Scouting DuPage county boys basketball

Addison Trail

Coach: Brendan Lyons.

Last year: 11-18, 6-6, tied for fourth in West Suburban Conference Gold Division; lost 52-44 to North Lawndale Charter in Class 4A Addison Trail regional quarterfinals.

Top players: Taylor White, sr. F; Matt Gontarek, sr. G; Dante Frontier, sr. F; Jaavion Bradley, sr. G; Ryan Zygowicz, jr. G; Zach Novak, jr. F; Eric Grygo, jr. F; Tyler White, sr. G; Jinu Mathew, sr. G; Nick Conrad, jr. G; Jack Kalbas, so. G.

Scouting report: Two starters return in Taylor White, a third-year varsity member who last season averaged 10 points, and Gontarek. Still, it'll be a major adjustment playing without graduated four-year starting point guard James Pupillo. The good news is that Bradley, a football standout, is returning to basketball after a year away. He's one of many players coming aboard from a Gold title run in football, a list that includes Zygowicz as last season's leading scorer from an 18-win sophomore team. A physical, athletic and balanced group will be in position to win a bunch more games in and out of the Gold. "It's kind of a new look for us, but I think we can do some positive things," Lyons said.

Benet

Coach: Gene Heidkamp.

Last year: 25-8, 6-2, third in East Suburban Catholic Conference; lost 46-44 to Whitney Young in Class 4A state championship game.

Top players: Colin Bonnett, sr. G; Dan Sobolewski, jr. F; Cameron Graves, sr. F; James Dockery, jr. F; Sean Liszka, sr. G; Jason Malonga, jr. F; Patrick Ramatowski, sr. G; Jeff Conrad, sr. G; Sean Gerken, sr. F.

Scouting report: It won't be easy reloading from the best season in its history, but Benet will try with unknown talent filling the void from graduation. Of four lost starters the most significant is 6-9 center Sean O'Mara, now at Xavier. "We've always had a true back-to-the-basket guy we were able to throw the ball into," Heidkamp said. "Our potential is up in the air. I'm excited but it's also a little scary." Benet will shift the focus away from the post. Bonnett, the lone returning starter who last year averaged 10 points, boasts significant big-game experience and played his best in the playoffs. Sobolewski was one of the first guys off a short bench. Newcomers from strong lower-level teams offer confidence at another solid year.

Downers Grove North

Coach: Jim Thomas.

Last year: 9-18, 1-11, seventh in West Suburban Conference Silver Division; lost 51-41 to Hinsdale South in Class 4A Naperville Central regional quarterfinals.

Top players: Myles Farley, sr. G; Devin Blake, jr. F; Bowen Marks, jr. G; David Edwards, sr. C; Matt Mahlke, jr. F; Jordan Kedrowski, sr. G; Jack Fallbacher, sr., F; Colin Kramper, sr. G; Evan Jakobsze, sr. F.

Scouting report: Last season's growing pains, especially in the Silver, should pay dividends. The Trojans will have one of the league's top players in Blake, who averaged 12.7 points and 7.8 rebounds as a sophomore. He leads a tremendous front court with 6-foot-6 Mahlke another key contributor as a sophomore. The Trojans are so deep up front, it may allow 6-7 Edwards, committed to Wisconsin for football, to provide a huge presence off the bench. The increased toughness inside will show. "This is the toughest team I've ever coached, and they're fearless," Thomas said. "They're a together group that's ready to go." Farley, who averaged 9 points, and Kedrowski, a Neuqua Valley transfer, power the backcourt.

Downers Grove South

Coach: Kris Olson.

Last year: 11-14, 7-5, third in West Suburban Conference Gold Division; lost 59-52 to Batavia in Class 4A Plainfield East regional quarterfinals.

Top players: Mantas Augustinavicius, sr. G; T.J. Clifford, so. F; Sam Ebersold, jr. G; Jahleel Smith, jr. G; Denis Alibegovic, so. G; Donovan Ferguson, jr. F.

