz (5-9, G); Sophomores Kody White (5-8, G), Kyle Naybrun

Outlook: Payne returns to coach high school basketball for the first time in 22 years. The longtime Elgin Community College athletic director coached at Earlville (1985-86), St. Edward (1990-94) and Addison Trail (1994-96). Payne's St. Edward teams went 74-48, won four regional titles in four seasons, two sectionals and qualified for the 1991-92 class A state tournament. He has help with two young assistant coaches: Cully Payne and Nick Neari. Cully played at Iowa and Loyola after graduating from Schaumburg. Neari is a former all-Upstate Eight player from St. Charles North who played at Wisconsin-Parkside. They are teaching the Sabres an up-tempo style. Streamwood intends to play fast. "We're really trying to push the ball on makes and misses and pressure defensively," Kent Payne said. "How long we can pressure will depend on how many guys we can play, but our mantra is compete nonstop." The Sabres return Cole, committed to Northern Illinois, who enters his third varsity season. Last year, he led the Sabres to their best season in five years with team highs in scoring (14.9 ppg) and rebounding (7.8) and he blocked 2 shots per game. Payne said Cole will have the ball in his hands a lot in the new system. Sinik returns to add scoring punch. Marquez defends, is unselfish to a fault and has a high basketball IQ for a sophomore, his coach said. Droll is a good shooter who will be asked to guard bigger players. Juniors Wright and Pentecost and sophomores White and Naybrun will be in the mix for playing time as the Sabres look for better results after a winless UEC campaign last year. "Right now, we just want to be a tough out," Payne said. "I hope at the end of every ballgame that they have really competed, they are getting better and they are entertaining. I think our style of play is going to be unique."

West Aurora Blackhawks

Coach: Brian Johnson (4th year, 54-32; 10th year overall, 153-100)

Last year: 25-5, 10-0 Upstate Eight Valley (1st)

Top returning players: Seniors Traevon Brown (6-0, PG), Moshe Rogers (6-3, F), Hezekiah Salter (6-2, F)

Top newcomers: Senior Cameron Kalmas (6-3, F), Marquise Walker (6-0, G); Juniors Kelvin Balfour (6-3, F), Dimitrios Bazos (6-4, F), Logan Mont (5-8, G), Axel Motola (6-5, F), Christian Nieves (5-11, G), Paul Shavers (6-4, F), Amarius Tennial (5-7, G), Sam Young (6-1, F)

Outlook: The Blackhawks graduated four starters from a Class 4A sectional championship team that won the UEC Valley, but they added a top talent in Walker, a transfer from Curie considered one of the top players in Illinois. He teams with Brown, a four-year varsity starter, to form one of the state's best backcourts. Three-sport athlete Rogers, a sixth man last year, joins the starting lineup in an expanded role as will Salter, who is coming off a successful football season. Balfour will likely round out the starting lineup. Johnson likes the look of the revamped Blackhawks. "Marquise is a physically strong guard who can score from anywhere," Johnson said. "Trae is one the better shooters around and has so much experience, Moshe is another leader who shots the 3, rebounds and plays physical and Hezekiah is a big rebounder." Bazos, Kalmas, Motola and Mont will all get significant playing time with Motola, Mont and Bazos counted on to rebound, Johnson added. West Aurora graduated starters Cam Donatlan, Jared Crutcher, Damian Virgen and Ben Young, but expectations have not been lowered. "West Aurora is known for high expectations and this is another group we expect to be competitive and expect to compete in a very evened out conference," Johnson said. "When you add in talent from the other division like Larkin, it'll be real competitive. There are probably five or six teams that could win our league, so we are going to have to show up every game and compete."

Westminster Christian Warriors

Coach: Damion Abrams (1st year)

Last year: 21-7, 9-1 in the Northeastern Athletic

Top returning players: Seniors Brett Barker (6-2, F), Jacob Guge (5-5, G), Chris King (6-4, C), Will Kmieciak (5-10, G)

Top newcomers: Junior Frankie Schlaffer (6-1, F); Freshmen Justin Haegeland (6-0, G), Justin McGinnis (6-3, G/F)

Outlook: Despite graduating a pair of 1,000-point scorers in Ben Versluys and Jorden Warrener, the Warriors have high hopes of continuing their winning ways under first-year head coach Damion Abrams. "We are going to lean heavily on our four seniors," Abrams said of Barker, Guge, King and Kmieciak. The senior quartet will provide leadership for talented freshmen Haegeland and McGinnis. "Those two freshmen will play huge roles for us this year," said Abrams. "We also have some very good juniors so we're not going to put them (the freshmen) in positions where they will get exposed." The Warriors figure to play an up-tempo style under Abrams. "We'll be aggressive and we will run," he said. "We'll play man-to-man (defense) - we'll rarely play zone - so they'll have to depend on each other." Westminster, which has compiled a 59-27 record over the past 3-year stretch, has finished above the .500 mark in 12 consecutive seasons - a stat line that Abrams expects to continue. "The seniors feel the sky is the limit and the rest of the guys are falling in behind them," said the coach. "I feel it's a very good dynamic. The maturity of the four seniors helps hold the rest of the guys accountable. They understand what needs to be done." Westminster will face Harvard, St. Edward and Hinckley-Big Rock in its own Thanksgiving tournament. "We're going to have some fun," said Abrams.

- Craig Brueske and Mike Miazga contributed