Boys basketball: Northwest previews, MSL East
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Ryan O'Connor (eighth year, 113-80)
Last year: 22-7, 9-1 (MSL East champs, sectional finalist)
Key losses: Ryan O'Gara (All-area, 14.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Valparaiso baseball), Sam English (5.9 ppg), Pat Myers (2.9 ppg), Dave Zarzynski (3.1 ppg)
Top returnees: Seniors Brian DeSimone (6-2, G, 14 ppg, 4 apg, 3.4 rpg), Chris Timberg (6-1, G, 11 ppg, 61 3s), Mike Ricciardi (6-3, G-F, 7 ppg), Paul Timko (6-1, G), Evan Kander (5-10, G); junior Matt Newman (6-7, C)
Newcomers: Junior James Hurley (6-2, G); sophomore Kevin Mulligan (5-10, G)
Outlook: Although there will be plenty of players wanting to be the next Brian DeSimone, Ryan O'Gara or Mike Will, a big reason for BG's success with four East titles in six years is more players who want to be complementary parts such as Pat Myers, Dave Zarzynski and Brad DeSimone. ''We're fortunate we've been successful in those situations,'' O'Connor said. ''The younger kids look at that and say I can find my niche in this program.'' Brian DeSimone will be the centerpiece in his fourth varsity season but Timberg, an all-MSL pick and long-range threat, will be out a couple more weeks with a fracture in his left foot. ''We're not really concerned about replacing his shooting,'' O'Connor said. ''Three (varsity) years, that's invaluable, especially early in the season.'' Ricciardi has gained more confidence to finish around the basket, has improved defensively and O'Connor said is ''playing at a different level now.'' Timko is another shooting threat who has been solid defensively. The fourth-year varsity player would love to follow O'Gara's lead of overcoming an injury-riddled career with a big finish. Mulligan is a strong on-the-ball defender, Hurley will provide some shooting and Newman could be a factor with his size and athletic ability. Kander also has some varsity experience but is out until at least January with a torn ACL. "We're able to really put pressure on the basketball,'' O'Connor said. ''If we don't we'll be in trouble.''
Elk Grove
Coach: Anthony Furman (first year)
Last year: 12-19, 3-7 (T4th East, sectional semifinalist)
Key losses: Chris Hicks (14 ppg), Josh Toon (All-area, 10.6 ppg, 5 rpg, Harper College), Brian Pawl (8.8 ppg), Bob DeMeulenaere,
Top returnees: Seniors Billy Hubly (6-3, G, 10.7 ppg, 61 3s), Kevin McDonald (5-11, G, 4 ppg), Joe Baxter (6-0, G), Chris Hayworth (6-0, G), Cory Cetkovic (6-4, F), Ricky Jansen (6-0, G), Julian Serrano (6-0, G); junior Matt Martinski (6-3, F)
Newcomers: Juniors J.J. Lastovich (5-10, G), Andy Larson (6-2, F)
Outlook: Furman has coached in the Elk Grove program for 10 years and has no problem if his players embrace the recent past of the school's first regional title in 20 years. ''For those kids who are back, it's still very fresh in their minds and it's a motivator,'' Furman said, '' because it was a great feeling.'' And back for their third varsity seasons are Hubly, one of the area's sweetest shooters, and McDonald, who will run the point but is coming back from an injury in the regular-season football finale. Martinski played a significant role inside after he was brought up midway through last season. Baxter saw considerable action last year and Hayworth played a lot early. ''It's a nice core,'' Furman said. Serrano, Cetkovic and Jansen are seniors who figure tohave expanded roles as Furman wants to be able to go 10-11 deep. ''Those kids didn't get any time as juniors,'' Furman said, ''but if we're doing our job as coaches, they're ready their senior year.'' Lastovich figures to help with the ballhandling and Larson should help with his athletic ability for a program accustomed to being looking up at opponents. ''We're small so our best post defense is going to be good ball pressure,'' Furman said. ''Offensively we'll take the philosophy of trying to wear teams down with our tempo. Even if it's a half-court possession we're going to try to push it a little bit.''