Scouting report: Not a single starter returns, and Augustinavicius is the only player with significant varsity experience. With key elements from freshman and sophomore teams that went a combined 37-7, the Mustangs still plan on success. "We'll have to keep our heads above water early in the season," Olson said. "But I see a lot of poise and a lot of skill with this group." Clifford, a 6-foot-5 inside-outside threat, is a major reason for team optimism. Since a strong freshman year he's added a perimeter game to his talents with his back to the basket. While Alibegovic is another top scorer from the sophomore class, the Mustangs still will lean on Augustinavicius for a big chunk of points. Ferguson, at 6-7, and Ebersold, a true point guard, add to the team's court balance.

Fenton

Coach: Josh Payton.

Last year: 1-26, 1-11, tied for sixth in Metro Suburban Conference; lost 56-22 to Hoffman Estates in Class 4A Addison Trail regional quarterfinals.

Top players: David Alden, sr. G; David Echeverria, sr., C; Bryan Larsen, so. G; Eric Trujillo, jr. G; Elijah Young, sr. F; Shamar Archibaldo, sr. F; Derrian Warren, jr. F; Jake Piotrowski, jr. F; K.J. Jones, jr. G.

Scouting report: Only two starters return, but they'll be critical in helping Fenton drastically increase its victory total from a year ago. Alden's back at the point and Echeverria's returning to the post with double-digit point potential and tremendous interior ability at both ends of the court. Larsen's poised to make an instant impact as an aggressive, slashing scorer while 6-foot-4 Archibaldo is a program newcomer with great athleticism. Warren's another scoring threat, a wing who epitomizes Fenton's overall balance. Young, a standout football player, brings added toughness inside with Echeverria. "We're seeing things come together throughout the program that we haven't seen in a long time," Payton said.

Glenbard East

Coach: Scott Miller.

Last year: 5-22, 1-13, eighth in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost 72-56 to Bartlett in a Class 4A Morton regional quarterfinal.

Top players: Jeremy Bryant, jr., C; Adam Ebole, sr., F; Mike Finley, so., F; Jack Grigat, jr., G; Terrance Lakes, jr., G; Patrick Peterkin, jr., F; Bryce Roberts, sr., F; Darrell Wilson, jr., C.

Scouting report: It's a fresh start for Glenbard East, from the DuPage Valley Conference to the Upstate Eight where it played from 1963-65. Fresh too for returning starters Peterkin, Lakes, Finley and Grigat. As underclassmen they gained experience while graduated guard JaRon Hall took 37 percent of the shots for 18.6 points a game. Now they're tougher, more attuned to defense with skills "light years ahead" of last year, Miller said. The 6-6 Peterkin, who averaged 9 points and 6 boards, brings the true height, but there's mismatch possibilities with good athleticism, depth and across-the-board size. Finley, a 6-3 wing who averaged 7 points and 5 rebounds as a freshman, could be exciting. "I think the kids are hungry and they've done a lot of work to get better," Miller said.

Glenbard North

Coach: Joe Larson.

Last year: 24-6, 12-2, tied for first in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 62-59 to Benet in Class 4A Hinsdale Central supersectional.

Top players: Nolan Jasinski, sr. G; John Bosco, sr. G; Sam Ledbetter, sr. F; Brett Miller, sr. F; Mig Torres, sr. G; David Chamberlain, sr. G; Michael Matkovic, jr. G; Mark Krzeminski, jr. F; Chamar Flanigan, so. C; Myles Moore, so. F.

Scouting report: No area team graduated more talent than the Panthers. Rebuilding from a DVC and sectional champion team won't be easy with every starter and last year's bench contributors all gone. "Obviously we've got a lot of question marks," Larson said. "That's what happens when you have a special group like we had." The Panthers will look similar in style in terms of pushing the pace, although not as much while the group gains experience. There's depth and scoring options with Ledbetter, Matkovic, Krzeminski and Miller all quality shooters. Bosco, Torres and Jasinski are among the many ballhandlers. With 6-foot-3 Moore and 6-4 Flanigan, the Panthers will receive a nice boost from the sophomore class.

Glenbard South

Coach: Wade Hardtke.

Last year: 16-12, 9-3, tied for second in Metro Suburban Conference; lost 81-70 to Kaneland in Class 3A Kaneland regional semifinals.

