Northwest all-area team
Lamon Berry PalatineBerry developed into a solid offensive threat for the Pirates this year. He averaged 11 points, 2 assists and 3 rebounds, and his 3-point shooting picked up throughout the year. "Lamon established himself as one of our go-to guys this season," Palatine coach Eric Millstone said. "He didn't just inherit that role, however. He put in some quality work in the summer and fall, and I think he opened his own eyes as to what he was capable of doing. He's got great instincts defensively and was often able to create his own scoring opportunities because of his defense."
Michael Best WheelingA three-year starter for the Wildcats, Best always had a knack for scoring but this year developed into a solid all-around player. He led his team in scoring (14.1 points), assists (2.6) and steals (1.6) and also produced 4.2 rebounds per game. "Michael has worked extremely hard to turn himself into a really good varsity basketball player," Wheeling coach Michael O'Keeffe said. "Michael has always been a good shooter, but what has been most impressive is his ability to make good decisions with the ball and his leadership skills. Michael's growth over the past three years has been tremendous."
Jason Boock BarringtonBoock has developed into a dangerous 3-point shooter, converting 45 percent from outside the arc. He averaged 15 points and was in double figures 18 times this year. "Jason is a prolific 3-point shooter who can attack the rim," Barrington coach Bryan Tucker said. "His shooting from outside the arc stretches the defense. He has great court vision and creates a lot of offense for his teammates."
Trey Calvin St. ViatorCalvin went from sophomore basketball and a relative unknown to one of the most dangerous varsity players in the area this year. Calvin, who has been drawing interest from Division 1 teams, averaged 16 points, 3 assists, 5 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 44 percent from outside the arc. "He is an excellent shooter and phenomenal rebounder for a point guard," St. Viator coach Quin Hayes said. "He is unafraid to challenge anybody for a rebound."
Mac Camardo Buffalo Grove"Big Mac" has been a dominant force inside for the Bison the last two years. This season he averaged 12.2 points and 5.8 rebounds while keeping opponents away from the hoop on the defensive end. "Mac is a difference-maker on the court," Buffalo Grove coach Keith Peterson said. "He not only is a very efficient scorer himself, but he is a great passer and really makes our offense go. His presence at the rim defensively is also a huge factor in games." Camardo will play at Case Western Reserve next season.
Gio Carrillo Rolling MeadowsThe "Mad Bomber," Carrillo has been manically shooting his way to a lead role in the Mustangs' resurgence. Carrillo is averaging 12 points and has had games of 30 and 28 points in recent weeks. A solid playmaker as well, Carrillo is averaging 5 assists. "Gio has really stepped up his game during the second part of our season scoring 30 and 28 points in recent games. He is a terrific captain and role model for his teammates and for the entire Mustang program," Rolling Meadows coach Kevin Katovich said. "He really doesn't care who gets the credit as long as we win. He has done everything we have asked of him this year, and has been a terrific mentor for Max (Christie) from day one of summer camp."
Jesse Castro Christian LibertyCastro has been a force for the Chargers for four years. He averaged 16.8 points this season and set a school-record with 43 points in a game. Castro also finished his career with 1,025 points, which ranks him second in school history. "Jesse is one of the hardest workers I have ever coached," Christian Liberty coach Jed Bennett said. "His natural speed allows him to get to the basket easily, but the off-season work gave him the ability to become a dual threat. Jesse's quiet leadership earned him the respect of his teammates on a daily basis."
Max Christie Rolling MeadowsChristie swooped in and became one of the area's most dynamic players as a freshman. He is as tough to guard from the outside, where his is an eagle-eyed 3-point shooter, as on a fierce drive to the basket. Christie averaged 20 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. "What makes Max so special is not that he is a freshman, but that he handles himself so well that you forget that he is a freshman," Rolling Meadows coach Kevin Katovich said. "He has improved so much in just one year and the sky is the limit with him. He is a consummate team player and has a work ethic that is unparalleled. He has tremendous leadership skills and it will be fun to watch him progress and grow over the next three years at Meadows."
Jack Collins Maine WestCollins was the enforcer on both ends of the court for the Warriors. He averaged 12.7 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block this season. "Jack Collins is one of the best big men in the area this season," Maine West Tom Prokopij said. "He doesn't have eye-popping numbers, but he nearly averaged a double-double. His consistent attitude and steady approach to the game each and every day has been a major factor to our team's success this season."
Ryan Davis ConantThe honorary captain of the all-area team, "Big Country" has been a force for the Cougars since his freshman year. His numbers this season were staggering, as he averaged 25, points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist and 1 blocked shot. Davis has committed to the University of Vermont. "His numbers are legit," Conant coach James Malley said. "It has been like this all year long. Teams would double- and triple-team him, and he was still unstoppable. Ryan is strong and skilled and passes well from the posts and finds the open man."
