Scouting Crystal Lake South boys basketball

Crystal Lake South Gators

Coach: Dan DeBruycker (sixth year, 73-67)

Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)

2009-10 record: 15-12 (6-4 FVC, second), lost to Rockford Jefferson in a Class 4A regional final

Top returning players: Ethan Breitenstein (Sr., 6-1 PG), Tyler Dawson (Sr., 6-6 C), Robbie Lemke (Sr., 6-3 F), Ryan Price (Sr., 6-1 G), Kevin Rogers (Sr., 6-3 F), Gavin Rubin (Sr., 6-2 F), Colin Stich (Sr., 5-11, G), Trevor Thompson (Sr., 6-0 G)

Top newcomers: Will Ahsmann (Jr., G), Matt Benoit (Jr., C) Xone Veseli (Jr., G), Colt Nero (Jr., F)

Season outlook: With 12 seniors and only four juniors on the roster, the Gators are built to win now, led by the return of seven players from last year’s eight-man rotation. “I think this is our best shot to win (the Valley) in my five years,” coach Dan DeBruycker said. “They’re all a little stronger with a higher maturity level as seniors. The game has slowed down for them. As juniors they rushed into mistakes. In practice we’re making less mistakes and more guys are making more plays. We now have four or five guys who can do that, not just one or two.” Kevin Rogers, a returning all-area and all-FVC selection, heads the pack. The senior forward averaged 12.3 points per game in his second varsity season and connected on more than 60 3-pointers at a 38-percent clip. He is also a 75-percent free-throw shooter, though Ryan Price led the team (84 percent). Breitenstein triggers the offense and has the ability to score, as evidenced by his 17 points in the Gators’ regional final loss to Rockford Jefferson. Tyler Dawson and Robbie Lemke can both score and provide rebounds. DeBruycker said Gavin Rubin, Trevor Thompson and Price have all shown great improvement in the off-season and give the Gators weapons off the bench. All three played in every game last season. CL South’s senior-dominated lineup will be tough for any junior to crack, “but they’re helping in practices, which have been great so far,” DeBruycker said. “It’s a totally different atmosphere compared to this time last year because they already know what they’re doing and what’s expected of them. It should be fun.”