Scouting Fox Valley boys basketball

Aurora Central CatholicCoach: Nathan Drye (163-157, 12th year)

2015-16 record: 15-12

Top returning athletes: Seniors Brett Czerak (G), Dylan Baker (F), Mac Cowen (G), Donovan Reid (G), juniors Kyle Czerak (G), Zack Smith (F).

Top newcomers: Seniors Sam Vinson (F), Josh Hoffman (F), juniors Owen Clayton (F), Dru Ingraham (G), Cameron Pedersen (G), Marcos Quiles (G), sophomores Jonas Cebulski (G), Cameron Kalmas (G).

Season outlook: The Chargers may possess one of the area's best outside shooters in Brett Czerak, who averaged 20 points per game last season and is ready to embark on his fourth varsity campaign. "Everything starts with him," said Drye. "When he struggles, we struggle to score. I'm not worried about him. He has been terrific. I'm fortunate to have him." Czerak, who has been drawing a lot of recruiting attention from Division III schools, connected on 46 percent of his 3-point shots (69 of 151) and 88 percent of his free-throw attempts (73 of 83) while shooting 53 percent from the field (124 of 234) last season. He also averaged nearly 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.7 steals. His younger brother, Kyle, third-year varsity player Smith, and point guard Reid support Czerak. "Zack can score inside," said Drye. The Chargers' backcourt returns Cowan, who missed his junior season after undergoing hip surgery. "Mac is another shooter who can stretch the floor," said Drye. "He started his whole sophomore year and we missed him last year. He has looked good so far." Cebulski and Kalmes head the list of newcomers. "We should shoot the ball well but we have to be able to rebound and guard people," said Drye, whose team opens its season Nov. 30 against Harvest Christian in the Burney Wilkie Tournament at Aurora Christian.

Aurora ChristianCoach: Dan Beebe (1st year)

2015-16 record: 25-6

Top returning athletes: Seniors Tanner Dissell (G), Brock Harner (F), junior Jake Wolfe (G-F).

Top newcomers: Senior Matt Buhrt (G), juniors Eric Hernandez (G), Danniel Stevens (G), Zach Zavasnik (G), sophomores Michael Cruger (F), Colton Schutt (G), freshmen Taj Davis (G), Will Wolfe (F).

Season outlook: Aurora Christian fans will need a program to figure out who is who after graduating 9 seniors from last year's team that came within a game of its first downstate trip since 1995. The graduation losses include 1,000-point scorer RD Lutze, point guard Pat McNamara, Jeremiah Wright, Andrew Behrens and Dustin Barrett. The Eagles also have a new coach in Beebe, who replaces Pat McNamara (80-37 record in 4 years at Aurora Christian). "They had a great season last year," said Beebe, who doubles as the school's athletic director. "We have three returnees but I think we'll have a lot of interchangeable parts." Wolfe, named Player of the Year in the conference last season, heads the list of returnees. "He's 6-4 now and probably added 10-15 pounds," said Beebe. "He is a nice player to have back." Beebe isn't concerned with allowing younger guys like Cruger, Davis, Schutt and Will Wolfe ample playing time. "Most of these guys have played against older kids for so long in AAU," said the coach. Aurora Christian, which opens its season Nov. 29 against St. Edward in its own Burney Wilkie Tournament, will change its defensive approach. "We'll play more man than what they did last year and we'll be more of an 84-foot team," said Beebe.

BartlettCoach: Jim Wolfsmith (10th year, 163-105)

Last year: 18-11, 6-4 UEC Valley (third)

Top returning athletes: Senior Drew Martin (G, 6-0)

Top newcomers: Juniors Ben Fisher (G, 6-2), Brandon Sinclair (G, 6-1), Ben Thompson (G, 6-0), Tomas Vikonis (6-2, G); Sophomores Austin Gates (G, 6-3)

Season outlook: The slate wasn't completely wiped clean by graduation but it was close. Bartlett graduated 97 percent of its scoring from a year ago, coach Jim Wolfsmith calculated. Thus, a junior-heavy lineup and sophomore Austin Gates will attempt to get up to speed as quickly as possible. The lone experienced returnee is senior Drew Martin. He represents most of the team's returning scoring at 1.1 points per game. Martin's already solid defensive game has improved, according to Wolfsmith, entering his 10th season. Bartlett has some talent in the pipeline. Junior guard Ben Thompson will add scoring, and 6-1 point guard Tomas Vikonis sees the floor well and can get rebounds, their coach said. Gates played sophomore football this fall. Wolfsmith said Gates is reminiscent of 2016 graduate Tyler Pauletti, calling him the team's "Swiss Army knife," an athletic jack of all trades who can play all five positions defensively. The Hawks are guard-oriented. Their tallest player is 6-4 senior Sean Waite, who missed much of his junior season due to surgery. Senior guard Dimitri Saltouros should contribute when he returns from injury in December, according to his coach. Wolfsmith said he is hearkened by how the team has competed in practice. He sees potential if not varsity experience. "It's always exciting to coach a team like this," Wolfsmith said. "They are a team of talented young players. Our juniors won the conference title as sophomores so they can play at a high level. They are just young. I'm excited for that group of kids because they have a chance to jell into something quality by the end of the year."