Hersey
Coach: Steve Messer (first year; nine years at Elk Grove, 140-123)
Last year: 22-6, 8-2 (2nd East)
Key losses: Matt Darmofal (All-area, 11.4 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg), Michael Kempf (All-area, 9 ppg, 3 apg, 36 3s), Nick Beaumont (3.5 ppg), Justin Humenski (10.9 ppg, 31 3s), John Grim (6.4 ppg), Brett Hogen (3.9 ppg)
Top returnees: Seniors Luke Fabrizius (6-9, F, two-time all-area, 15 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg, 63 3s), Griffin Dwyer (6-0, G), Mike Mueller (6-4, F), Bobby Gehm (5-8, G), Ryan Moran (6-4, F), Andrew Petro (6-3, F)
Newcomers: Seniors Kevin Cayton (5-10, G), Mike Compton (5-9, G); junior Demitri Velihov (6-0, G); sophomore Steve Nelson (6-1, F-G)
Outlook: Messer returns to where he played on the Huskies' 1985 Elite Eight qualifier after a successful run that saw Elk Grove end two-decade droughts between MSL and regional titles and 20-win seasons. ''I said everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I'm bringing what I believe is a good way to play basketball,'' said Messer, who replaced the retired Don Rowley, ''and can be adapted to any type of team you are.'' What Messer wasn't accustomed to having at Elk Grove was size, and that's a dramatic change starting with the Dayton-bound Fabrizius, who is a tough matchup with his long-range shooting ability. ''Every impression I have of him is he wants to work at his game and he wants team success,'' Messer said. ''I've seen nothing but that kind of demeanor. He's a worker and student of the game and he really wants to keep improving.'' But the Huskies do have to fill some big holes to graduation. Dwyer can play either guard spot, Mueller will be at a wing and Velihov has impressed Messer early. Moran and Petro provide some bulk inside and Gehm brings speed at guard. Nelson will be out for awhile with a football injury. ''I definitely feel like we have some depth,'' Messer said. ''Luke is going to put pressure on the defense and the rest of the kids work well together.'' Messer is still looking for improvement with screening offensively and picking up what he wants defensively. ''The intensity level they're bringing is good,'' Messer said. ''They want to be doing a good job, they're pretty goal-oriented and they're working at it.''
Prospect
Coach: John Camardella (first year)
Last year: 13-14, 3-7 (T4th East)
Key losses: Steve Johnson (All-area, 12 ppg, 6 rpg), A.J. Whitten (8.6 ppg), Mike Winans (6.7 ppg), Jim Malewig (5.1 ppg), Mike OBrill (6.1 ppg), John Munz, Max Cherwin,
Top returnees: Seniors Alex Toth (6-6, C, 9.2 ppg), Jeff Heiden (6-0, G, 3.7 ppg, 29 3s), Eric Vandivier (6-1, G-F), Peter McBride (6-3, G-F), Pat Ziegenfuss (6-1, G), Nick Carlson (6-5, C); junior Kevin Reed (6-6, F-C, 3 ppg)
Newcomers: Juniors Jason Leblebijian (6-0, G); sophomore Joe LaTulip (5-9, G)
Outlook: The Knights hope to give opponents double trouble with the 6-6 duo of Reed and Toth to end a five-year run of losing seasons. ''The two of them have gotten to know each other extremely well and complement each other very well,'' Camardella said. ''With the two of them there will be some matchup problems.'' Both have worked on their shooting and can score from mid-range with Reed bringing more finesse and Toth more physical. But they will be the focal point. ''Everything starts with Alex and Kevin,'' Camardella said. ''That's how it's got to be and how it will be.'' But if defenses double down the Knights will try to make them pay with long-range threat Heiden, who is stronger and takes over at point guard. ''We're winning or losing with the ball in his hands,'' Camardella said. Leblebijian and Vandivier are the Knights' top defenders and Latulip is a skilled guard. Carlson provides bulk inside for what Camardella said will be an eight- to nine-man rotation. ''That's how I'm going to have to coach,'' he said. ''Guys will have their opportunity throughout the year to get their shot.'' Making shots won't be as much of a concern as defense, which will probably be primarily man-to-man.
