Crystal Lake South, Jacobs look sharp
Cary-Grove Trojans
Coach: Ralph Schuetzle (12th year, 160-154)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2014-15 record: 16-12, 5-5
Top returning players: Quinn Celske (Sr., 5-11, PG), Adam Loch (Sr., 5-11, G), Danny Schmidt (Sr., 6-3, F)
Top newcomers: Danny Clarke (Jr., 6-1, G), Zach Beagureau (Jr., 6-0, G)
Season outlook: For the last three years the Trojans could rely on guard Jason Gregoire to create his own shots when things got hairy. With Gregoire off to Illinois Wesleyan, the Trojans turn to a variety of players to replace his 15.4 points per game. The three who logged the most minutes of any returnees are senior guards Quinn Celske and Adam Loch and forward Danny Schmidt. Loch and Schmidt each averaged 3.7 points in 28 games. Loch sank 22 of 59 shots from 3-point range (37.3 percent). Celske averaged 2.3 points per game in 21 games. The Trojans were short-handed in practice this week. Danny Clarke, a good shooter expected to make an impact as a junior, had his appendix removed last weekend. An illness to another player left the team with 11 healthy bodies for practice. Even when healthy, the Trojans aren't a big team. Other than senior forward Randall Bazdor (6-6) no player is taller than 6-3. “We'll have to play small ball, quick and fast,” Cary-Grove coach Ralph Schuetzle said. “We do have some kids that can shoot the ball. We'll have to press and play zone (defense) and try to get by with less height. We don't have guys who are going to be dunking and pulling rebounds down and stuff like that, but the kids we get do well because they play harder, smarter and together and they do what we ask them to do.”
Crystal Lake South Gators
Coach: Matt LePage (4th year, 47-39)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2014-15 record: 18-11, 6-4
Top returning players: Wes Buckner (Sr., 6-5, F/C), Tyler Carlson (Sr., 5-9, G), Josh Friesen (Sr., 6-9, C), Zach Geske (Sr., 6-2, G), Tim Siesennop (Sr., 5-10, G)
Top newcomers: Matt Meyers (Jr., 6-2, G), Luke Nolan (Jr., 6-4, F), Noah Wilde (Sr., 6-5, F)
Season outlook: The Gators are considered a title contender by most of the coaches in the FVC Valley, thanks to a lineup that combines interior scoring and defense with outside shooting. CL South returns All-Area pick Zach Geske, a 6-2 guard who averaged 14 points per game by hitting 62 of his 162 3-point attempts (38.8 percent). He also averaged 3.3 rebounds. Coach Matt LePage said he expects Geske to demonstrate a better all-around game as a senior, which includes attacking the rim and playing tougher defense. The Gators return a strong inside game with 6-5 senior forward Wes Buckner (4 ppg, 7 rpg) and 6-9 center Josh Friesen (6.1 rpg, 5.7 rpg). Senior Tim Siesnnop steps into the starting role at point guard with lefty Tyler Carlson coming off the bench in relief. The Gators should get a lift from the addition of junior Luke Nolan, a solid 6-foot-4 athlete who played quarterback for the football team this fall. Also new to the varsity is guard Matt Meyers, a player LePage said can find driving lanes to attack the rim. Senior Noah Wilde is the wild card in the mix. He missed 18 months and his entire junior season due to a meniscus transplant, LePage said. Wilde (6-5½) is an excellent shooter who led the program's sophomore team in scoring two years ago before he was injured. LePage said he is excited to see what Wilde can add to the mix if he can stay injury free. The Gators think they have what it takes to vie for the title with McHenry and defending league champion Jacobs. “The guys are excited,” LePage said. “We have a really good senior class that has put in a lot of time and training, individually and with weights. Our biggest issue is we're not the quickest team because of our length, but we're pretty balanced with how we can space the court. Teams will have to deal with our size inside as well.”