Top players: Tyler Scott, sr. G; Billy Bair, jr. C; Kyle Carli, jr. F; Tim Marks, jr. G; Johnny LaPonte, jr. F; Tyler Schutte, sr. F; Charlie Bair, so. C; Povilas Riauba, jr. G; Bart Ryndak, sr. C; Jonny Gutierrez, sr. G.

Scouting report: Last season's success hinged on graduated guards Chaun Rickette and Alex Jeske, who combined to average 37 points. It's a different story now that the Raiders have a lineup with the potential to consistently produce a handful of double-digit scorers. Three classes mix around Scott, the only returning starter who averaged 6 points. The Bairs, Billy averaged 4.5 points as a sophomore varsity member, offer dual 6-foot-5 frames in a post rotation including 6-7 Ryndak and LaPonte. Overall athleticism is a strength with multiple three-sport athletes including Carli and Marks, brought up to varsity late last year. "We've got plenty of athleticism," Hardtke said. "How quickly we can learn is the key."

Glenbard West

Coach: Tim Hoder.

Last year: 14-14, 4-8, fifth in West Suburban Conference Silver Division; lost 86-61 to Morton in Class 4A Morton regional semifinals.

Top players: Alex Passi, jr. G; Justin Pierce, jr. F; Kalen Starkey, sr. F; Brian Cochrane, jr. G; Aidan Gould, sr. G; Danny Walker, sr. F; Nick Diver, jr. G; Connor O'Shea, jr. F; Darnell Weedon, sr. G.

Scouting report: Starting three juniors may not be ideal, but Glenbard West isn't worried about a lineup that includes Passi, Pierce and Cochrane. Pierce and Cochrane combined for 85 3-pointers last season while Passi gained valuable ballhandling experience. Expect more offense from him this year. Six-foot-five Starkey is a third returning starter with Passi and Pierce, and he adds athletic toughness in the post. A very good shooting team needs to overcome its lack of size inside. Gould also started a handful of games. With Cochrane, Gould and others still playing football, team success may be a building process. "We're not going to be at our best right away this season, but once we get going I think we'll be OK," Hoder said.

Hinsdale Central

Coach: Nick Latorre.

Last year: 23-7, 11-1, first in West Suburban Conference Silver Division; lost 61-50 to Benet in Class 4A East Aurora sectional semifinals.

Top players: Matt Rafferty, sr. F/C; Jordan Bradshaw, sr. G; Grant Hutcherson, sr. G; George Kiernan, sr. F; Neven Mulc, sr. G; Thomas Ives, sr. G; Peter Blust, jr. F; Drew Shepherd, jr. G.

Scouting report: Coming off the program's first regional title since 2006, the Red Devils have the talent to reach that success and beyond. It starts with a dynamite frontcourt featuring 6-foot-7 Rafferty, who averaged 18.4 points and 11.7 rebounds and boasts multiple Division I offers, 6-6 Navy-bound Kiernan and 6-7 Blust. But with Bradshaw, Hutcherson, Ives and others bringing backcourt experience, Hinsdale Central will be dangerous from everywhere. "I really think we're going to be balanced," Latorre said. "We could have three or four guys in double figures each night." Latorre believes Rafferty might end up scoring less this year, but the team as a whole might score more than last year. Defending the Silver title is just the start of this team's goals.

Hinsdale South

Coach: Brett Moore.

Last year: 16-13, 6-6, tied for fourth in West Suburban Conference Gold Division; lost 63-47 to Hinsdale Central in Class 4A Naperville Central regional semifinals.

Top players: Barret Benson, jr. C; Brian Kern, sr. G; C.J. Davis, sr. G; Martynas Matevicius, jr. G; Freddy Reetz, jr. G; Sean McCormack, jr. F; Matt Brandeis, sr. F.

Scouting report: Led by one of the state's top junior players in 6-foot-10 Benson, already a third-year starter, the Hornets will be an interesting team to watch. As a sophomore he dominated with 12.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and he blocked 91 shots. Five other players stand 6-5 or taller, making for a potentially overpowering inside presence. Last season the Hornets were outrebounded only once. Hinsdale South, though, needs to overcome a bevy of inexperienced guards. Kern and Davis are among the few backcourt players who saw time last season. A young team will improve as the season progresses. "It's a year where we've got a lot of young guys, but we've also got a lot of talent," Moore said.

