Boys basketball: Elk Grove selects Oraham as next coach

Elk Grove High School has named Nick Oraham, formerly Dixon's head coach, as the Grens' basketball coach.

The former all-area standout from Crystal Lake South leaves Dixon after two years in charge of that program.

In Oraham's final season at Dixon, the Dukes earned a No. 5 seed in the LaSalle-Peru Class 3A sectional and won a regional before bowing out in the sectional semifinals. The previous year, they finished 16-14.

Oraham succeeds Anthony Furman, who'd presided over the program for the past 11 years and resigned after last season.

Elk Grove boys athletic director Terry Beyna said in a statement that he looks forward to watching Oraham's teams develop.

"Coach Oraham will bring great passion for the game of basketball to Elk Grove," Beyna said. "His enthusiasm and energy will lead this program forward."

Oraham will begin to work with the program in summer camp.

"I can't wait to get started and meet the guys during the first day of camp," Oraham said in the statement. "I am excited about getting to know the players and beginning to build relationships within the program, coaching staff and other faculty members at Elk Grove High School. The members of the Elk Grove boys basketball team will play hard and for each other, putting the team's success above all individual accolades. The players and staff will be grateful for the opportunity to represent Elk Grove High School."

Bob Murphy, Elk Grove's Assistant Principal for Student Activities, is eager to see where Oraham can take the Elk Grove basketball.

"In the very short time I've gotten to know Nick, it's clear he's a go-getter and is eager to put his stamp on the program," Murphy said. "I look forward to watching the program develop under his leadership."