Scouting the MSL East

MSL East

Buffalo Grove

Coach: Ryan O'Connor (ninth year, 133-89)

Last year: 20-9, 8-2 (T1st East, sectional semifinals)

Graduated players: Brian DeSimone (two-time All-Area G, 16 ppg, 57 3s, Augustana), Mike Ricciardi (All-Area F, 11 ppg, 5 rpg, IIT), Paul Timko (All-Area G, 9 ppg, 3 rpg, 38 3s), Chris Timberg (8.6 ppg, 27 3s), Evan Kander, Federico Iudica (4.7 ppg), Matt Pettit

Returning players: Seniors James Hurley (6-3, G-F, 3.6 ppg), Matt Newman (6-7, F-C), David Sher (6-0, G), Dan Wichmann (6-3, G); juniors Kevin Mulligan (5-11, G, 7.4 ppg), Mike Cornely (6-2, F); sophomore Nick Prus (6-2, G)

Newcomers: Senior Andrew Cohler (6-2, F); juniors John Angotti (5-10, G), Dan Porras (5-11, G), Todd Smithern (6-0, G), Matt Love (5-10, G), Ned Bajramovic (6-4, F-C); sophomores Dan Recht (6-2, F), Kevin Tennenbaum (6-4, F)

Outlook: A lot of key figures in four straight 20-win seasons and three straight regional titles are gone, but the Bison expect to reload instead of rebuild. "We have some kids who have been sitting and waiting their turn and now they have the opportunity to step in," O'Connor said. Mulligan is a fierce defender who will take over the point but will get some help there from Wichmann, Angotti and Sher. Hurley will be crucial not only in production but leadership. Newman's time was limited as a sophomore and last year because of an ankle injury but he could give the Bison the size they've lacked in recent years. "He's taken a nice jump from last year and hopefully he helps us quite a bit," O'Connor said of the third-place state high jumper. "Defensively he's very good off the ball and he fits in right with what we're trying to do." Prus is an excellent shooter who has improved at taking the ball to the basket and Recht and Tennenbaum will play along with Cohler, who should add depth after getting cut last year. Cornely saw more action as last season progressed and could do some damage inside. "We have some kids who could probably put up 20 on a given night," O'Connor said, "but we have to spread it around and get points all over and generate some offense from our defense."

Elk Grove

Coach: Anthony Furman (second year, 4-22)

Last year: 4-22, 1-9 (6th East)

Graduated players: Billy Hubly (All-Area G, 15.6 ppg, 76 3s, St. Francis, IL), Kevin McDonald (7.9 ppg), Joe Baxter (3.5 ppg), Chris Hayworth, Cory Cetkovic, Ricky Jansen, Julian Serrano

Returning players: Seniors Matt Martinski (6-3, F-C, 11.2 ppg), J.J. Lastovich (5-11, G, 2.9 ppg), Andy Larson (6-1, F), Robert Hult (6-1, G), Tim Furlong (6-3, F-C, 5.7 ppg), Russell Holm (5-10, G), Andy Mack (6-2, C)

Newcomers: Juniors Donny Duschinsky (6-2, F-C, 4 ppg in 3 games), Brian Battaglia (6-1, G, 6.7 ppg in 3 games), Keven Zelaya (6-0, G), Nick Rathman (6-1, F), Scott Siwicki (6-6, C), Kevin Alesi (6-0, G), Ethan Husak (6-1, F), Zack Husak (5-11, G)

Outlook: The second time around in charge isn't the only reason Furman feels more comfortable. He also has more weapons and experience. "Now who can prove they're worthy when it counts," Furman said of seven players who saw significant varsity time. "That's the question we're excited to answer." Opponents may also have more questions on who to guard after Hubly carried much of the offense last year. Martinski's strength allows him to play bigger inside in his third varsity season. Lastovich is back at the point but has plenty of backup with Battaglia, Hult and Zalaya. Hunt and Larson also saw time and Furlong started the second half of the year and should help on the boards. Duschinsky and Battaglia started the last 3 games of last season after promotions from the sophomores. "Donny is a competitor and he does not have any fear of going against anybody," Furman said. "Battaglia is going to be a nice player the next two years." Rathman has been hurt the last two years but could help with depth. "We definitely feel we're a little more versatile across the board," Furman said.