IC Catholic Prep

Coach: T.J. Tyrrell.

Last year: 23-7, 10-0, first in Suburban Christian Conference Gold Division; lost 65-69 to Newman Central Catholic in Class 2A Bureau Valley sectional final.

Top players: Rhashaun Epting, jr. G/F; Troy Burrows, jr. G; Jordan Rowell, jr. F; Will Lyles, jr. C/F; Austin Reed, so. G; Angel Ramirez, jr. G.

Scouting report: The bad news? The Knights graduated four of their top five players. But the good news trumps the bad. They return four of their top eight. With SCC Gold MVP Epting back after averaging 19 points and 8 rebounds, IC Catholic will be in great position for another playoff run. It's a young group, however, that has only three seniors on the roster. Elements of last year's freshman and sophomore teams that went a combined 41-12 bolster the ranks in a program truly hitting its stride. "Having a young group come that close (in the sectional title game), it gives us so much confidence," Tyrrell said. "It showed we belonged there and have a shot at doing it again." While Epting, Lyles and Rowell give the Knights strength inside, Burrows, Reed and Ramirez lead in the backcourt.

Lake Park

Coach: Josh Virostko.

Last year: 16-15, 4-10, sixth in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 48-44 to Glenbard North in Class 4A Leyden regional final.

Top players: Marcus McDaniel, sr. G; Connor Vance, sr. F; Cameron Van Aswegen, sr. F; Mike Karas, sr. G; Tim Weiss, sr. G; Stefan Meccia, sr. G; Chris Filip, sr. C; Dan Hynes, jr. G; Mitch Jarosinski, jr. C; Garrett Fant, so. G.

Scouting report: Four starters return to a team that came within a hair of winning a regional title last season, which puts the Lancers among the favorites to win the DVC title. McDaniel, Vance and Karas, who combined last season to average 22 points, are all three-year varsity players. Weiss and Van Aswegen combined for 93 3-pointers. That core epitomizes a group of tremendous shooters that also plans on bunching points in transition off turnovers. "The jump shot's going to be huge for us," Virostko said. "It's one of the best shooting teams we've had." Concerns rest in the post without much size, but 6-foot-4 Filip and 6-5 Jarosinski are a nice start as the Lancers focus on improved rebounding and interior defense.

Lisle

Coach: Mark LaScala.

Last year: 4-23, 2-9, tied for 10th in the Interstate Eight Conference; lost 57-54 to Westmont in the Class 2A Aurora Christian quarterfinal.

Top players: Ryan Gillen, jr., G; Grant Haen, so., G; Jack Hennessy, sr., F; Charlie Jansen, sr., F; David Keleher, sr., F; Nick Massura, jr., G; Mark McGrath, so., G; Trevor Stitt, so., G.

Scouting report: One season after revolving around 6-5 Jeremy Glavanovits and 6-6 Shane Murray the Lions present a young, energetic team whose core tops out with the 6-1 Keleher and Jansen. Returning point guard Massura heads a horde of underclass guards. The Lions will be challenged to defend the post and rebound, but LaScala hopes tough players such as McGrath and Haen can wear teams down with extended defense, tempo, quickness and sheer numbers. Offense may be heavy on dribble penetration for the kick-out 3. Consistent shooting and ball security are key after last season's 41 percent shooting and nearly 17 turnovers a game. But LaScala likes the youthful energy and chemistry. "I'm excited to be building something," he said.

Metea Valley

Coach: Bob Vozza.

Last year: 16-13, 7-5, third in the Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division; lost 74-49 to Naperville Central in a Class 4A Naperville Central regional semifinal.

Top players: P.J. Archey, sr., G; Maurice Burkley, jr., G; Nick Dodson, sr., G; Ron Edwards, sr., G; Matt Helwig, jr., G; Matt Herrmann, sr., C; Mark Konkle, sr., C; Bryson Oliver, sr., G; Montrell Oliver, jr. G; Tristan Schloesser, jr., F; Jordan Williams, j., F.

