2012-2013 Boys'
Basketball Focus
From post to perimeter that seems to be the transition Aurora Central Catholics boys basketball team is making.
Shot-blocker deluxe Robert DeMyers graduated. In 23 games last season he rejected 116 shots and averaged 12.7 points and 9 rebounds. Gone too is Joey McEachern, who averaged 11.9 points and 6 boards.
Graduated 3-point ace Paul Kaminski might fit in with these 2012-13 Chargers, who coach Nathan Drye sees as being better all-around shooters. In a Suburban Christian Conference Blue Division that seems wide open, ACC may shoot its way into contention.
Were not as athletic or as quick, but I think well shoot it better and hopefully make a few more threes, Drye said.
On a team with several program legacies Hollon, Czerak, Harreld at least the last one will get to loft up a bunch. Sean Harreld, younger brother of former Chargers hero Ryan Harreld (now at Aurora University), finished fourth in the 2012 3-point contest as a sophomore.
Long-range bombs are his role. Phil Schuetz, a 6-foot-3 forward, will range most everywhere else. Drye sees the bouncy Schuetz as the teams leading scorer, off junior-year averages of 4.4 points and 3.9 rebounds.
He can shoot it, hes athletic, pretty good on the floor, he can dunk it, Drye said. Hes pretty well-rounded.
Sean Anger, Zach Flint, Michael ODonnell and Shawn Soris will all have to pick up scoring from last year; none averaged more than ODonnells 2.8 points a game.
One player yet to be mentioned may be the key to it all point guard Anthony Andujar.
I think hes going to be one of the best around. That gives us something to work with, Drye said.
An oft-injured 5-10 senior who spared his health by not playing football this season, Andujar averaged 5.7 points, 4.4 assists (to 3.0 turnovers) last basketball season. Drye said Andujar has a great pullup jumper but last years shooting percentages may indicate what hell do: 32.9 percent from the floor, lowest among regulars, and 81.9 percent from the free-throw line, best on the team.
If the speedy Andujar gets a lane, hell take it in for the foul or finish; if not, its kick-out to Schuetz, Flint, Harreld and friends.
Aside from the 6-7 Anger, more post presence and rebounder than scorer, the Chargers are of average height. Dryes trademark 2-3 half-court zone defense doesnt necessarily require size against most teams since Chargers players know every angle of it, but rebounding is the coachs big concern.
If we can board I think well be OK, he said. But if we starting giving up three, four shots were in a world of hurt.
Coach: Nathan Drye (ninth year, 129-109)
Last year: 12-18, 4-6, fifth in the Suburban Christian Blue
Key returnees: Anthony Andujar, G, sr.; Phil Schuetz, F, sr.; Zach Flint, G, sr.
Skinny: Andujar looks to feed hungry shooters.
Aurora Central Catholic High School
Conference: Suburban Christian Gold
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