BataviaCoach: Jim Nazos (5th year, 56-57; 17th overall, 234-209)

Last year: 20-10, 10-2 UEC River (first)

Top returning athletes: Seniors Colin Cheaney (G/F, 6-3), Devion Davis (G, 5-10), JT Dietz (F, 6-6), Luke Golson (G, 6-2), Grant Lutzwig (G, 6-3), Jordan Moore (F, 6-3), Connor Oroni (G, 5-11), Nick Valente (F, 6-5); Junior Eric Peterson (G, 6-3)

Top newcomers: Juniors Seth Blaeser (F, 6-5), Riley Cooper (G, 5-10); Sophomore Zach Weber (F, 6-3); Freshman Jayden Johnson (F, 6-5)

Season outlook: The defending Upstate Eight River champion Bulldogs are reconfigured after graduating their top three scorers, including league MVP Canaan Coffey (Indiana Wesleyan). The two returnees who saw the most playing time last year are senior Colin Cheaney and junior Eric Peterson. Cheaney scored 160 points, 75 of which were netted via 25-of-68 shooting from 3-point range (37 percent). Peterson scored 71 points after a late-season varsity call-up. He flashed his potential in the Night of Hoops win over Lake Zurich when he scored 18 in the first half. Seniors Devion Davis and Connor Oroni will share the point guard position, Batavia coach Jim Nazos said. Other guards in the mix include seniors Luke Golson and Grant Lutzwig and junior Riley Cooper. Competing for a starting nod at forward are seniors JT Dietz and Nick Valente with Jordan Moore, Jake Robinson, junior transfer Seth Blaeser, sophomore Zach Weber and freshman Jayden Johnson (6-foot-5) all in the mix. Johnson has a chance to crack the starting lineup early. "He's thick and he can shoot it," Nazos said. Overall, up to 12 players will see action early on as the internal competition shakes itself out, Batavia's fifth-year coach said. "I think we can be very competitive," Nazos added. "It's a tough, competitive conference but I really believe if we play well, good things will happen for us." Batavia will face West Aurora on Night of Hoops. The annual event is headlined by a rematch between Riverside-Brookfield and St. Joseph.

Burlington CentralCoach: Brett Porto (8th year, 117-79)

Last year: 26-4, 13-1 Big Northern East (first)

Top returning athletes: Seniors TaVontae Harris (G, 5-7), William Hough (F, 6-3), Joey Ratzek (F, 6-2), Emmanuel Wells (G, 5-9); Juniors Michael Kalusa (G, 6-1), Zach Schutta (G, 6-1)

Top newcomers: Juniors Jayvon Johnson (F, 6-3), Caden Scott (F, 6-3); Sophomore Patrick Mayfield (F, 6-2)

Season outlook: Coming off a school record for single-season wins and a Big Northern East title, the Rockets aim to maintain the program's forward momentum in their first season in the new Kishwaukee River Conference, which includes Woodstock, Woodstock North, Marengo, Richmond-Burton, Johnsburg and Harvard. The Rockets have a new complexion following the graduation of dominant post Ryan Fitzgerald, who led the team in scoring (18 ppg) and rebounding (7 rpg). This group - led by third-year point guard TaVontae Harris, second-leading scorer Zach Schutta (12 ppg) and versatile junior Michael Kalusa - will play faster than last year's model. "Team speed-wise, I've never had a team this fast," said eighth-year coach Brett Porto, a Central graduate. "We'll rely on that but we have to be able to rebound as a team. Shot selection will be important because we don't have Ryan in the middle to clean up a bad shot." Schutta's shots fell from 3-point range in his second varsity season as a sophomore. He made 49 of 136 attempt (36 percent). Kalusa made 21 of 69 shots from 3-point range (30.4 percent). Harris led the Rockets last year with 82 assists in 28 games (2.9 apg.). He averaged 7.7 points and 2.1 rebounds. Ratzek provided instant offense off the bench last year with 7.7 points to go with 2.9 rebounds per game. Likewise, Kalusa was a reserve who averaged 4.1 points and 2.5 rebounds. Porto said Kalusa possesses the athleticism to guard a 6-8 post player or a speedy point guard. Emmanuel Wells was the last player in the rotation a year ago but has improved so much "he could be one of those surprise stories as a senior," his coach said. Jayvon Johnson is a 6-3 junior transfer from Muskegon, Mich. He can guard multiple positions and rebounds well.

Cary-GroveCoach: Adam McCloud (1st season)

2015-2016 record: 6-21 overall

Top returning players: Seniors Zach Beaugureau (6-2, G), Danny Clarke (6-1, G), Chris Walther (6-5, C)

Top newcomers: Seniors Matt McCumber (6-4, F), Colin Baily (5-8, PG), junior Ben Ferrell (6-2, F)

Season outlook: McCloud takes over the program after being an assistant in the program the previous four years. He inherits a group that returns a double-digit scorer in Beaugureau (10 ppg last season). Clarke averaged 4 points a game last year. Beaugureau, Clarke and Walther all played significant minutes, plus seniors McCumber and Baily return to the program after last playing as sophomores. "The team had a strong summer learning new systems and developing a passion for the game," said McCloud. The Cary-Grove coaching staff also features varsity assistant Dan Adams (part of the 2001 Cary-Grove sectional title team), Trevor Fritz (Rolling Meadows graduate and current football coach at Cary-Grove), Scott Lemoine (a former Division I player and head coach at Cary-Grove) and Al Kremer (who spent the last four years coaching at Prairie Ridge). McCloud said the team has made progress on both ends of the floor during the preseason. "Both offensive and defensive schemes are coming together nicely," he said. "Most of what we do was taught and installed during summer camp. The big emphasis is creating an identity and not being watered down. We want the kids to play fast and react appropriately due to repetition and preparation. Our keys to success will be focusing on the process and not the outcomes. The kids have high expectations. The goal is to be playing our best basketball at the end of the season. Seven of our top nine players are seniors. We need to have great senior leadership to be successful." McCloud has seen plenty of progress from numerous key players. "Zach will be the guy that other teams are looking for, but Danny and Matt both are talented and can score inside and out," he said. "Chris Walther had a terrific offseason and is our most improved player from last year." McCloud sees teams such as Prairie Ridge, Jacobs and McHenry as ones to keep an eye on within the league. "They all are very talented and have had a lot of recent success," he said. "We believe we can compete with these guys, but our guys know it will take a tremendous effort to win any game. We want to compete for four quarters with anyone we play."

