Scouting Vernon Hills boys basketball

VERNON HILLS

Coach: Matt McCarty, 8th season

2009-2010 record: 17-11, 8-4 Prairie

2009-2010 IHSA tournament results: Lost to North Chicago in regional championship, 85-55.

Key players lost: F Chris Morgan, C Robert Bryant, G Brandon Curry

Key players returning: G DaVaris Daniels, sr., G Chris Argianas, sr., G Stephen Curry, soph., C Brian Berzanski, sr.

Top newcomers: G Darrin Hoveydai, jr., F Jarrett Wood, jr., G Niko Escanilla, jr.

Outlook: It might take star guard DaVaris Daniels some time to get out of football mode. After all, the Notre Dame-bound receiver led the Cougars to one of their best seasons ever, a 10-2 ride that ended in the quarterfinals less than one week ago. But anyone who saw Vernon Hills' loss last weekend to Kaneland was quickly reminded that Daniels never really lost his basketball legs, the same ones that made him one of the most explosive players in the area last year. At one point, Daniels went big-time airborne to pluck a pass out of the air one-handed. He looked as if he were on the hardwood, rising to block a shot or jam home a one-handed slam. It was a spectacular play for an athlete who has been full of them. Vernon Hills fans will remember how Daniels drained an improbable three-pointer just before the buzzer to beat Grayslake Central last year in the regional semifinals

And yet, it's no wonder head coach Matt McCarty believes the key to the season could be all of the players on his team besides Daniels. With the reputation and skill set Daniels has, McCarty doesn't expect him to get many easy looks this season. “We need a consistent three-point shooter when teams double up on DaVaris,” McCarty said. “We have a lot of guys on the perimeter who logged a lot of minutes last year and are experienced. A lot of them played football. If they are healthy and are able to get back into basketball shape, I feel very confident in this group.”…Daniels, who averaged 20 points and 7 rebounds a game last year, should get plenty of support from senior guard Chris Argianas, who also helped to make Daniels look good on the football field. Argianas was Vernon Hills' starting quarterback. He averaged 6 points a game last year for the Cougars and will be counted on for more scoring. Also back is sophomore guard Stephen Curry, who averaged 6 points per game last year as a freshman.

Opener: Vs. Maine East at Northridge Prep, 7:30 p.m. Monday