Boys basketball: Fox Valley area previews
Elgin Academy
Coach: Everette Stephens
2007-2008 record: 2-18, winless in Independent School League play
Top returning players: Senior Drew Stuart (6-5 C), junior Paul Leonardis (6-2 C), sophomores Aaron Thomas (5-11 G-F), Javon McDonald (5-9 G), Patrick Martinak (6-0 G-F)
Key newcomers: Freshmen Jonathan Vusano (5-10 G-F), Connor Flexman (6-0 G-F)
Outlook: Veteran Hilltoppers coach Stephens likes the composition of this year's roster. "We have a lot of versatility," he said. "We have players that can play different position. That will help us out." Pre-season practices have yielded encouraging signs. "These guys work extremely hard and they are in good shape," said Stephens. "I like that they came in here in good shape." Stephens said perimeter play will be a key calling card for his squad. "Our outside game is one of our strengths," said Stephens. "We'll be able to spread things out." Stephens feels the team will have to overcome somewhat of a size disadvantage. "It will hurt us height-wise, but we'll make up for it by playing hard on defense and boxing out," said Stephens. "The biggest thing is boxing out and getting rebounds." Stephens sees potential for improvement with this group. "We have the potential to be better than last year," said Stephens. "With this group, we have some things that can work."
St. Edward
Coach: Keith Chuipek (3rd season)
2007-2008 record: 11-17, 4-7 Suburban Catholic Conference
Top returning players: Seniors Riley Coleman (6-3, G), Josh Dix (6-0, G), Steve Martin (6-3, F), Jim Waclawik (6-3, F-C), Zach Von Ahnen (6-5 1/2, C), Brian Phelan (6-3, F), Phil Johnson (6-1, G)
Key newcomers: Junior Nick Kerger (5-8, G)
Outlook: Chuipek has his first veteran-laden team this year. "I've never had that luxury before," he said. "The three returning starters (Coleman, Dix, Martin) are in their third varsity seasons now. That is going to be helpful." Dix, an All-Area selection, averaged 13 points per game last season, while Martin averaged 11 points. Coleman averaged 8 points. Phelan was the first player of the bench last year, while Waclawik was part of the rotation as well. Johnson also saw time last year. Von Ahnen had a cup of coffee with the big club as a sophomore. Chuipek has noticed a change in demeanor with his players already this year. "Last year they thought they could compete," said Chuipek. "This year they think they can win. That's a big difference. These guys will be competitive. They want to get to that next level. I told them about our Christmas tournament at Jacobs this year who we are playing. Last year they would have cringed. Now, they are looking forward to playing those bigger teams." Chuipek would like to establish more of a presence inside this season. "We can't live on just the 3," said Chuipek. "We have to get inside and get to the free-throw line more." A greater emphasis has been placed on defense as well. "We have to get better on defense," said Chuipek. "That's our main goal. Seventy-percent of the time we're spending on defense and what we need to do to be successful. We want to be aggressive on both offense and defense." Chuipek feels his team can ramp things up in SCC play this season. "I don't think they recognize how good they can be," said Chuipek. "I honestly think we can be more competitive in the conference. We went 2-3 at Jacobs last year. We want to have a good showing there. We want to get it going early this year. These guys learned a little how to win last year and over the summer. We'll see what happens this season."
Westminster Christian
Coach: Bruce Firchau (4th season)
2007-2008 record: 20-9, 5-3 (third in Private School League)
Top returning players: Seniors Dan Graves (5-10, G), Ryan Beachler (6-0, F), Mike Nicosia (6-0, F), Jacob Moeller (5-9, G)
Key newcomers: Senior Joe VandenBos (5-8, G), juniors Ben Carani (6-1, G), Tyler Hinrichs (6-3, F), Nathan Suire (6-0, F), sophomores Luke Carani (6-0, F), Ian Dutcher (6-7, C)
Outlook: The Warriors graduated the majority of their scoring output from last year's squad that set a school record for wins in a season and won a regional title. Beachler is the team's top returning scorer at 5 points a contest, while Graves averaged 3 points. "Graves is one of the better defensive guards I've ever coached," said Firchau. "He's hard-nosed. Beachler is the same way. Both of them set the tone." Firchau acknowledges the team will be young on paper. "We have a lot of youth, but we have talent and we have size. We're pretty balanced. These guys understand the system and they've practiced real well so far. They have good work ethics and are enthusiastic and have made a good commitment. I'm curious to see how they develop." Firchau's team will compete in the final year of the PSL, which will disband after this school year. "Our conference is going to be real strong this year," said Firchau. "That will prepare us for regionals. We probably play in the strongest 1A conference in the state. There are six very, very solid teams in the league with Walther, Timothy, Chicago Christian, Illiana and Wheaton Academy and Aurora Christian. This will help prepare us for the postseason. Five of the 9 schools in the conference have been to the final four in Class A." Firchau sees his team taking a more varied approach with scoring this year. "I think developing balance will be a strength," said Firchau. "We won't have kids that are go-to players like we've had in the past. We'll have 6 to 8 kids that can score points in a game. One player might have double figures one night and another player could do it the next night."
Compiled by Mike Miazga