Crystal Lake SouthCoach: Matt LePage (5th season)

2015-2016 record: 16-12, 7-3 Fox Valley Valley (2nd place)

Top returning players: Seniors Matt Meyers (6-3, G), Luke Nolan (6-4, F), junior Tyler Haskin (6-4, F)

Top newcomers: Seinor James Del Vecchio (6-2, F), juniors Kyle Leva (6-2, G), Michael Weatherburn (5-10, G), Jon Holloway (5-8, G), Josh Smith (5-11, G), Malik Smith (6-4, F), Blake Kuffel (6-3, F), sophomore Ben Geske

Season outlook: Meyers and Nolan are returning starters from last year's division runner-up team. Meyers averaged 6 points and 4 boards, while Nolan averaged 5 points and 3 assists. "We will rely on their experience and leadership, especially early in the season," said LePage. Haskin also returns with experience, having started several games as a sophomore. "Tyler will be expected to play a key role," LePage added. The coach noted Leva is a "strong, athletic kid" who could be an impact player, while guards Weatherburn, Holloway and the sophomore Geske also are expected to play important roles. "We most likely will have a nine- or 10-man rotation," said LePage. "Matt and Luke will have to carry the load early and we will need newcomers such as Kyle and Michael to step up immediately. Our lack of size in the middle is a concern so we will need to defend and rebound as a group. I also like our potential to get out and run a little bit." LePage said Jacobs will be a top-tier contender in the now single-division Fox Valley Conference, along with McHenry.

Dundee-CrownCoach: Lance Huber (14th year, 174-184)

Last year: 3-23, 0-10 FVC (Valley)

Top returning athletes: Seniors Brett Buske (F, 6-3), Sean Jay (G, 5-6), Khiry Powell (G, 6-0); Juniors Gabe Bergeron (F, 6-7), Jack Orndahl (G, 6-0)

Top newcomers: Senior Tariq Burns (F, 6-5), Jermani Dal Santo (G, 6-0); Sophomore Bradley Stec (F, 6-5)

Season outlook: The Chargers hope this season marks the beginning of a climb back to competitive basketball. Dundee-Crown went 19-8 in 2012-13, but won 10 games in 2013-14, 8 in 2014-15 and 3 last year. Back for his third varsity season is sharpshooter Jack Orndahl. As a sophomore Orndahl averaged 9.8 points. He knocked down 48 of 148 attempts from 3-point range (32.4 percent) and sank 77.3 percent from the free-throw line (34 of 44). Senior Khiry Powell is an experienced ballhandler who can play in-your-face defense. Gabe Bergeron (6-foot-7) led the Chargers last season with 3.3 rebounds per game. He scored a game-high 8 points in a regional semifinal loss. The program gains two senior contributors via transfer. Tariq Burns is a 6-5 forward who played at Larkin last year and will provide another inside presence. In 22 games as a role player with the Royals, he averaged 3.1 points and 4.5 rebounds. Jermani Dal Santo didn't get to play at Jacobs but he has competed well in practice and will join the D-C rotation, coach Lance Huber said. Sophomore Brad Stec (6-5) is another long-armed interior defender. Huber calls him "a great listener" who will get most of his point off post feeds and offensive rebounds. "We're definitely optimistic," Huber said. "I really like these guys. They seem to really want to give of themselves and be successful as a team. We're a little more talented than we've been the last year or two. Whether that translates to more wins or not I'm not sure, but this group will lay it on the line every night." It's been a few years since Huber and longtime assistant Bob Sweeney coached a team with at least three players 6-5 or taller ala Stec, Burns and Bergeron. "It's nice to have some decent-sized guys to rotate in there to go against the other team's big guys," Huber added. "Hopefully, we can figure out a way to get them the ball in there so they can score. If not, it's all Sweeney's fault."

ElginCoach: Mike Sitter (10th year, 134-118)

Last year: 17-13, 5-7 UEC River (fifth)

Top returning athletes: Seniors Titus Ahrens (W, 6-1), Reggie Cole (W, 6-0), Courtese Cooper (P, 6-8), Tim Wolf (W, 5-10)

Top newcomers: Juniors Trevon Morris (W, 5-9), Roy Panthier (P, 6-4), Dan Toolsie (W, 5-10), Matt Turner (P, 6-3); Sophomore Latrell Hudson (W, 5-7)

Season outlook: Big or small. Inside or outside. In transition or in the half court. Whichever way the opponent wants to play, the versatile Maroons have the personnel to match up. Leading the way is returning all-area post player Courtese Cooper. A 6-foot-8 force on the interior, he broke Marcus Smallwood's school record last season when he blocked 156 shots. Shot blocking might not be Cooper's most impressive skill. Last season he made 22 of 45 shots from 3-point range to finish with the second-highest shooting percentage in the Fox Valley area from beyond the arc. He has only gotten better in the off-season, his coach insists. "He's got to be one of the best shooters I've ever coached," Elgin coach Mike Sitter said. "He has easily increased his range to 22 feet and it's almost impossible to block his shot because he's tall and has a high release. We asked him to expand his game this summer and he happily obliged." Senior guard Reggie Cole can shoot from long range, too. Last year he was the area's sixth-leading shooter from 3-point range at 43.1 percent (41 of 95). Cole is Elgin's top returning scorer. As a junior he netted 312 points (14.2 ppg). Wing player Tim Wolf "had a real nice summer," Sitter said and is learning to play with physicality. Senior Titus Ahrens is in competition for a starting spot, his coach said. Sophomore Latrell Hudson will start at point guard, following in the footsteps of 2016 graduate Desmond Douglas, who likewise started at the point as a sophomore. Sitter said he expects Hudson to develop as a scorer but he initially wants the underclassman to get others involved. The fifth starter on a given day will depend on how Elgin wants to match up. Sitter might put speedy junior football player Trey Morris in the lineup with Cole and Cooper so the Maroons can press and get in transition. Or he can go big with Panthier in an attempt to pound the boards. Other juniors are expected to contribute: ultra-athletic Dan Toolsie (6-0) "can jump out of the gym," Sitter said, and can dunk from a standing position. And Matt Turner sinks shots from the outside. "It's a nice group of kids and they're committed to getting better every day," Sitter said. "Each of the last two years we've peaked around Christmas. I think this group will get better and better as the year goes along."