Scouting report: The Mustangs return starting point guard Bryson Oliver, wing Dodson and post player Konkle, with Edwards bringing back a lot of minutes. Dodson averaged 9.2 points, Oliver 8.6 points, 4 assists, and the 6-5 Konkle 9.1 points and 7.2 rebounds in a breakout season he looks to expand on. Metea has some height but may go as its guards go, turning extended defense into offense. Better shooting is a goal; Helwig made a solid 38 percent of his 3s after he was brought up. Being a tight-knit group helps against a hard schedule including St. Charles East's Thanksgiving Tournament. "It's just another year of having to get better on the fly because we don't get nights off," Vozza said.

Montini

Coach: Brian Opoka.

Last year: 12-16, 5-5, fourth in the Suburban Christian Conference Gold Division; lost 83-49 to Sycamore in a Class 3A Genoa-Kingston regional semifinal.

Top players: Kevin Bodee, jr., F; Kevin Brachmann, jr., F/C; Marvin Edwards, sr., G; Nic Malic, so., F; Mike Mooney, sr., G/F; Neal Orr, sr., C; Will Smith, so., G; Sam Thomas, sr., G.

Scouting report: Opoka raves about his core of Brachmann, Mooney and Thomas, "the best leaders we've had in my (seven years) at Montini," the coach said. Brachmann, the 6-5 brother of graduated star Matt, averaged 4.6 points and 4.5 rebounds in 11 varsity games. Mooney, who averaged 6.4 points, is a floor-burn type, and Thomas is a cerebral point guard. The 6-6 banger Orr, Bodee and perhaps sophs Smith and 6-4 Malic join in, hopefully lending enough balance to keep foes from triple-teaming Brachmann. The 6-3 Edwards a transfer from Plainfield East, is back from a knee injury. His full status and other questions, like depth and rotation, abound. "How we survive that early learning curve is going to be absolutely huge," Opoka said.

Naperville Central

Coach: Pete Kramer.

Last year: 20-8, 10-4, third in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 53-51 to Hinsdale Central in Class 4A Naperville Central regional final.

Top players: Matthew Meier, jr. G/F; Emmanuel Rugamba, jr. G; Nate Dahl, sr. G/F; Alex Pomeroy, sr. F; Harrison Hallstrom, jr. F; Matt Skowronski, so. C; Brandon Baskin, jr. F; Mark Nowak, sr. G.

Scouting report: After graduating their top five scorers, you'd think the Redhawks' cupboard might be bare. Not so. Even though four juniors may be in the starting lineup, the potential's there for another good season. "We've got a ton of games before Christmas," Kramer said. "That's going to be important for us as a young team trying to get up to varsity speed." Meier's the leading returning scorer with about 5 points a game, but he'll be expected to score much more this year. The Redhawks don't have a ton of depth, but there is help in the backcourt with returners Rugamba and Dahl. The surprise comes inside where the Redhawks boast 6-foot-7 Hallstrom and Skowronski. Kramer has especially high hopes for Hallstrom's immediate impact.

Naperville North

Coach: Jeff Powers.

Last year: 17-10, 9-5, fourth in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 46-44 to Waubonsie Valley in Class 4A Lemont regional semifinals.

Top players: Jelani McClain, jr. G; Baylor Griffin, sr. G-F; Zachary Tuxhorn, sr. G; Brian Dalton, sr. G; Chris Gajcak, sr. G/F; Alex Garon, sr. F; Deon Merrill, sr. F/C; Matt Brown, sr. F; Tyler Bushman, sr. F/C; Mitch Lewis, so. G; Winston Elston, so. G.

Scouting report: Three returning starters make the Huskies a contender for the DVC title. McClain's already a three-year varsity member who last season averaged 9.4 points. While he's a force driving to the basket, he's surrounded with options either kicking the ball to shooters or dishing inside to numerous posts. Griffin and Tuxhorn, another third-year player, are fellow returners who will thrive in both spots. Dalton and Gajcak are perimeter threats while Garon, Merrill, Brown and Bushman hold down the post. The Huskies' ability to hit opponents from all angles will be their strength. "When it's all said and done we're going to be a pretty good scoring team," Powers said.

