Scouting Huntley boys basketball

Huntley Red Raiders

Coach: Marty Manning (fifth year, 73-42)

Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)

2009-10 record: 15-13 (3-7 FVC)

Top returning players: Tyler Brunschon (Sr., 6-3 G), Ryan Davenport (Jr., 6-1 F), Justin Frederick (Jr., 6-2 F), Trevor Miller (Sr., 6-0 G), Dylan Neukirch (Sr., 6-3 F), Bryce Only (So., G)

Top newcomers: Jake Brock (Jr., 6-1 G), Jake Dachman (So., 5-9 PG), Amanze Egekeze (Fr., 6-5 F)

Season outlook: Huntley was the surprise team in the area last season when the Red Raiders bolted to an 11-4 start despite playing three sophomores and a freshman in key roles. A year later, the still-young but somewhat-experienced Red Raiders are in position to challenge for the Valley Division title. They’ll be better tested for the FVC wars with a challenging nonconference schedule that includes road games at Fremd, Barrington, Marian Central and Hoffman Estates. Huntley has plenty of scoring coming back thanks to Tyler Brunschon (15.4 ppg.), a 38-percent shooter from 3-point and 84-percent free-throw shooter. Dylan Neukirch missed the home stretch last season with an injury, but he was second on the team in scoring with 9.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Junior point guard Troy Miller averaged 5.6 points and shot 87 percent from the free-throw line. Junior forward Justin Frederick added 7.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Sophomore Bryce Only (3.4 ppg., 5.7 rpg, 47 steals) is primed to take another step in his second varsity season. Ryan Davenport rebounds well and plays within the system. “Scoring shouldn’t be an issue,” Huntley coach Marty Manning said. “We just have to make sure we take good shots. We don’t need to force anything. Justin is knocking down 17 -19 footers like they’re layups and Tyler and Dylan are really looking good. Troy and Bryce made the most progress in the off-season and we’re rounding into a good offensive team. As long as we share the basketball, teams will have a difficult time stopping us.” Huntley’s weakness is a lack of team height. No player stands taller than 6-3 except unproven freshman Amanze Egekeze (6-5). “Crystal Lake South and McHenry in our conference have very good big guys, so that’ll be difficult,” Manning said. “If we defend guys inside and rebound the basketball, we’ll do OK no matter what. And offensively, it’ll come down to our shot selection.”