GenevaCoach: Phil Ralston (165-74, 9th year; 273-176, 17th year overall)

2015-16 record: 22-7

Top returning athletes: Seniors Matt Johnston (G), Cole Navigato (G), Dom Navigato (G-F)

Top newcomers: Junior Will Courter (F), sophomore Jack McDonald (G)

Season outlook: From the outside looking in, the Vikings picked up where they left off - following a 30-5, fourth-place state finish from 2013-14 with a 22-7 record last season. However, there were many potholes faced along the way. "Last season was a season of challenges," said Ralston. "We missed Bennett (leading scorer Fuzak) for almost a month (concussion) and Sean (Chambers) missed more than a month (injury). I felt we did an amazing job of keeping things together." Geneva returns three starters - the Navigato brothers and the highflying 6-3 Johnston. "Dom was an extremely efficient player last year," said Ralston. "He shot 48 percent on 3-pointers (32 of 67), was one of our best free-throw shooters and our second leading rebounder. He did a lot of things outside of scoring, too." At 6-4, Cole Navigato figures to be play a different role this season. "We'll move him to play more to his strengths," said the coach. Ralston feels Johnston has all the tools to become one of the top players in the UEC River. "I'm hoping he can hit another gear from where he was last year," said the coach. "We want to get his best night in and night out. He's one of the best athletes I've ever coached (22 years)." While still possessing its share of height, Geneva has figuratively cut down to more of a high school-sized roster this season. "We've come back from the stratosphere in that regard," said Ralston. "We don't have any 6-7, 6-8 or 6-9 kids around." Ralston, who will return to his Lake County roots for the first time in nearly 10 years when the Vikings compete in the Martin Luther King Shootout at Lake Zurich in January, likes what he has seen during the preseason. "We've had some of the best early practices I've seen in a while," said the coach.

HampshireCoach: Ben Whitehouse (2nd season)

2015-2016 record: 10-18 overall, 5-7 Fox Valley Fox (tied 4th)

Top returning players: Seniors Billy Dumoulin (5-11, F), Nathan Gomez (6-6, C), junior Nate Cork (5-9, G)

Top newcomers: Juniors Tre Powell (5-10, G), Erik Starrenburg (6-2, F), Kevin Michaelsen (5-10, G), sophomore JD Shaw (6-2, G)

Season outlook: Dumoulin (2.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Cork (3.4 ppg, 48 assists) and Gomez (2.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg) all saw varsity time last season. Whitehouse lists physicality and leadership as two key strengths for his group. "We have an unselfish team that works hard," he said. Whitehouse is optimistic about the advancements he's seen thus far on the court. "Our offense is looking more balanced this year," he said. "We are playing at a faster pace with better ball movement. Our defense is looking consistent. We have to be patient on offense and use our defense to generate some easy baskets." Gomez and Dumoulin, in particular, have made strides since last season. "I love their motors," said Whitehouse. "These two guys are extremely physical and are great leaders. Billy has become a wing who can stretch the floor and Nathan has become a strong back-to-the-basket type of scorer." Whitehouse also cites Jacobs, Prairie Ridge and McHenry as top-tier FVC teams. "We feel the conference as a whole should be highly competitive," he said.

Harvest Christian AcademyCoach: Andre White Sr. (1st season)

2015-2016 record: 8-21, 3-6 NAC

Top returning players: Junior Dylan Lockwood (6-3, F), sophomore Jack Nohava (6-5, C)

Top newcomers: Brennan Woods (6-3, F), junior JJ Flores (6-2, G), sophomore Andre White Jr. (5-8, G), freshmen John Lindquist (6-2, G), Colin Woods (6-2, G)

Season outlook: White Sr., who at one time was Zion-Benton's all-time leading scorer takes over a team that has seen an influx of talent to the roster. Flores transferred from Huntley, while Woods is a Hampshire transfer (his freshman brother, Colin, also is on the team). White's son, Andre Jr., played at Class 4A Loyola Academy last season as a freshman. Rod Henry-Hayes (6-4 senior guard), who according to numerous published reports played in summer league games for Harvest, has returned to Zion-Benton High School, White Sr. said. White Sr. has been impressed with how the team has come together during the preseason. "We are gelling together really well," he said. "The guys are buying into our system. We have kids who have played for different coaches and different styles. In just a week of practice the kids have bought in and are communicating well, which plays a big part in what we are trying to do." White Sr. said the team's offense will be based a lot on transition. "We'll have some pro sets. We're teaching the game of basketball," he said. "We have guys who can create opportunities for other guys. My motto is if you are a good guard you can make non-scorers be good scorers. Defensively, we will get after it and we will press. We will be everywhere and will adjust to what the other team is doing and hopefully make them do what we want to do." Despite plenty of talk in Illinois high-school basketball circles about the transfer students and some eye-opening performances over the summer against Class 4A schools and Chicago Public League schools, White Sr. said the team still has a lot to prove. "I believe we can play with anybody in the state, but that's me," said White Sr., who runs the Future Elite AAU club program out of Waukegan. "The fact remains we won eight games last year. We still feel like underdogs going into any game. We have a really good group of kids here. I always tell them we're not playing for us. We're playing for Him and the kids understand that."