Neuqua Valley

Coach: Todd Sutton.

Last year: 20-9, 11-1, first in the Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division; lost 48-46 to Plainfield North in a Class 4A West Aurora regional semifinal.

Top players: Jacob Cushing, jr., G; Jacob Eminger, sr., F; Demond George, sr., G; Zach Lendino, sr., F; Connor Raridon, sr. G; Joe Sieger, jr., G.

Scouting report: Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Famer Sutton reloads behind players with high basketball IQs. He hopes that helps deduce proper rebounding angles since boards will be at a premium - starting post Lendino goes 6-foot-2 and the 6-5 Cushing and 6-4 All-Area returner Raridon both thrive on the wing. Last season Raridon canned 37 3s and averaged a team-high 12.3 points; slick point guard George averaged 7.9 points, 3.2 assists to Eminger's 5.2 points, 2.5 rebounds. When hot the 6-foot Sieger can light it up. An initial roster of 11 doesn't suggest depth, but these Wildcats work hard and will use defense and balanced scoring to challenge for a third straight UEC Valley title. "It probably comes down to rebounding," Sutton said.

St. Francis

Coach: Bob Ward.

Last year: 15-10, 6-4, tied for second in the Suburban Christian Conference Blue Division; lost 73-57 to Marmion in a Class 3A Kaneland regional semifinal.

Top players: Clint Bobowski, sr., F; Nick Cooney, jr., F; Gabe Johnson, jr., G; Dan Malec, sr., F; Will Purdom, jr. G; Will Rowan, jr., F; Mike Shaw, sr., F; Jason Sullivan, sr., G.

Scouting report: The roster blends players Ward's had throughout his four years at St. Francis with juniors from a 24-1 sophomore team. Like Montini, the Spartans are playing essentially as independents preparing for next season in the Chicago Catholic League North. They bring athletic length and shooters such as all-Suburban Christian Conference guard Sullivan, Purdom and the 6-3 Shaw, 6-2 point guard Malec and the 6-3 guard Johnson, but not a bona fide post. That's not such a bad thing because Ward sees a "draw and kick" style of offense plus an attacking defense tough on the ball. Not a great amount of experience returns, and rebounding is crucial. "This group has got the potential to be a really good defensive team," Ward said.

Timothy Christian

Coach: Jack LeGrand.

Last year: 18-10, 9-3, tied for second in Metro Suburban Conference; lost 51-42 to St. Joseph in Class 3A St. Joseph regional final.

Top players: Ben Lodewyk, jr. G; Joe Bishop, sr. G; Robert McGivney, sr. F/C; Riley Chapman, sr. G/F; Devin May, sr. G; Kollin Kaczynski, sr. G; Brett Kwasigroch, sr. F; Mitch Evenhouse, jr. G; Joe Davidson, so. G/F.

Scouting report: The Trojans' success depends on their ability to regroup from the graduation of 1,000-point scorer Connor VanderBrug, an All-Area honoree. "Last year we were able to count on Connor coming through for us," LeGrand said. "This year everyone needs to chip in." Luckily they have a roster built on group contributions. Lodewyk, Bishop, McGivney and Chapman don't return immense stats but each played extensive minutes. While Bishop excels attacking the basket, Lodewyk's strong on the perimeter. McGivney, 6-foot-6, is the main inside presence. That area's a little thin for the Trojans, who will rely on team rebounding. And with a smaller lineup, expect this team to look for points in bunches in transition.

Waubonsie Valley

Coach: Chaz Taft.

Last year: 19-10, 8-4, second in the Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division; lost 57-33 to Benet in the Class 4A Lemont regional final.

Top players: Jaquon Bowman, jr., C; Jack Connolly, jr., G; Chris Karkazis, sr., G; Chris McGough, sr., F; Brian Phillips, so., G; Scott Wells, so., G; Logan Yanich, sr., F/C.