Rolling Meaows
Coach: Kevin Katovich (sixth year, 61-75)
Last year: 10-18, 2-8 (6th East)
Key losses: Sam Pekovic (8.7 ppg), Jackson Genovese (6.8 ppg), Reid Larson (6.9 ppg)
Top returnees: Seniors Kyle Gaedele (6-4, G, All-area, 17.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg), Ty Kirk (6-2, G, 9.2 ppg, 30 3s), Kevin Serna (6-1, G, 2.4 ppg), Trevor Fritz (5-9, G), Joe Okon (6-3, F), Stan Pheteau (6-1, G), Ben Sabal (6-3, F), Kyle Berbeka (6-5, C), Blake Olson (6-0, G), Dan McCarthy (6-3, F-C)
Newcomers: Junior Will Trunk (5-11, G); sophomore Richie Kemp (6-1, G)
Outlook: Katovich knows his reputation has been to control the ball in his tenure at Meadows. But he thinks he may have the team to loosen the offensive reins. ''We haven't been talented enough,'' Katovich said of playing up-tempo. ''I'm from Conant so I like to go.'' The Mustangs also have the MSL's reigning go-to guy in Gaedele, a Valparaiso baseball signee who will be back at point guard after playing there half the time as a sophomore. His scoring may decrease by design. ''At the end of last season he said, 'I know my points may go down,''' Katovich said, '''But if it helps us win more games, that's what I want to do.''' Gaedele will have plenty of threats around him in Division I football prospect Kirk, who also plays good defense. ''It's pretty fun to watch him in practice,'' Katovich said. ''He does some things we haven't had a kid be able to do since I've been here.'' Serna also played more toward the end of last year. Sabal, who was hampered by a shoulder injury last year, and Berbeka should provide more inside scoring. A football knee injury didn't require surgery so Okon will be OK with inside defense and rebounding, but Pheteau may miss the season with a broken ankle in the football finale that required surgery. McCarthy, Fritz and Olson return with Trunk and Kemp expected to help off the bench to help the Mustangs get after people with defensive pressure.''This is probably the deepest they've been since I've been here,'' Katovich said, ''and pound for pound the most talented.''
Wheeling
Coach: Lou Wool (eighth year, 74-115)
Last year: 16-11, 5-5 (3rd East)
Key losses: Robert Kamentsev (All-area, 10 ppg, 6 rpg), Tyler Austin (3.3 ppg), Matt Misichko (4.8 ppg), Brad Graham
Top returnees: Seniors Chris McClellan (6-0, G, All-area, 14 ppg, 5.3 apg, 61 3s), Alex Chery (6-3, C, 7.8 ppg), Sayer Jackson (6-2, G), Case Jackson (6-1, F), Matt Claver (6-1, G); juniors Mike Barton (5-11, G), Mike Zimmer (6-2, F), James Kurtz (6-2, F, 9.2 ppg)
Newcomer: Junior Rob Carter (6-2, F)
Outlook: Talent and experience are not questions for a team that surprised some a year ago for its fourth-highest win total since 1974. ''The guys feel real good about having a great season,'' Wool said. ''There's no question last year was a good year and we think we can keep building on it.'' And it all starts with all-area pick McClellan, who is headed to Lewis University. Wool wants the ball in McClellan's hands as much as possible with his ability to hit from long range, make pinpoint passes and run the show. ''It's like I told him, just go out and play basketball and help us win a lot of games,'' Wool said of McClellan alleviating pressure with his early commitment. Opponents will put a lot of heat on McClellan to get him to give up the ball, but he has excellent athletes to go to with the shot-blocking Chery inside. ''He realizes now he has to show up and play all the time if we're going to be really good,'' Wool said. Kurtz comes off an all-area football season at wide receiver and can score inside and outside and has become a better defender. Barton can also handle the ball and Wool hopes Zimmer can fill the shut-down defender role played by Kamentsev. ''Last year in man-to-man we had some problems, not because we're not athletic, but for whatever reason we weren't defending real well,'' Wool said. ''We've emphasized we are athletic and to try and get up on people and get in the passing lanes a little bit.'' Versatile Sayer Jackson, his twin brother Case and Carter will be keys with Claver, who rejoined the team late last season after surgery to remove a brain tumor and is in better shape to play more. ''Just having him on the team is an inspiration,'' Wool said, ''and his leadership is a real plus.''