HuntleyCoach: Will Benson (3rd season)

2015-2016 record: 8-22, 3-7 Fox Valley Valley

Top returning players: Seniors Matt Seng (6-0, G), Michael Parks (5-11, G-F), Stephen Browne (5-11, G), Luke Mahnke (6-5, F)

Top newcomers: Juniors Chris Constantino (5-11, G), Cory Knipp (6-1, G), Andrew Fulcer (6-2, G-F)

Season outlook: While Huntley has a young team with 10 juniors and one sophomore, Benson likes the team's prospects this season. "I like our group as a whole," he said. "Many of these kids have played together and the chemistry is already growing. This is our third year together. Those juniors are the group I came in with when they were freshmen. Even though we don't have many seniors, the leadership they have shown already is strong. We will improve throughout the year as we gain experience. Our staff is looking forward to watching the group get better together." Mahnke, one of those seniors, is out with a knee injury suffered in a June team camp. Benson said the hope is he will be able to return during January. "Luke will give us a lift at that point," he said. Huntley lost 10 games last season by 6 points or less or in overtime. "We're hoping to do a better job of finishing games this season," he said. "It's a really cohesive group that has played together a long time. That's beneficial because we are further ahead than we have been. How well we play together and then getting those varsity minutes under our belt I think will lead to some vast improvement here." Balance on offense is another team strength. "We share the ball really well," said Benson. "We can score in a variety of different ways. We have a bunch of different guys who can score. Defensively, we're getting better. We're getting more physical and the communication has been pretty good. From a team aspect on defense, I think we can do some things once we get going here." Benson, like other league coaches, sees Jacobs, McHenry and Prairie Ridge as teams to beat. "The league will be competitive overall," he said.

JacobsCoach: Jimmy Roberts (4th year, 63-27; Overall, 82-90)

Last year: 23-7, 10-0 FVC (Valley)

Top returning athletes: Seniors Adam Kale (G, 5-7), Cameron Krutwig (F, 6-9), Mason Materna (F, 6-4), Jack Nickoley (F, 6-3), Cooper Schwartz (G, 6-0); Juniors Nik Balkcom (G, 6-2), Ryan Phillips (G, 6-3); Sophomore Joacheim Price (F, 6-8)

Top newcomers: Juniors Kameron Mack (F, 6-4), Ajani Rodriguez (G, 5-8)

Season outlook: This season shapes up to be Jacobs' most competitive yet under fourth-year coach Jimmy Roberts, whose teams have averaged 21 wins in his first three seasons and won 2 regional plaques. The Golden Eagles graduated only three seniors from last year's sectional semifinalist. Back is the core group of power forward Cameron Krutwig (Loyola) and junior guards Ryan Phillips and Nik Balkcom. Krutwig led the Golden Eagles to their second consecutive undefeated FVC Valley title by averaging 17.5 points, an area-best 12.6 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 2.4 assists and 1.4 steals. Roberts said Krutwig has worked hard in the off-season on the fundamentals of establishing position in the post, has improved his ballhandling skills and has become a better outside shooter. Phillips was Jacobs' second-leading scorer last year at 9.7 ppg. He averaged 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 31 percent from 3-point range (49 of 157). Balkcom shot 36 percent from beyond the arc (13 of 36) and added 1.6 assists and a steal per game. They are joined in the starting five by junior Kameron Mack, the younger brother of former all-area player Kenton Mack (Northern Michigan). Kameron Mack led the school's sophomore team to the FVC title last year and was the best player in that league, in Roberts' opinion. "He's long, long, long," Roberts said of Mack. "He has a chance to be a difference maker." Third-year varsity guard Mason Materna will likely get a starting nod. He has been slowed by injuries each of the last two seasons. Cooper Schwartz is a battler who competes in the weight room and on the court, his coach said. Schwartz averaged 3.9 points, mostly on 3-pointers. He shot 24 of 83 from long range (29 percent). Senior guard Adam Kale (2.4 ppg, 1.3 apg) is expected to return to action in December in the wake of off-season labrum surgery, Roberts said. "This year's group has a chance to be really special, and I mean really, really special," Roberts said. "Our expectations are high. We had a good summer and a lot of success. This is our first four-year group and that's important. We said coming in that our chance to really win here would be in our fourth year and that chance is now."

KanelandCoach: Joe Conroy (20-9, 2nd year; 50-95, 6th year overall)

2015-16 record: 20-9

Top returning athletes: Seniors Mason Conroy (G), Daniel Franck (F), Jake Hed (G)

Top newcomers: Juniors Rhett Espe (G), Blake Feiza (F)

Season outlook: Conroy begins his second year with the Knights in a rebuilding mode after a senior-dominated team captured a Class 3A regional title and posted a 20-win campaign. "We're incredibly young," said Conroy. "We had three juniors on the roster last year who saw limited minutes on the court." That trio includes the coach's son, Mason, a 5-8 guard, Franck and Hed. "Those three guys had the opportunity to practice against really great players every day," said the coach. Conroy, who didn't become head coach until August of 2015, enjoyed a full summer with his players. "I had an opportunity to watch their growth," he said. "I told our juniors that they were the ones who helped us be successful last year because we practiced against them a lot last winter." Last year's mainstays, Ryan David, Ethan Conroy, Jake Gomes, Dylan Vaca, Mark Lilly and Jakes Gomes, have graduated taking some height along with them. "We're a small team in numbers and stature," said Conroy. "We'll play different. There's no go-to guy. We'll all work together because you can't do it with five guys." Kaneland added a tournament game during Martin Luther King weekend at Burlington Central. "No starting spots have been set yet," said Conroy. "The gym has been electrified so far."

LarkinCoach: Deryn Carter (8th year, 102-93)

Conference: Upstate Eight (River)

Last year: 15-12, 6-6 UEC River

Top returning athletes: Senior Kashmir Ivy (G, 5-9); Juniors Kindrel Morris (G, 5-8), Jalen Shaw (F/C, 6-10)

Top newcomers: Juniors Anthony Lynch (G, 6-3), Isaiah Talley (F, 6-5); Sophomores Pierre Black (G, 6-1), Victor Perez (G, 6-1)