Scouting report: It's Taft's second season at Waubonsie Valley and he said, "the transition's been outstanding." He's got a team in his mold, gritty and tough. Karkazis is the sole returning starter and the team leader at point guard, succeeding his graduated brother, Nick, at the position. Chris Karkazis averaged 7 points, but his 29 3-pointers last season show there's more in the tank. Not great height with last season's sixth-man Yanich, McGough and Bowman all around 6-4, but Taft says the entire roster plays smart and brings a "blue-collar work ethic." This team is a blend of classes, but the players have quickly gained chemistry. And with chemistry comes defense. "There's a lot of new guys," Taft said, "and every day they're learning."

West Chicago

Coach: Bill Recchia.

Last year: 17-11, 6-6, fourth in the Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division; lost 51-48 to Glenbard North in a Class 4A Leyden regional semifinal.

Top players: Mikey Bibbs, jr., G/F; Tai Bibbs, so., G; Peter Dolan, jr., G; Jourdan Habecker, jr., F; Alex Mitchell, sr., F; Devonte Pascal, so., F; Quinn Ricci, jr., F.

Scouting report: Graduating program all-time scoring leader and UEC Valley player of the year John Konchar, the junior-laden Wildcats look to keep momentum off their best record in a decade. Mitchell is the sole experienced senior, averaging 5.5 points last season, but shooter Mikey Bibbs returns a 14-point average. He'll be joined by explosive kid brother Tai. Aside from the 6-4 Ricci, son of assistant coach Brian Ricci, this is a perimeter-based team. Recchia suggested West Chicago may miss Konchar's 14 rebounds a game more than his scoring. Now entering the UEC River, Recchia sees good shooting potential with keys including developing an inside presence and limiting turnovers. "How quickly we'll develop will determine our level of success," Recchia said.

Westmont

Coach: Craig Etheridge.

Last year: 9-21, 2-9, tied for 10th in the Interstate Eight Conference; lost 74-56 to IC Catholic in a Class 2A Aurora Christian regional semifinal.

Top players: Sean Alexander, sr., C; Adam Doll, jr., G; J.P. Leagogo, jr., G; Marcus Mott-Larson, sr., C; Jack Rebellato, sr., G.

Scouting report: Westmont graduated seven of its top eight players, including 11-point scorers John Kelly and Monty Little. Plus, 6-2 Kyle Domin, tabbed as starting power forward, needed surgery to fix a football injury and might only be available late. Returning starter Doll is the lone known quantity coming in. He'll likely be given the green light to shoot the 3, which he did a team-high 79 times last season. Domin's injury moves 6-3, 220-pound Mott-Larson into the starting post spot; he got in 20 games in 2013-14. Doll and Rebellato are the marksmen for a team that must improve its overall defense and identify good shots. Simply jelling are keys for a group that does have some savvy. "If we can be unselfish and real disciplined we'll be able to hang with pretty good competition," Etheridge said.

Wheaton Academy

Coach: Pete Froedden.

Last year: 20-9, 10-0, first in Suburban Christian Conference Blue Division; lost 59-56 to Sycamore in Class 3A Genoa-Kingston regional final.

Top players: Christian Smith, sr. G; Bryce Sandberg, sr. G; Jacob Lindstedt, sr. C; Evan Williams, sr. F; Anthony Polinski, jr. F; RW Rienow, jr. G; Jameson Teuscher, so. G; Sam Sharnowski, so. F; Tommy Blum, so. F.

Scouting report: Despite the tremendous loss of talent through graduation and transfer, the Warriors aim to make an instant impression in their debut season in the Metro Suburban Conference. "It's a new team," Froedden said. "I like where we are. There are things you can't control and you move on with the guys you've got." The Warriors still have backcourt experience with Smith and Sandberg, who last season combined to average 12 points and 8 assists. With added senior experience in the frontcourt from Lindstedt and Williams, the Warriors will be able to let the younger and inexperienced teammates grow into their roles. By the end of the season, the Warriors plan to be an interesting team to watch.

Wheaton North

Coach: Dave Brackmann.

Last year: 14-13, 6-8, fifth in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 76-60 to Riverside-Brookfield in Class 4A Elk Grove regional semifinals.

