Scouting Dundee-Crown boys basketball

Dundee-Crown Chargers

Coach: Lance Huber (eighth year, 105-90)

Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)

2009-10 record: 5-22 (3-7 FVC), lost in regional semifinal to Barrington

Top returning players: Kyle Bernhard (Jr., 5-11 G), Kevin Cronin (Sr., 6-1 F), Nathan Kirchhoff (Sr., 5-11 G), Dylan Kissack (So. 6-1 F), Thomas McNally (Jr., 6-0, F), Ryan Smith (Sr., 6-3 F), Will Stupar (Jr. 5-11, G)

Top newcomers: Bruce Dantzler (Jr. 5-10 G), Jamel Kimbrough (Sr., 6-4 F/C), Marshawn Brown (Sr., 5-9 G)

Season outlook: Powered by a number of experienced seniors and three returning juniors, the Chargers could return to respectability this season. Only one player from last year's rotation, Sean Bernhard, graduated. How much the returning players have improved in the off-season, both individually and as players within the framework of the team concept, will determine how much improvement Dundee-Crown demonstrates in the win column. “Obviously, we have a lot of guys coming back so experience should be a benefit for us,” said D-C coach Lance Huber, who guided the program to a Class 4A semifinal two seasons ago.

“But we still have to do a better job taking care of the ball and guarding people. Those were two weaknesses last year. We're going to have to turn those into strengths if we're going to be successful.” Ryan Smith (11 ppg.) is the team's leading returning scorer. He can take a defender off the dribble or shoot the 3-pointer. Cronin and Kirchhoff each played starters minutes last season. Kimbrough has talent and can be a force inside when focused. He played in only five games last season. Sophomore forward Dylan Kissack enters his second varsity season. He and junior guard Bruce Dantzler could play their way into more minutes. If this senior class leads unselfishly, Dundee-Crown could have a bounce-back season. “We're really looking forward to the seniors providing some leadership, and we're hoping we can blend all our classes together to produce a recipe for success,” Huber said.