Boys basketball: Scouting Fox Valley Class 1A/2A teams
Elgin Academy Hilltoppers
Coach: Everette Stephens (7th season)
Last season's record: 9-18, 4-8
Conference: Independent School League
Top returning players: Seniors Dan Vecchiolla (6-2, C), Jeff Moller (6-2, G-F), Steven Farbota (6-1, F), Joe Kozlowicz (6-1, G-F), juniors Drew Stewart (6-4, C), Cory Ebert (5-10, G)
Top newcomers: Sophomore Paul Leonardis (6-0, G), freshmen Javon McDonald (5-8, G), Brandon Cork (5-9, G), Aaron Thomas (5-9, G-F)
Outlook: Stephens has been impressed with the team's intensity during training camp. "These guys play hard and have done what I've asked them to do," he said. "They are a blue-collar group." Stephens said the team's biggest question mark heading into the season is on the offensive end. "We need to find a way to get some easy baskets," said Stephens. "We're working on improving our scoring. We have to keep working at putting the ball in the basket." The team's work ethic will come in handy on the defensive end. "Defensively we will do well," said Stephens. "They play hard on defense and lay it on the line." Ebert and Kozlowicz will join returning starters Moller (3.7 ppg) and Vecchiolla in the top 5. Stephens said the final starting position hasn't been decided yet. In terms of the ISL, Stephens noted teams like Lake Forest Academy, University High and Latin will be top contenders. "After that, I think things are pretty balanced out," said Stephens. Elgin Academy opens the season in the Westminster Christian tournament.
-- Mike Miazga
St. Edward Green Wave
Coach: Keith Chuipek (2nd season)
Last season's record: 7-20, 2-12
Conference: Suburban Catholic
Top returning players: Seniors Brett Manning (6-1, G), John Sheehan (6-5, C), Jeff Michel (6-1, G), juniors Josh Dix (5-11, G), Steven Martin (6-3, F), Riley Coleman (6-2, F)
Top newcomers: Junior Jim Waclawik (6-3, F), sophomore Zach Von Ahnen (6-5, F)
Outlook: Chuipek did a great job in his first season of pulling a program out of turmoil. Now with 4 starters back (Manning, Dix, Martin and Coleman), he's looking to take things even further. "Everything has changed," said Chuipek. "These guys are focused. There is a different energy here. The whole atmosphere here has changed from a year ago. Last year it was, 'Oh no. We've got 10 days before our first game. Now it's, 'We can't wait to play our first game.' " Manning, an all-area pick, led the team in scoring (13.7 ppg), while Martin averaged 10.8 points and 7 boards a game. Dix averaged 8.7 points. Having those 4 starters back solves a major piece of the puzzle. "That's big-time," said Chuipek. "They've played together and they've grown together as a young group. There is a different attitude now. We are leaps and bounds ahead as a program where we are now. We got competitive at the end of last season and we were competitive in the summer and now that's leading into the season here," said Chuipek. St. Edward nearly hit the 30-win barrier in the summer. "We went back to the Harper College league and were competitive. We had an outstanding summer. Our goal was 20 wins." Defense has been a point of emphasis. "We had no problem putting the ball in the hole last year. The problem was defense," said Chuipek. "We've really focused in on that." More consistency as a whole on offense is something Chuipek has been stressing. "We would like to have a greater inside presence," said Chuipek. "And last year we lived and died by the 3. We've been working on that and working on going inside more and getting to the free-throw line more. We had guys shooting 90 and 84 percent from the line. The problem was we never got there." Chuipek said teams like Driscoll, St. Francis and Aurora Central will be top tier contenders. "Our goal is to get into that upper bracket and get in that top 3," said Chuipek. "We're a year older now. There are no more excuses about being young. We are ready to play." St. Edward will open the season at the Westminster Christian tournament.
-- Mike Miazga
Westminster Christian Warriors
Coach: Bruce Firchau (3rd season)
Last season's record: 16-10, 4-4
Conference: Private School League
Top returning players: Seniors Joel Benson (6-5, C), Tyler Beachler (6-1, G-F), Cory Hodge (6-0, G-F), Ted Grossman (5-8, G), Jon Sanders (6-1, F), junior Danny Graves (5-10, G)
Top newcomers: Senior Ethan Flickinger (5-10, G), juniors Joey Vanden Bos (5-7, G), Mike Nicosia (6-0, F), Jacob Moeller (5-9, G), freshman Jordan Kalous (6-3, F)
Outlook: Benson, an all-conference and all-area selection as a junior, returns after averaging 17.6 points and nearly 10 boards a game as junior. He's one of 3 returning starters along with Beachler (14.0 ppg) and Hodge (7.8 ppg). Graves, Grossman and Sanders will also contribute heavily. "These kids have been playing together since their elementary days," said Firchau. "They are close as a team. This is their third year in the program. They want to take another growth step. Last year they made big strides on both sides of the floor. We're looking to continue that." Firchau likes the fact his team led the area in free-throw attempts, but would like to see another attempts category fatten up this season. "We were last in 3-pointers made," said Firchau. "We've worked really hard on shooting 3s this summer." Westminster ended the 2006-2007 season with 12 wins in its last 15 games. "It's been good to see these guys come of age," said Firchau. "They've paid their dues." Firchau has also assembled a challenging schedule for his club. "Eighteen of our 24 games are against 2A, 3A and 4A teams. Playing in the Private School League and our nonconference schedule is going to toughen us up for the state tournament. I'm not saying we have the toughest 1A schedule, but I bet we're in the upper 5 percent." Westminster is hosting its own Thanksgiving tournament that features St. Edward, Elgin Academy and Kirkland Hiawatha.
-- Mike Miazga