Hersey

Coach: Steve Messer (second year, 17-13; 11th year overall, 157-136)

Last year: 17-13, 6-4 (3rd East, sectional finalist)

Graduated players: Luke Fabrizius (three-time all-area F, 14.7 ppg, 8 rpg, 46 3s, Dayton), Griffin Dwyer (all-area G, 14.4 ppg, 60 3s, Augustana), Mike Mueller (5.0 ppg), Bobby Gehm (3 ppg), Ryan Moran (3.5 ppg), Andrew Petro, Kevin Cayton, Mike Compton

Returning players: Seniors Demitriy Velikov (6-2, G, 5.0 ppg), Kyle Mengarelli (6-0, G, 4.1 ppg), Ryan Fox (6-4, F), Cody Perenchio (6-0, G); juniors Steve Nelson (6-0, G)

Newcomers: Juniors Kyle Pietro (5-11, G), Kyle Miklasz (6-3, F), Brian Fabrizius (6-10, C), Jordan Mertes (5-10, G); sophomore Connor Miklasz (5-11, G)

Outlook: Once the skill catches up to the will Hersey should be in good shape after last season's run to the sectional finals and loss to third-place 4A finisher Evanston. "What I feel good about is the daily work ethic," Messer said. "Luke and Griffin had a lot to do with helping set that tone. I don't think the kids are playing real well, but every day they have good attitudes and work ethic and that's going to lead to good things." Nelson and Mengarelli have helped lead the strong effort, particularly on defense. Velikov also brings a lot of energy and effort and is a scoring threat but he'll miss the first 6 games for disciplinary reasons. "We'll be in trouble if it's not (balanced)," Messer said of the offense. "We'll struggle if we don't get 8 to 10 points from everybody until Demtriy comes back." Perenchio, Fox and Mertes will play roles, Brian Fabrizius has made strides with his skills and his size is an issue for opponents. The Miklasz brothers are also skilled but like almost everyone need to get caught up on what Messer wants done offensively. "I see us struggling starting out but I see a real good effort."

Prospect

Coach: John Camardella (second year, 17-11)

Last year: 17-11, 8-2 (T1st East)

Graduated players: Jeff Heiden (All-area G, 13.9 ppg, 2.4 apg, 84 3s, Wisconsin-LaCrosse), Alex Toth (12.7 ppg, Washington-St. Louis), Pat Ziegenfuss, Peter McBride, Eric Vandivier, Nick Carlson

Returning players: Seniors Kevin Reed (6-7, F, 13 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 apg), Jason Leblebijian (6-2, G, 8.5 ppg, 24 3s), Austin Sobey (6-3, F), Bobby Reibel (5-10, G), Jordan DePalma (5-8, G); junior Joe LaTulip (5-9, G, 4.6 ppg)

Newcomers: Juniors Thomas Kelly (5-10, G, transfer from Loyola), Nsenzi Salasini (6-2, G-F), Kevin Matkovic (6-1, G-F), Jack Redding (6-2, G-F), Chris Burns (6-1, F), Jake Suckow (6-7, F), Eddie Gerdes (5-8, G), Sam Pope (6-2, F-G), Matt Huene (6-7, F)

Outlook: The Knights hope last year's 11-3 finish was a sign of more to come as they'll try to win 20 games for the first time since 1984-85 and win their first regional since 2002. "It's what you want, what you set your sights on, to become that team," Camardella said. "I can't say we're there yet - but with the talent we have returning and the juniors on the team, it puts us in a unique position to have a pretty competitive season." The versatile Reed will be the centerpiece and the backcourt should be solid despite the loss of Heiden's skill and leadership. The speedy LaTulip has fully recovered from a summer knee injury and Leblebijian is a long-range threat. Kelly was with the Loyola varsity last year and when he becomes eligible Dec. 4 will add depth at guard with Reibel. Salasini will be a challenge for opponents at both ends - and should help the Knights get the fast pace they want - as he can bench press more than 250 pounds and has a 42-inch vertical jump. "We haven't had many players in the MSL like him," Camardella said. "He's so strong and athletic." Matkovic, the son of former Maine West coach Dave Matkovic, and Redding are interchangeable and Sobey saw significant time last year. "We feel we're solid at every position," Camardella said. "We'll have a variety of defensive looks because of how athletic we are."