Dundee-Crown Chargers
Coach: Lance Huber (13th year, 171-161)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2014-15 record: 8-19, 2-8
Top returning players: Piotr Agacki (Sr., 6-7, C), Russell Bergeron (Sr., 6-3, F), Holden Carlson (Sr., 6-3, F), Jack Orndahl (So., 6-0, G), James Minter (Sr., 5-11, G), Nick Shydlowski (Sr., 6-1, G), Matt Wiechmann (Sr., 6-3, F)
Top newcomers: Brandon Barber, Jr. (So., 5-8, G), Gabriel Bergeron (So, 6-5, F), Sean Jay (Jr., 5-6, G)
Outlook: The Chargers could play their way into FVC Valley contention if they get the most out of their ability, said veteran coach Lance Huber, who called this a “hardworking, likable team.” The Chargers must figure out where points will come from after graduating their top two scorers. Sophomore shooting guard Jack Orndahl is the team's leading returning scorer at 5.2 points. Over 25 games as a freshman, he shot 29 of 82 from 3-point range (35.4 percent). “I'm not sure you'll find a guy who works harder on his game than Jack Orndahl,” Huber said. “He has improved his fundamentals, his strength and his quickness and he still has room to develop as an all-around player.” Piotr Agacki, who added 15 pounds to his 6-7 frame, takes up space in the paint and can alter shots. He'll be counted on to defend opposing big men, like Jacobs' junior Cameron Krutwig. Russell Bergeron, a 6-3 senior, will get minutes at forward. Guard Nick Shydlowski last year was a defensive sparkplug who played at high speed. He'll add leadership to his role this season, Huber said. Matt Wiechmann is a heady player who acts as a coach on the floor. He has the trust of his coach because he not only knows his job but also those of his teammates. Junior guard Sean Jay is a tough competitor who hates to lose, according to his coach. Sophomore guard Brandon Barber, Jr. is a skilled, young guard with potential. “I'm excited for this group of guys,” Huber said. “They have a chance to do some things and be successful. I'm curious to see if we can take the skills and abilities they have and work them together to put a successful product on the court. I like these guys a lot. They have worked really hard to improve their skill level and they've accepted our coaching.”
Grayslake Central RamsCoach: Kosta Kougias, 2nd season
Last year: 15-13 (7-5 Fox Valley Fox)
Last year's tournament: Lost in regional semifinal to Palatine, 74-60.
Key players lost: G Joey Mudd, F David Llorens (baseball at Heartland College), F Michael Benko (Loras College), F Oronde Fleming (CLC).
Key players returning: F Sam Ruhlmann, sr., C Jack Beckman, sr., G DeJon Goodman, jr., F David Kienzle, sr.
Newcomers: Justin Shepley, jr., Zachary Cashmore, jr., Billy Drevline, jr.
Outlook: Grayslake Central has been a heavyweight in the Fox Valley Fox Division over the years and would like to close out its run on top. Next year, the Rams will leave the FVC for a Lake County-based conference that includes most of the North Suburban Conference Prairie Division teams. “We saw a lot of improvement this summer from our returning players and hopefully we can compete for a Fox Division championship,” Grayslake Central coach Kosta Kougias said. “Our conference has a lot of balance.” The Rams have a nice balance of veteran and new players. Back for their fourth and third years respectively on the varsity are forward Sam Ruhlmann and center Jack Beckman. Ruhlmann was the team's leading scorer last year. “We definitely have high expectations for them on and off the floor,” Kougias said of Ruhlmann and Beckman. “We are excited about some new players who look like they are ready to contribute at the varsity level.” The Rams will look to a talented group of juniors that includes Justin Shepley, Zachary Cashmore and Billy Drevline as well as veteran DeJon Goodman.
Opener: Monday at 7:30 p.m. vs. Buffalo Grove at Buffalo Grove Thanksgiving Tournament.
Grayslake North KnightsCoach: Todd Grunloh, 10th season
Last year: 18-11 (9-3 Fox Valley Fox)
Last year's tournament: Lost in regional final to Lake Park, 54-50.
