Ten questions that will define this Cook Co. boys basketball season

1. How will Cully Payne adjust to a higher level of competition in one of the state's premier programs at Schaumburg?

2. Will Dayton-bound Luke Fabrizius give Hersey a big finish and coach Steve Messer a good start in his transition from Elk Grove?

3. How will the adjustment go for new coaches John Camardella at Prospect, Anthony Furman at Elk Grove and Bill Heisler at Leyden?

4. Will experienced big men such as 6-9 Josh Rustman and 6-6 Monroe Brooks give Ed Molitor a big sendoff in his final year at Palatine?

5. Can Buffalo Grove go beyond last year's trip to the sectional finals with Brian DeSimone back to run the show?

6. Can Wheeling take the next step from last year and win 20 games for the first time in its history behind talented Lewis-bound guard Chris McClellan?

7. Will a group of untested varsity replacements not accustomed to losing keep Conant rolling after last season's Sweet 16 trip?

8. Will experiencing some growing pains a year ago have a big payoff for teams such as Rolling Meadows, Hoffman Estates and Barrington?

9. How much better will Maine West be after a rough 3-win season last year?

10. How will fans, particularly traditionalists, take to the new four-class format when March rolls around in the state's most storied postseason event?