Top players: Jake Heggeland, sr. C; Nick Jordan, sr. G; Nick Traversa, sr. F; Luke Anthony, so. G; Matt Giles, jr. G/F; Rowan McGowan, so. F; Kar Reng, sr. F; Adam Terrini, jr. G.

Scouting report: Abundant experience combines with elements of lower-level teams that lost only a handful of games to form a squad capable of winning the DVC title. Six-foot-seven Heggeland, Jordan and Traversa all started at least 20 games while combining for a 20-point average. They'll get a boost from a talented batch of newcomers including Reng, who was mainly a junior varsity player last year, and Anthony, who played a handful of games as a freshman. McGowan's another sophomore ready to contribute right away. Strong depth and athleticism will allow the Falcons' defense to pick up the pace and cause fits for opponents. "We're really excited about this group," Brackmann said. "This is one of the most athletic teams we've had."

WW South

Coach: Mike Healy.

Last year: 5-22, 2-12, seventh in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 53-40 to Plainfield East in Class 4A Plainfield East regional quarterfinals.

Top players: Josh Ruggles, sr. G; Joe Metzger, sr. F; Will Granberry, sr. F; Eric Rasch, jr. F; Matt Dacy, jr. G; Jeran Simpson, jr. G; Ryan Scudder, jr. G.

Scouting report: After three seasons away from coaching, Healy returns to lead the program he coached to two regional titles during his nine years at the helm. "It's good to be back," said Healy, who continues to serve as the school's athletic director. "I don't know what we'll be record-wise, but I like how hard they work." The Tigers return only one player with extensive experience in Metzger, who averaged 5.5 points last year, but they welcome a talented transfer in Ruggles, a 3-point terror who comes to the program from Wheaton Academy. Dacy and Rasch offer additional experience after being brought up to varsity late last season. With plenty of shooting beyond Ruggles, scoring shouldn't be a problem. Team defense and rebounding will be focal points for improvement.

Willowbrook

Coach: Chris Perkins.

Last year: 2-25, 0-12, seventh in West Suburban Conference Gold Division; lost 68-33 to Wheaton North in Class 4A Elk Grove regional quarterfinals.

Top players: Kyle Rushing, sr. C; Chris Roycroft, sr. F; Alonzo Verge Jr., so. G/F; Jake Bruns, sr. G; Kevin Miller, jr. G; Micah Williams, sr. G; Carlos Meyers, jr. G; Brandon Jones, jr. C/F.

Scouting report: The Warriors plan to make last season's disappointment a distant memory. Rushing and Roycroft are dual 6-foot-6 talents who combined for 10 points and 10 boards last year. Willowbrook quickly needs to gain experience in a deep backcourt - Bruns is the only experienced guard - but the team potential rests with Verge. A known talent outside of high school, he'll make his prep debut as a sophomore with dynamic scoring ability. He's also grown about 4 inches in the last year, which adds to the matchup issues opponents will face against him. This group wants to get up and down the court so expect plenty of full-court pressure and transition points. "The excitement level with the kids is more than it's been in years," Perkins said.

York

Coach: Vince Doran.

Last year: 25-6, 10-2, second in West Suburban Conference Silver Division; lost 77-74 to Morton in Class 4A Bartlett sectional semifinals.

Top players: Luke Libert, sr. G; Jayvon Thomas, sr. G; Jack Julian, jr. G; Joe Pierotti, jr. F; Clayton Lyons, sr. G; Ryan Camp, jr. G; Rich George, jr. G; Jack Morrissey, jr. G.

Scouting report: After years of counting on a consistent big man in the post, the focus shifts to the perimeter as the Dukes again attempt to vie for the Silver title. "We're very small this year," Doran said. "We need to have all five guys crashing the glass. I do think we'll have better perimeter shooters than we've had in the past." Thomas will be among the Silver's top players after averaging 10 points and getting to the free-throw line 100 times. Libert's leadership will be needed with up to four junior starters. With only four seniors on the roster, York will need the juniors - Silver champions at the sophomore level - to hit the ground running. While Thomas has the potential to be a potent scorer, the bulk of the points will come by committee.