Season outlook: Heading into the school year Larkin was considered a state-level threat, loaded with returning UEC River MVP Christian Negron, South Elgin transfer Anthony Lynch, talented 6-10 junior forward Jalen Shaw and quick junior guard Kindrel Morris. The forecast dimmed in September when Negron suffered a season-ending ACL injury. Larkin is unquestionably a lesser team without its Loyola-bound star, but the Royals still have the talent to challenge for the UEC River title in a wide-open race despite an overall lack of experience beyond the starting lineup. Lynch is one of the more-talented guards in the Upstate Eight. He played with the South Elgin varsity as a freshman two years ago and averaged 9.8 points, a feat he didn't repeat last year following a coaching change. In light of Negron's injury, Lynch will take on a larger-than-expected scoring role. He's ready for that challenge, according to his coach. "He's playing more downhill and he's getting to the rim and attacking the basket," Larkin coach Deryn Carter said. "He's a strong, physical guard, which we haven't had. We've had quick, shifty ones but he can put his head down and carry guys to the basket. I envision him being as good as any guard we've had come through the system in the last four or five years." Shaw has a chance to be special in his own right. Having sprouted four inches since last season, the now 6-foot-10, 210-pound junior is among the quickest big men around. Carter said Shaw will need to be a more aggressive rebounder in Negron's absence. Last year he averaged 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 points and blocked 65 shots in 24 games. Morris last year contributed 30 assists and 25 steals in 21 games. Also back at guard is senior Kashmir Ivy, who averaged 2.9 points, 1.2 assists and 2.1 steals. Sophomore Pierre Black is a talented outside shooter who as a freshman advanced to the 3-point showdown finals in Peoria. Victor Perez is a 6-1 guard who makes the big jump from the freshman team to the varsity. Junior Isaiah Talley (6-5) has a chance to play right away because of his rebounding ability, according to his coach. "We have to find out how competitive we're going to be and how tough we're going to be because our schedule was tough last year and it's even better this year," Carter said. "We will be challenged like never before. This could be like our team a couple of years ago, a competitive, feisty team that plays hard. We'll see how we can grow and see if we can make a run at it."

MarmionCoach: Joe Currie (31-27, 3rd year)

2015-16 record: 13-16

Top returning athletes: Seniors Ethan Bowman (G), Sam Doroff (G), Riley Friel (F), Jett Hass (G-F), junior Mick Sullivan (C).

Top newcomers: Senior Brandon Currie (G-F), juniors Evan Pugh (G), Lucas Wagner (F), sophomore Tommy Surges (G).

Season outlook: Upon further review, the Cadets' 13-16 record from last season included a step up in competition as a first-year member of the Chicago Catholic Red against the likes of St. Joseph, DePaul Prep, Leo, Fenwick and DeLaSalle. "We played a much tougher schedule last year," said Currie. "It was a meat grinder. The speed of the game was a lot quicker." Marmion lost "quite a bit" in the graduation of all-time 3-point leader Hunter Weber, backcourt mate Jon Young and 6-5 forward Matt Fletcher but returns some size with the 6-9 Sullivan clogging up the middle. "He lost 25 pounds from a year ago and looks a lot quicker," Currie said of Sullivan. At 6-5, Friel adds some muscle on the interior for the Cadets, supported by Haas, Wagner and the coach's son, Brandon. "Jett is a quick, physical kid who can play at guard and forward." Doroff, Pugh and Surges all have the capability to handle point guard responsibilities. "We'll have to create our own identity," said Currie. "The senior group is pretty hungry." Marmion begins its season downstate next week at the Washington Invite and will return to the Chuck Dayton Tournament in DeKalb in late December. "We'll play a lot of (Class) 4A schools that should help prepare us for (3A) regionals," added Currie.

St. EdwardCoach: P.J. White (7th year, 98-76)

Last year: 14-15, 4-8 MSC West

Top returning athletes: Seniors Kelvin Cortez-Harvey (G, 5-11), Dylan Mlinarich (F, 6-1)

Top newcomers: Senior Steven Poremba (G, 6-0); Juniors Luca Corso (F, 6-2), Reno Domel (G, 5-7), AJ Franklin (F, 6-2), William Gaston (G, 5-9), Brett Kruska (C, 6-1), Collan O'Neill (F, 6-1), Ryan Pomeroy (F, 6-1), Austin Vana (F, 5-10); Sophomores Liam Jackson (C, 6-7), Sidney Muhammad (G, 5-9), Daniel Parks (G, 5-10)

Season outlook: No longer the "young guy" on the team, senior Kelvin Cortez-Harvey is now a veteran leader set to lead the Green Wave in his third full season of varsity basketball. A returning all-area pick, last season he averaged 20.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game. The 5-foot-9 senior shot 32.3 percent from 3-point range (32.3 percent) and 47 percent from the field (215 of 427). "This year he's quicker, stronger and faster, much more confident and much more vocal," St. Edward coach P.J. White said. "This isn't new to him. He's been around awhile and we'll need that leadership." The Green Wave graduated 12 seniors but White said he has cautiously optimistic based on the number of multisport athletes out for the team. All but two players compete in at least one other sport. That includes AJ Franklin and Will Gaston, soccer players who helped that program reach the Class 1A Elite Eight this fall. Franklin didn't play in summer basketball games but he attended practices. An outside shooter who can handle the ball, he can play any position defensively, his coach said. Gaston "is like the Energizer Bunny," White said, and tends to follow his own shots well. Also a baseball player, junior point guard Reno Domel is the last in a line of five basketball-playing siblings. The roster includes three sophomores: Dan Parks, Sidney Muhammad and Liam Jackson. Parks and Muhammad are both good ballhandlers who can shoot. Jackson is a shot blocker at 6-7. "We're throwing him into the frying pan because he's the biggest guy in the school, but being thrown into the lions' den isn't a bad way to learn sometimes," White said. The Green Wave won 14 games last year after winning 20-plus the previous two seasons. White thinks this team can challenge 20 wins again. "I was nervous setting that because I want to set a goal they can accomplish, but after the first week of practice I'm really excited about this team."

