Boys basketball: Scouting the Big Northern East
Burlington Central Rockets
Coach: Chris Payne (5th season)
Last season's record: 18-7, 10-0 (conference champion)
Conference: Big Northern East Division
Top returning players: Seniors Mike McCurdy (6-0, G), Jason Wagner (6-2, G), Jake McNutt (5-9, G)
Top newcomers: Senior Wally Swenson (6-7, C), sophomores Shane Larkin (6-3, F), Matt McCurdy (5-11, G)
Outlook: The defending BNC East champion Rockets suffered a major blow when 2007 Daily Herald All-Area honorary co-captain and DePaul recruit Cully Payne took his 21.7 points per game average and 958 career point output (in 2 years) to Schaumburg High School. However, Central will charge forward and look to defend its league title. "We're a lot different team than last year," said Payne. "We've changed some of the things we will do just because of the different personnel we have." One major strength for the Rockets rests in the backcourt. "Our guard play will be strong," said Payne. "We've got good shooters and guys that can distribute the ball. We're going to be a perimeter-oriented team." McCurdy, the team's point guard and top returning scorer (8.4 ppg), and Wagner (5.4 ppg) were both starters last year. "Mike McCurdy is a real good shooter who can get to the basket. He's experienced. This is his third year on varsity." Continuity will also help the Rockets. "These guys play real well together and they share the ball real well," said Payne. Size and the development of newcomers are two question marks for the Rockets heading into the season. "We don't have a whole lot of size," said Payne. "And I think it is going to take some time for some of the new guys to get accustomed to varsity basketball." Payne feels Larkin and Matt McCurdy, who will join Mike McCurdy, Wagner and McNutt in the starting lineup, have big upsides. "We think they both have a chance to be really good here," said Payne. Payne feels Richmond and Hampshire will be teams to watch out for in the division. "I like our chances of competing for the conference championship," said Payne. Central opens the season, as always, at the Sycamore Strombom tournament.
-- Mike Miazga
Hampshire Whip-Purs
Coach: Bob Barnett (6th season)
Last year's record: 8-18, 3-7
Conference: Big Northern East Division
Top returning players: Senior T.J. Burzak (6-4, F), junior Will Bush (6-1, G)
Top newcomers: Juniors Mike Kozenczak (6-1, F), James Goebbert (6-2, G), Evan Brenner (5-8, G), sophomores Justin Bieber (6-1, G), Ryan Burke (6-1, G)
Outlook: Burzak and Bush, both starters last year, are the only returning players. Burzak, an all-conference selection, averaged 13.4 points and 7 boards a contest. "T.J. is a third-year varsity player," said Barnett. "He's accustomed to the system. He's going to do some good things this year." Barnett said the team will be improved on the ball-handling end. "We will handle the ball better than last year," said Barnett. "I've always had good ball handlers and decision makers. Evan Brenner is a very smart kid and Justin Bieber (transfer student from Bend, Ore.) sees the floor very well. We'll handle the ball better and cut down on our turnovers and we'll find ways to score." Barnett likes the overall makeup of this year's group. "They are eager to learn and open to ideas," said Barnett. "They are working hard to get better. Everybody is going to have to contribute at sometime on offense and on defense that's all about working hard and that's what this group does. There is a lot of ability and hustle here." Getting accustomed to the varsity style of play is something Barnett has budgeted for. "We might start out a little slow, but you never know, we could surprise everybody," said Barnett. "The varsity season is a long season and is a lot more physical and quicker. When we get used to that we are going to be OK." Barnett said Burlington Central and Richmond will be among the top contenders in the division. "I don't care if Burlington lost Payne or not they will be good," said Barnett. "Richmond is huge. They go 6-6 and 6-7. Other than that the other 4 teams are right there." Hampshire opens up at the Sycamore Strombon tournament and goes to Marengo at Christmas time. "At Sycamore you get to play the big boys," said Barnett. "We might get beat. But when you play teams like Huntley, Sycamore, Harlem and Dundee-Crown, that's good to get your feet wet like that."
-- Mike Miazga