Rolling Meadows

Coach: Kevin Katovich (seventh year, 74-90)

Last year: 13-15, 4-6 (4th East)

Graduated players: Kyle Gaedele (two-time all-area G, 18 ppg, 26 3s, Valparaiso baseball), Ty Kirk (12 ppg, 46 3s, New Mexico State football), Ben Sabal (6.6 ppg, Drake football), Kevin Serna (6 ppg, 31 3s, Augustana baseball), Joe Okon (southern Illinois football), Stan Pheteau (St. Francis, IL football), Dan McCarthy, Trevor Fritz

Returning players: Seniors Will Trunk (6-1, G, 4 ppg, 19 3s), Teddy Metzger (6-1, F), Pat Conlin (6-3, C), Dan Wenzel (5-8, G); junior Richie Kemph (6-2, G, 4 ppg, 14 3s)

Newcomers: Juniors Jimmy Garoppolo (6-3, F); freshman Brian Nelms (5-7, G)

Outlook: Stepping into more prominent roles has gone smoother than Katovich originally figured after the Mustangs lost a lot of firepower, muscle and experience. "We've thrown a lot at them and they've been able to pick up on it pretty quick, which helps," Katovich said. "The returning kids are bright and good athletes." Kemph had some big games last year and Katovich said "I think he's really going to open some people's eyes with how hard he worked on his game." Metzger is solid fundamentally, Trunk is nearly 100 percent healthy from a torn ACL and Conlin is back inside from foot problems. Garoppolo's two years of varsity football and one as the starting quarterback has made a difference on the court. "He's able to slow down and he's able to grasp things because he's used to it," Katovich said. "He's so athletic and does things where you go, 'Wow.'" Meadows also went from one of the most experienced and biggest point guards in Gaedele to one of the youngest and smallest in Nelms, who will be a key pressuring the ball with Wenzel. "From a mental standpoint he's like a junior or senior," Katovich said. "One of the things I've noticed is we move the ball pretty well and we're pretty unselfish."

Wheeling

Coach: Lou Wool (ninth year, 87-128)

Last year: 13-13, 3-7 (5th East)

Graduated players: Chris McClellan (two-time all-area G, 15 ppg, 5 apg, 55 3s, Lewis), Al Chery (all-area F, 12 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 bpg, Wisconsin-LaCrosse)

Returning players: Seniors James Kurtz (6-1, F, 10 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg), Michael Barton (6-0, G, 8 ppg, 2 apg), Michael Zimmer (6-2, F, 5 ppg, 4 rpg), Robert Carter (6-1, C), Jarrett Austin (6-0, G), Frank Frasco (5-5, G), Ryan Fallon (6-2, G-F), Fred Moeller (6-1, F)

Newcomers: Juniors James Barrera (6-2, F), Thomas Fernandez (5-10, G), Kevin Kortum (6-3, F), Zach Kreul (6-2, C-F), Steve Majkowski (5-10, G), Rene Mata (5-10, G), James Miles (5-10, G), Ryan McClellan (6-1, F), Matt Splon (5-11, G-F), Ben Vasa (6-1, F)

Outlook: Wheeling didn't have to worry about who ran the show the last two-plus years with Chris McClellan. Now the aggressive and athletic Barton takes over that role points. "Right now it seems like he's up to the task," Wool said. "He's a good enough athlete that hopefully he can make the adjustment and take the responsibility of the point guard job. In transition he's really good - he runs the floor really well and we're working with him on making easy decisions." Kurtz, who came up to the varsity midway through his freshman year, can also handle the ball but will be counted on for scoring, rebounding and passing. The Wildcats are also looking for more scoring from Zimmer, who is in his third varsity season but banged up from football. Fallon is a good shooter and they hope Carter can make up for his lack of size with his athleticism and leaping ability. "I'm confident the scoring can be shared among a bunch of different guys," Wool said of losing McClellan and Cherry. "That can make us dangerous." Harvey, Frasco, Austin and Moeller will help determine how the Wildcats play defensively. "How much we extend the floor will probably be linked with our depth," Wool said.