Key players lost: F Eli Atwater, F Lee Bowen, G Lucas Buckels, G Dom DiProva.
Key players returning: F Aidan Einloth, sr., G Tyler Elias, sr., G Joe Geary, sr., G Kemonti Glover, sr., G Bobby Krebs, sr., F Connor Sinclair, sr.
Newcomers: F James Connolly, soph., G Jamal Thomas, jr.
Outlook: To opponents, it must seem like Aidan Einloth is playing his eighth year of varsity basketball for Grayslake North. The senior forward has been making big plays for the Knights ever since his freshman year. He's coming off a junior season last year in which he averaged 16.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game and was subsequently named an all-state selection by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association for the second time in his career. “Although we lost four graduating seniors who made significant contributions to our success last season, we return a great deal of experience in Aidan Einloth and Bobby Krebs,” Grayslake North coach Todd Grunloh said. “Aidan can play any position on the basketball court and Bobby has been our starting point guard the past two seasons.” Much of the Knights' success over the last two seasons can be attributed to the strong backcourt play of Krebs and fellow senior guard Joe Geary. Grunloh believes it will be even stronger with the addition of perimeter players Jamal Thomas and James Connolly. “We will look to capitalize on our overall quickness and athleticism but getting up and down the court as quickly as possible,” Grunloh said. “Last year, we had a great second half of the season and eventually lost in overtime in the regional final to Lake Park. That success carried over into the summer and we added new pieces to our roster and were able to adjust and find ways to better work together.”
Opener: Monday at 5:30 p.m. vs. Lakes at the Johnsburg Thanksgiving Tournament.
Hampshire Whip-Purs
Coach: Ben Whitehouse (1st year)
Conference: Fox Valley (Fox)
2014-15 record: 17-12, 4-8
Top returning players: Dan Duchaj (Sr., 6-6, F), Luke Tuttle (Sr., 6-6, G), Brennen Woods (Jr., 6-4, G)
Top newcomers: Xavier Bennett (Sr., 5-9, G), Bryan Diete (Sr., 6-0, G), Billy Dumoulin (Jr., 6-0, G), Deion Garcia (Sr., 6-0, G), Nathan Gomez (Jr., 6-6, C)
Season outlook: The Whip-Purs have a new coach in former assistant Ben Whitehouse. While some half-court sets will look similar to past Hampshire teams, expect the Whips to get up and down the floor and attack the rim more often. Part of that comes from the aggressiveness of junior Brennen Woods and senior Luke Tuttle. Woods is an above-the-rim player who Whitehouse expects will demonstrate improvement in every phase of his game in his third varsity season. As a sophomore he averaged 11.5 points while shooting 38 percent from 3-point range (24 of 71). “He'll increase his role as a leader on the team, he'll handle the ball a little more, he'll play outside a little more and he's working on his rebounding and attacking the glass,” Whitehouse said. “I'm expecting to see a more complete player this year.” Tuttle (6-6) was a 75-percent free-throw shooter and 31-percent 3-point shooter last season, when he contributed 6.6 points per game. He is getting looks from small colleges because he handles the ball well, can create his own shot off the dribble and can elevate his shot over smaller guards. Dan Duchaj enters his third varsity season He blocked 1.1 shots per game last year. Xavier Bennett is one of the fastest guards in the area on the dribble and will cause matchup headaches for Fox Valley Conference opponents. Senior guard Deion Garcia can shoot it. Whitehouse calls the duo of Bennett and Garcia every bit as dynamic as the duo of Woods and Tuttle, just not as tall. “We'll be more balanced than we have been in the past.” Whitehouse said. “We have five guys starting and another off the bench that could all lead us in scoring. We could go six games in a row with six different leading scorers.”