Julian Dones Maine WestDones has been solid for the Warriors for the past three seasons. A terrific shooter, he canned 70 shots from outside the arc. He averaged 13.3 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and steals for the Central Suburban League winners. He is also a member of the 1,000-point club. "Julian is a rare type of player," Maine West coach Tom Prokopij said. "It's not often that an individual as talented as him comes along in high school basketball. He has made more 3-pointers than any other player in program history. He truly understands the game and has incredible vision"
Milos Dugalic Maine WestDugalic was a solid do-it-all player for the Warriors this season. He stepped up to score when needed, handled the ball and also was there for a key rebound. He averaged 11.3 points with 37 three-pointers. He also had 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per game. "Milos completely reconstructed his shot heading into his senior year, which not many players will commit themselves to doing," Maine West coach Tom Prokopizj said. "He has so much potential and the right attitude to reach his potential."
Jeremiah Hernandez St. ViatorHernandez was named co-MVP of East Suburban Catholic while helping to lead the Lions to the conference title. "Jeremiah Hernandez is a step ahead of most players his age when it comes to understanding the game and making the right play in any situation," St. Viator coach Quin Hayes said. "He is one of the smartest players I have coached." Hernandez averaged 15 points, 3 assists, 4 rebounds and 1.7 steals this season. He will play for Puerto Rico's U-17 team in the World Championships this summer.
Bryce Hopkins FremdHopkins exploded during the second half of the season until an ankle injury sidelined him. But the word is out, and the junior has begun to draw Division I interest thanks to his strong play both inside and on the perimeter where he averaged 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists. "Bryce has worked tremendously hard in the off-season and has improved in all areas of his game," Fremd coach Bob Widlowski said. "He poses a difficult matchup with his size and skill. His length has made him a strong defender. He can play any position on the floor and has scored in a wide variety of ways."
Ocean Johnson LeydenThere is a deep reservoir of talent here for Leyden. Johnson averaged 19.2 points while being the focal point of the Eagles' opponents this year. He also averaged 6.3 rebounds and 2 assists. "Ocean has proven to be one of the best players in our league and has the ability to be one of the best players in the state," Leyden coach Bill Heisler said. "He was very efficient in averaging over 19 points per game despite defensive schemes to stop him. We are expecting him to have a huge senior season."
Peter Lambesis St. ViatorLambesis defended the best scorer for each of the Lions' opponents all season and was able to contain nearly all of them. Despite all that defensive work, he was still able to average 12 points while adding 3 assists, 5 rebounds and 1.7 steals. "In my opinion, he is the best on-ball defender in the state," St. Viator coach Quin Hayes. "He guarded the best player on every team we faced and held most of them to single digits."
Tim Lussenhop ProspectLussenhop was the key to the Knights' defense this season and led the team with 58 steals. He was an offensive threat as well, averaging 9 points, 3.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 57 percent from the field. "Tim was our team's top defender and a major reason for our success," Prospect coach John Camardella said. "His athleticism and length allowed him to cover ground on one end and attack the rim hard on the other. As a player, Tim would often see things on the floor our staff would miss and ask to make adjustments - and often times, we would."
Jalen McLachlan ProspectMcLachlan's inside play was critical to the success of the Knights this season. It was his play on the inside that helped guide Prospect to an undefeated year in the MSL West. McLachlan averaged 6.5 points along with 5.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and nearly 2 blocks. "On defense, Jalen was our team's top rebounder and shot blocker," Prospect coach John Camardella said. "On the offensive end, Jalen was highly efficient around the rim and one of the better passers on our team. His play above the rim always had people on the edge of their seats, and he might just go down as the best dunker in Prospect history."
Johnny O'Shea PalatineAn all-area choice last season, O'Shea's strong play continued this year. He averaged 11 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists and shot 55 percent from the field. O'Shea was also a two-year choice on the football all-area team as a wide receiver. "Every coach should have the opportunity to coach a kid like Johnny," Palatine coach Eric Millstone said. "Everyone sees what he does for his team on the court and the numbers are what they are, but what people don't see is the way he brings it every single rep at practice. He's got that special mix of skill, a blue-collar work ethic and accountability. The kid is just a flat-out winner."
Ryan Martin FremdMartin has been a three-year starter for the Vikings, and a leader on and off the court. Martin averaged 12.4 points, 3.1 assists and 6.1 rebounds. "Ryan has been rock solid for years at Fremd," Fremd coach Bob Widlowski said. "He has played a wide variety of positions at both ends of the floor. He has been a great example for our younger players of how to get it done on the basketball court as well as the classroom." Martin will continue his playing career at the University of Chicago next year.
Jack Reinhard BarringtonReinhard was a huge force for the Broncos under the glass on both ends of the court for the Mid-Suburban West co-champs. He averaged 9.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 block per game. "Jack is a versatile player, who has the ability at 6-foot-8 to step out and hit a 3 as well as attack the rim off the drive," Barrington coach Bryan Tucker said. "He is a major force on the defense end, protecting the rim with his shot-blocking ability."