St. Charles EastCoach: Patrick Woods (6th year, 90-55; 14th overall, 187-202)

Last year: 18-13, 8-4 UEC River (third)

Top returning athletes: Seniors Wade Kyle (F, 6-5), Zach Mitchell (G, 6-3), Jack Zylke (F, 6-5); Juniors Alec Champine (G, 6-0), Justin Hardy (F, 6-5), Clayton Isbell (F, 6-4), Zach Robinson (G, 6-0)

Top newcomers: Senior Kevin Cook (G, 6-0); Sophomore Nathan Ortiz (G, 6-3)

Season outlook: The Saints graduated three of the top four scorers from a team that reached a Class 4A sectional title game, but they return a key building block in Justin Hardy. An all-area pick a year ago when he co-captained St. Charles East as a sophomore, the 6-foot-5, 200-pound forward was second on the team with 276 points (12 ppg). He averaged 5 rebounds and 2 assists, he shot 57.5 percent from the floor and sank 17 of 47 attempts from 3-point range. The bad news for the rest of the Upstate Eight? "He's improved a lot since last year," St. Charles East coach Patrick Woods said. "He's gotten bigger and stronger, he can shoot the ball better and he's better at finishing around the basket." Another key returnee is senior Zach Mitchell, who this fall quarterbacked the football team to an 11-1 record en route to being named UEC River offensive player of the year. Woods calls Mitchell "a good floor leader and a big piece." Last season Mitchell shot 42 percent from 3-point range (26 of 61). In 18 games he had 33 assists and 17 steals. Senior point guard Alex Champine, a tenacious defender, will be in the rotation. Wade Kyle played limited minutes last year but has improved a great deal and will play a larger role, Woods said. St. Charles East soccer captain Kevin Cook (6-foot-5) is a mobile athlete with a nice shooting touch, according to his coach. Sophomore Nate Ortiz (6-3) shoots well from the outside and has the size to play at the rim. Junior guard Zach Robinson is expected to improve on the 10 3-pointers he sank last season as a varsity call-up. Junior Clayton Isbell, also in his second varsity season, is one of the team's best athletes. Senior Jack Zylke's 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame makes him a solid rebounder in the paint. "We hope to contend for a conference title," Woods said. "I think it will be the same front-runners as last year: Larkin, Geneva, Batavia and (St. Charles) North. I think we have a pretty good shot."

St. Charles NorthCoach: Tom Poulin (11th year, 158-123)

Conference: Upstate Eight (River)

Last year: 8-16, 4-8 UEC River (sixth)

Top returning athletes: Seniors Ryan Callaghan (F, 6-1), Anthony Delisi (G, 5-10); Juniors Kyle King (C, 6-5), Zach Ludwig (G, 6-0)

Top newcomers: Juniors Cade Callaghan (F, 6-1), Brendan Dal Degan (G, 6-1), Erik Larson (F, 6-3); Sophomore Tyler Nubin (G, 6-1); Freshman Luke Scheffers (G, 5-10)

Season outlook: The North Stars aim for a return to the upper echelon of the UEC River after a down season. They'll try to do so without the services of Griffin Hammer, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound forward who intends to forgo his senior basketball season. Committed to play tight end at Colorado State, Hammer is set to graduate early in January and head for college immediately. This team will be led by seniors Anthony Delisi, Kyle King and Zach Ludwig, basketball devotees who played together throughout summer and fall leagues. Delisi is a strong shooter and passer who handles the ball and sees the floor well, North coach Tom Poulin said. King was strong on the glass last season, particularly down the stretch. King's coach describes him as "an unselfish player, a throwback with a strong back-to-the-basket game." Ludwig is a "High IQ" perimeter guard who gained off-season strength in the weight room, according to Poulin. The varsity should get a positive jolt from a group of juniors who won the UEC River sophomore title last year. St. Charles North's coach calls junior forward Cade Callaghan (6-4) "a lunch-bucket type" and "a glue guy" who scraps and creates second-chance opportunities for himself and teammates. Versatile senior Ryan Callaghan can play inside or on the perimeter. Hardworking junior Erik Larson (6-4) has impressed the coaching staff with his ability to shoot the 3-pointer and slash to the basket. Talented sophomore Tyler Nubin was a lockdown defender at cornerback for the St. Charles North varsity football team this fall. This winter he'll lock down opponents for the varsity basketball team. Freshman Luke Scheffer might be the team's best pure long-range shooter, according to his coach. "We have 15 kids we feel we can trust," Poulin said. "There's a lot of work to be done and some people need to show more in practice, but we really like the character of this team and its unselfish identity. It's going to be a process, but this group is anxious to change the culture of what we had last year."

South ElginCoach: Brett Johnson (1st year)

Conference: Upstate Eight (Valley)

Last year: 13-17, 3-7 UEC Valley (fifth)

Top returning athletes: Seniors Logan Atkins (G, 6-4), CJ Bradford (G, 6-0), Jeremy Jenkins (F, 6-6), Kyle Scully (G, 6-0), Collin Uveges (G, 6-2); Junior David Binion (F, 6-3)

Top newcomers: Juniors Christopher Hankins (F, 6-4), Noah Rohr (F, 6-2); Sophomore Vincent Miszkiewicz (F, 6-4)

Season outlook: Brett Johnson becomes the fourth coach to lead the South Elgin boys basketball program in five years. The former underlevel coach has been in the program since Chaz Taft was coach and knows this year's seniors well, having coached them as freshmen. Having seen various coaching incarnations at the varsity level has allowed Johnson to learn to coach various styles of play. He said he'll tailor his offense year to year based on personnel. This year's personnel, he says, dictates a return to wide-open, transition basketball. "We want to dictate the pace of play," Johnson said. "We want to push the basketball and beat teams down the court if we can. We want to create havoc for the other team in the half and full court, which can lead to open-court transition buckets." Talented two-year guard Anthony Lynch transferred to Larkin, but the Storm still boasts a strong backcourt, led by four-year varsity guard Logan Atkins. A solid ballhandler and adept scorer, Atkins is joined in the backcourt by returning point guard Collin Uveges, senior CJ Bradford and senior Kyle Scully, who played mostly JV last year. David Binion, a solid varsity rebounder a year ago as a sophomore, will play in a rotation with junior Noah Rohr, Johnson said. The first-year coach calls 6-4 sophomore forward Vincent Miszkiewicz "one of those players you want every other player to be like because he brings a different type of intensity to the team." Miszkiewicz provides an inside presence along with 6-4 junior Christopher Hankins. Football player Jeremy Jenkins (6-6, 280) is one of the biggest players in the Upstate Eight. How much improvement can Storm fans expect? "I believe if (the players) want to buy into what they are going to be asked to do, they can be as successful as they want to be," Johnson said.

