Barrington
Coach: Bryan Tucker (second year, 17-13; 15th year overall, 255-137)
Last year: 17-13, 4-6 (fourth in West, 4A sectional semifinalist)
Key losses: Bryan Wegner (all-area G, 14.5 ppg, Loras), Ben Bartz (F, 8.1 ppg, San Diego Christian), James Stack (G, 9.3 ppg, 60 3s, Lake Forest), Riley O’Daniel (G), Jack Sheetz (F)
Top returnees: Seniors Greg Gerrard (F, 8.5 ppg, 19 3s), Owen Prunskis (6-3, F), Mike McAndrews (5-10, G), Tyler Weathered (6-2, G), Brent Nelson (6-3, F), Mitch Smith (6-5, F); juniors John Schneider (6-7, F, 7.4 ppg), Mark Bennett (6-4, F)
Newcomers: Senior Ben Nuckles (6-5, C); juniors Jackson Wegner (6-0, G), Taylor Ganzer (6-0, G), Ryan Carroll (5-11, G), Edward Stack (6-3, F); sophomore Brett Zaumseil (5-11, G), Scott Nelson (5-11, G)
Outlook: Barrington looks to build off nearly making the sectional final in its transition year under Tucker. “It’s definitely made a big difference where you’re not trying to explain every little thing,” Tucker said. “We have a good group of kids who are working really hard and are starting to understand on their own what they need to do.” Replacing what Wegner, Stack and Bartz brought won’t be easy, but Gerrard and Prunskis have stepped into leadership roles. “(Gerrard) is someone teams will definitely have to be conscious of on the offensive end,” Tucker said. “Owen worked hard in the offseason at being more of a threat offensively. Clearly last year he was a defensive stopper and did a lot of dirty work and we’re counting on him for doing that again.” Schneider also showed promise last season and had a solid summer. “He has a tremendous upside and if he continues to work hard he could really be a force for us.” Tucker said. Zaumseil got into a couple of games last year when Wegner was hurt and should help. Weathered, McAndrews, Nelson, Smith and Bennett didn’t play a lot last year but also have a better understanding of the system. “I think we can go deeper than usual and that makes practices more competitive,” Tucker said.