Huntley Red Raiders
Coach: Will Benson (2nd year, 12-17)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2014-15 record: 12-17, 4-6
Top returning players: JJ Flores (So., 6-1, PG), Makomborero Tizora (Sr., 6-3, W/F)
Top newcomers: Kyle Nwogu (Sr., 6-3. W/F), Michael Parks (Jr., 6-0, G), Danny Spoeth (Sr., 6-0, G), Olalere Oladipo (Jr., 6-4, F)
Season outlook: It's going to take some time to see how the puzzle pieces fit with only two players who saw playing time last season returning. The Red Raiders will be without guard Jack Bessey, who started as a sophomore and scored 5.8 ppg. An elite-level soccer player who plans to play in college, Bessey opted to concentrate his efforts on his primary sport. Second-year coach Will Benson said he is treating it like a graduation loss and moving forward. The Red Raiders do return sophomore guard JJ Flores, who impressed as a freshman by scoring 7.2 ppg. Flores ranks third among returning area point guards with 3.5 assists per game. “He improved his game a lot in the off-season through working with the Illinois Wolves AAU program,” Benson said. “We're looking for him to take a step forward like he did the last six weeks of last season.” Makomborero Tizora is the only other player with any varsity experience. The Red Raiders could get a lift from a pair of seniors joining the team: guard Danny Spoeth and Kyle Nwogu, who played JV ball last year. The Red Raiders welcome the athleticism of junior Olalere Oladipo, a 6-4, 220-pound forward who emerged as a key defensive player this fall for Huntley's 10-1 football team. Junior guard Michael Parks, also a soccer player, will be part of the inexperienced guard rotation. “There's only one way to get experience and that's to get some varsity minutes,” Benson said. “Then we'll see how everything is going to fit together. We didn't have a lot of experience last year and we played our best basketball in the second half of the year. If we put the work in, we can make great strides.”
Jacobs Golden Eagles
Coach: Jim Roberts (3rd year, 40-20)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2014-15 record: 22-6, 12-0
Top returning players: Cameron Krutwig (Jr., 6-9, F), Mason Materna (Jr., 6-4, F), Tim Randl (Sr., 6-2, F), Kyle Ross (Sr., 6-2, G)
Top newcomers: Nik Balkcom (So., 6-2, PG), Adam Kale (Jr., 5-10, PG), Ryan Phillips (So, 6-3, G), Joey Price (Fr., 6-6, F), Brian Rechsteiner (Jr., 6-3, F), Cooper Schwartz (Jr., 6-1, G)
Season outlook: The graduations of All-Area honorary captain Chrishawn Orange (Augustana) and All-Area selection Kenton Mack (Northern Michigan), sharpshooter Corey Boeckh and sixth man Mike Canady leave the Golden Eagles devoid of experienced guards. But that's no excuse at Jacobs, where coach Jim Roberts says “the faces change but the expectations remain the same.” The Golden Eagles have reason for optimism with the return of 6-9 junior Cameron Krutwig for his third varsity season. Already offered by Alabama-Birmingham, Vermont, Illinois-Chicago, Loyola and Toledo, Krutwig as a sophomore averaged 9.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He will benefit from practicing daily against 6-6, 265-pound freshman Joey Price. The program reloads at guard with two sophomore starters: Ryan Phillips and Nik Balkcom. Roberts said the duo has the potential to eventually play as well as Orange and Mack, perhaps better. After Phillips and Balkcom were elevated to the sophomore team as freshmen midway through last season, the Jacobs sophomore team lost only one more game. It will be all hands on deck early since senior guard Kyle Ross (2.8 ppg) will be out for at least a month with a fractured and dislocated finger and Balkcom, a point guard, won't be available until after Thanksgiving, Roberts said. It could take some time for Krutwig to blend with four new starters. “We're different as far as not having Orange get the ball in his hands and go from there,” Roberts said, “but we have a lot of good kids, some really talented kids. Cam is a junior but he seems like a fifth-year senior. His leadership has been incredible. Now he has all of his buddies with him he grew up playing with and they're all tough competitors. It's a different team than last year but it has a chance to be a very good team.”