StreamwoodCoach: Paul Kowalyszyn (4th year, 12-78)

Conference: Upstate Eight (River)

Last year: 5-24, 1-11 UEC River (seventh)

Top returning athletes: Seniors Malcolm Davis-Wilder (G, 5-8), Jason Manalansan (G, 5-8), Antuan Patterson (G, 5-9), Jesse Rico (G, 5-10); Juniors Phil Cruz (F, 6-2), Brendon Marton (F, 6-5); Sophomore DeAngelo Flynn (G, 5-8)

Top newcomers: Juniors Lamont Cole (F, 6-0); Sophomore Keenon Cole (F, 6-5)

Season outlook: The Sabres hope to turn the corner after losing 78 games over a three-year span. There is reason for optimism with some returning players and skilled youngsters, but the team is inexperienced overall. "Realistically, the skill level of this team is the best we've had in my four years," Streamwood coach Paul Kowalyszyn said. "What I'm finding out is that the challenge with this team is going to be all mental. Guys are giving it their all but some of them are learning the game beyond just putting the ball in the basket. We might take some bumps early. That comes with being young and inexperienced as they learn to run the program and not what they want to do." One building block is 6-foot-5 junior Brendon Marton, back for his third varsity season. Also the school's quarterback, last year he averaged 9.1 points and 6 rebounds per game. The Sabres will look for senior leadership from guards Jason Manalansan, Antuan Patterson and Jesse Rico. However, this team is young overall. Junior forward Phil Cruz and guard DeAngelo Flynn each got a taste of varsity basketball after midseason call-ups last year. Junior forward Lamont Cole and sophomore forward Keenon Cole are expected to join an already young rotation. "Once it clicks we can be very solid," Kowalyszyn said. "Until then we'll be a mediocre team if we can't buy in. We definitely have the skill level and athleticism to be better but we'll see."

West AuroraCoach: Brian Johnson (second year, 8-18; Overall, 107-86)

Conference: Upstate Eight (Valley)

Last year: 8-18, 5-5 UEC Valley (fourth)

Top returning athletes: Seniors Travon Avery (F, 6-4), DaVion Cross (G, 5-10), DaQuan Cross (G, 5-10), Caleb Siler (F, 6-3), Nolan Watts (C, 6-7); Juniors Camron Donatlan (G, 6-3), Damian Virgen (F, 6-0), Ben Young (F, 6-4)

Top newcomers: Juniors Jared Crutcher (F, 6-4), Dayshawnn Rogers (G, 6-1), Durrell Williams (G, 6-1)

Season outlook: After a year of transition under new leader Brian Johnson, the program's first new coach in four decades, the Blackhawks appear poised for a resurgence with one of the most athletic lineups around. The top seven scorers from a year ago return. Leading the way is all-area pick Camron Donatlan, who last spring won the state high jump title by clearing 6 feet, 10 inches. As a sophomore the long-armed guard led West Aurora in scoring (15.1), rebounding (5.8) and steals (2.6). Senior Caleb Siler was second in scoring with 9.7 ppg. Siler averaged 3.5 rebounds and made 22 steals. "Every team needs a player like Caleb who really controls the team," Johnson said. "He's reliable. You know day in and day out what you're going to get from him." Also back are DaQuan Cross and DaVion Cross, who helped lead the football team to its best season in three decades. DaQuan Cross averaged 9.1 points and 5.6 rebounds as a junior. Point guard DaVion Cross contributed 6.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists. The twins made 76 steals combined. Junior Ben Young was West Aurora's best 3-point shooter last year. He sank 39 of 91 attempts (42.9 percent). In 23 games, small forward Damian Virgen scored 89 points (3.9 ppg). Virgen shot a team-best 82.3 percent from the free-throw line (24 of 29). Senior center Nolan Watts and junior guard Durrell Williams are expected to play key roles. The Blackhawks lost only 5 games over the summer and gained confidence by winning the Geneva summer league. "Last season was not a normal season in West Aurora terms," Johnson said, "so it was important to come out and have success, in my opinion, because sometimes you forget what it's like to win some games. Building up the team atmosphere was really important for us and the commitment level was outstanding. We're building off success."

Westminster ChristianCoach: Andy Zielinski (2nd season)

2015-2016 record: 19-10, 8-3 NAC

Top returning players: Seniors Scott Graziano (6-0, G), Elliott Brandon (6-0, G), Nick Kleczynski (6-3, F), Caleb Thomas (6-5, C), junior Ben Versylus (6-5, F)

Top newcomers: Junior Nate Hoersch (5-11, G), Will Kmieciak (5-10), Chris King (6-3, C)

Season outlook: While the Warriors did lose All-Area guard Dillon Rejman to graduation off a squad that won a regional title, they are far from threadbare in the talent department. Versylus was a second-team all-conference ick as a sophomore, while Graziano is a three-year starter and earned all-NAC honorable mention accolades. Brandon qualified for the state 3-point shooting contest. "We have five experienced players returning who worked well together last year," said Zielinski. "All five returning players started or started at some point last season and averaged more than 12 minutes per game." Replacing Rejman's output will be a key. "They key will be our guard play and replacing his scoring," said Zielinski. "We have some promising sophomores and juniors who will be in our rotation this year. This is the second year running our motion offense so the kids are further along than they were last year. They are playing pretty well together. Defensively, we might do a couple things differently, but will pretty much focus on man." Zielinski is excited about the prospects of newcomers Hoersch, Kmieciak and King. "We have some underclassmen who stepped up and played a lot over the summer," he said. Sophomore Brett Barker (6-1) also could figure into the team's plans. Zielinski said Harvest Christian, Luther North and Aurora Christian will be the team to keep an eye on in the conference. "We are hoping to be competitive in conference," he said. The Warriors are shooting for their 11th winning season in a row and fourth regional title in a row.