Ben Schols ConantSchols has been a four-year starter and has helped account for 89 wins during that span. He has been a solid shooter from the outside and averaged 11 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. "On any other team, Ben would be averaging 18 points per game," Conant coach James Malley said. "He would get a lot more recognition. He is so selfish. He passes the ball so well and makes thing happen off the dribble and is a knock-down shooter."
Anthony Spann BarringtonSpann is a three-year starter and two-year all-conference player, and his steady play helped Barrington to a share of the MSL West title. He averaged 11 points and 3.5 rebounds. "Anthony is a captain who provides great leadership," Barrington coach Bryan Tucker said. "He is an explosive guard with the ability to finish at the rim with either hand against bigger players."
David Swedura ProspectSwedura, concluding a three-year varsity run with the Knights, helped lead them to a conference title in each of those seasons. He also joined the 1,000-point club the season. The MSL East co-player of the year who has started 80 consecutive games averaged 16.8 points, 3.3 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals. "During his senior year, David's leadership and competitiveness went to a different level," Prospect coach John Camardella said. "He has been the consummate teammate and set a new bar for point guards at Prospect."
Heze Trotter SchaumburgTrotter makes everyone near him pick up their game, whether he is play basketball or football, where he was also an all-area pick. Trotter averaged 10.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2 assists for the Saxons this year. "Heze is a very good athlete who brings an energy level to the court that raises the level of intensity," Schaumburg coach Wade Heisler said. "He defends, rebounds, and takes charges at a high level. Not only is Heze is a good player himself, he makes everybody around him better."
Jack Vaselaney Buffalo GroveA four-year starter and a three-year all-conference selection, Vaselaney has been the engine that drives the Bison. He led his team with 14 points and 3 assists per game while shooting 48 percent from the floor and 85 percent from the foul line. "Jack has really continued to make himself better over the last four years," Buffalo Grove coach Keith Peterson said. "He is a very smart, experienced player that has really helped us to have the success we have had the last two years." Vaselaney will play at Case Western Reserve University next year.
All-area roster
Player School Pos. Yr.
Lamon Berry Palatine G Sr.
Michael Best Wheeling G Jr.
Jason Boock Barrington G Jr.
Trey Calvin St. Viator G Jr.
Mac Camardo Buffalo Grove C Sr.
Gio Carrillo Rolling Meadows F Sr.
Jesse Castro Christian Liberty G Sr.
Max Christie Rolling Meadows G Fr.
Jack Collins Maine West F Sr.
*Ryan Davis Conant F Sr.
Julian Dones Maine West G Sr.
Milos Dugalic Maine West G Sr.
Jeremiah Hernandez St. Viator G Jr.
Bryce Hopkins Fremd G Jr.
Ocean Johnson Leyden G Jr.
Peter Lambesis St. Viator G Sr.
Tim Lussenhop Prospect G Sr.
Ryan Martin Fremd F Sr.
Jalen McLachlan Prospect F Sr.
Johnny O'Shea Palatine F Sr.
Jack Reinhard Barrington F Sr.
Ben Schols Conant G Sr.
Anthony Spann Barrington G Sr.
David Swedura Prospect G. Sr.
Heze Trotter Schaumburg G Jr.
Jack Vaselaney Buffalo Grove G Sr.
* All-area team captain
Honorable mentionDarrington Bates, Maine West, Sr.; Kyle Britten, Leyden, Jr.; Phil Bucko, Wheeling, Sr.; Ryan Carney, Rolling Meadows; Marshall Davis IV, Hoffman Estates, Sr.; Matt Hanushewsky, Hersey, Sr.; Michael Hodges, Schaumburg, Sr.; Cortez Hogans, Palatine, Sr.; Dylan Ingebrigtsen, Elk Grove, Sr.; Matt Kentgen, Maine West, Sr.; Jacob Klucsewski, Hersey, Sr.; Jon Kreidler, Prospect. Sr.; Caleb Mayhorn, Buffalo Grove, Sr.; Raj Mittal, Conant, Jr.; Jake Parsons, Barrington, Sr.; Tom Trieb, Buffalo Grove, Jr.; Matt Winters, Schaumburg Christian, Sr.
Special mentionJohnny Czeslawski, Prospect, Sr.; Matt Doersching, St. Viator, Sr.; Jack Geary, St. Viator, Sr.; Ely Grimmer, Maine West, Jr.; Chris Hodges, Schaumburg, Fr.; TJ Johannesen, Prospect., Jr.; Jake Moertl, Palatine, Sr.; Rocco Ronzio, Hersey, Jr.; Steve Ringstrand, Christian Liberty, Sr.; Luke Seidel, Fremd, Sr.; Isaiah Turner, Fremd, Sr.
Selections and profiles by Dick Quagliano