Scouting: DuPage County boys basketball teams
DuPage Valley Conference
Glenbard East
Coach: Scott Miller.
Last year: 13-14, 7-7, tied for fourth in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Waubonsie Valley in the Class 4A Waubonsie Valley regional semifinals.
Top players: Paul Sanders, sr., F; Zach Miller, so., G; Jack Merrithey, jr., G; Lee Skinner, jr., C; Ryan Kernats, sr., F; Ryan Martin, sr., F; John Lynch, sr., G; Jon Hill, so., G; Shawn Havenga, jr., C.
Outlook: Four starters return led by one of the DVC's top players in 6-foot-4 Sanders, who averaged 13 points and 6 rebounds last year. The post chemistry with 6-6 Skinner goes in tandem with the stellar teamwork between backcourt returners Miller and and a healthy Merrithey, who missed much of last season due to injury. Multiple ballhandlers and scoring options make the Rams a DVC title threat, although additional depth must develop. "This is probably the most unselfish group I've had," Miller said.
Glenbard North
Coach: Joe Larson.
Last year: 6-20, 5-9, seventh in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Glenbard East 40-31 in the Class 4A Waubonsie Valley regional quarterfinals.
Top players: James Fleming, jr., G; Marko Govedarica, sr., G; Steve Slobodecki, sr., G; Eddie Deane, sr., C; Evan Watkins, sr., F/C; Mike Carev, jr., G; Reggie Davis, jr., F; Alex Smith, so., F; Bryan Kraus, jr., F.
Outlook: Larson, a 1994 Glenbard North grad and varsity assistant the last two years, takes the reins from Erin Dwyer, who will continue to coach in the program. The Panthers return all-DVC pick Fleming, who averaged 11 points last year, and welcome back 6-foot-6 Watkins, a Northwestern football recruit who didn't play basketball as a junior. Add in 6-5 Deane, Govedarica and Slobodecki, and the Panthers are poised for much improvement with an up-tempo style. "The potential's there for this to be a good group," Larson said.
Naperville Central
Coach: Pete Kramer.
Last year: 20-8, 11-3, tied for first in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Glenbard West 40-36 in the Class 4A Naperville North regional final.
Top players: Drew Crawford, sr., G/F; Danny Ondik, sr., G; Matt Neufeld, jr., C/F; Nick Linne, jr., G/F; Cameron Brate, jr., C; Dave Mallett, sr., G; Paul Wirtz, jr., G; Joe Rickert, sr., F; Bobby Czarnowski, jr., G/F; Jeremy Pomeroy, jr., G/F.
Outlook: One of the state's best players - Crawford - is a great start. The 6-foot-5 Northwestern-bound All-Area pick averaged 18 points last year. He's joined by two other returners, Ondik and 6-4 Neufeld, in a lineup favored to repeat as DVC champs. All five on the floor will be scoring threats, including Mallett and Linne from the perimeter. A major key is matching last year's defensive intensity. "We have high goals, but we'll take it one game at a time," Kramer said.
Naperville North
Coach: Mark Lindo.
Last year: 11-16, 6-8, sixth in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Glenbard West 61-45 in the Class 4A Naperville North regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Joe McNicholas, jr., F; Danny Grimley, sr., G; Emerson Beck, sr., G; Matt Hasse, jr., C; Casey Domek, sr., F; James O'Shaughnessy, jr., F; Matt Bushman, jr., G; Arnas Gintautas, jr., G/F.
Outlook: There's no doubt the Huskies boast one of the area's biggest lineups. But ... "You not only have to be big, you have to play big," Lindo said. Six-foot-six McNicholas is the lone returning starter after averaging 7.4 points and 5.8 rebounds as a sophomore. He's joined up front by 6-9 Hasse, 6-4 Domek and 6-5 O'Shaughnessy, a Marmion transfer. The backcourt has two players with experience in Beck and Grimley, whose off-season work ethic should pay dividends.
West Chicago
Coach: Kevin Gimre.
Last year: 1-25, 0-14, eighth in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Geneva 73-41 in the Class 4A Naperville North regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Chad Driscoll, jr., G; Clark Hudmon, sr., F; Tony Quarto, sr., G; Eli Asani, sr., G; Casey Camp, sr., G; Mike Dylla, sr., G; Tyler Griffith, jr., C; Nick Henke, sr., F; Ryan Karg, jr., C; Charles Jacques, jr., F; Jeff Robinson, jr., G.
Outlook: With a mix of returners and fresh blood the Wildcats aim for vast improvement. "We're turning a page on last season," Gimre said, "but we also want to learn from it." The top two scorers are back in Driscoll and Hudmon, who return a combined 15 points per game. An outside threat of Quarto, Camp and Jacques combines with the 6-5 post tandem of Griffith and Karg, a main rebounder with Hudmon. The team goal is reducing last year's 60 points per game allowed.
Wheaton North
Coach: Jim Nazos.
Last year: 20-7, 11-3, tied for first in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Glenbard West 55-50 in overtime in the Class 4A Naperville North regional semifinals.
Top players: Zach Dungee, sr., F; Chris Bradley, sr., G; Trey Martin, sr., F; Taylor Graham, jr., F; Mike Small, jr., G; Rich Finley, so., G; Jeff Schalk, so., F; Mike Fitzpatrick, so., G; Jake Agresti, sr., G; Matt Nelson, jr., G/F; Cecil Banks, sr., F.
Outlook: The Falcons graduated their entire starting lineup that accounted for 54 points per game. Dungee, Bradley and Martin have some experience, but this group is mighty young. Graham, recovering from an ankle injury, should be a boost when he returns in January. The three sophomores, including Schalk and Fitzpatrick on the wing, will make a quick impact. "We may have a lot of different lineups this year," Nazos said.
WW South
Coach: Mike Healy.
Last year: 16-12, 7-7, tied for fourth in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to West Aurora 56-51 in double overtime in the Class 4A Willowbrook regional seminfials.
Top players: Derek Babb, jr., G/F; Dan Phillip, sr., G; Reilly O'Toole, so., G; Greg McAndrew, jr., G; Ty Peterson, sr., G; Robert Grabek, sr., G; Luke Smedinghoff, sr., G; Will Dolatowski, jr., G; Joe Furco, sr., G; Mason Kienzle, sr., F; Pat Dansdill, sr., F; Dan Hohenstein, jr., F; Michael Simoneau, sr., F.
Outlook: Deep in the backcourt, guard play will dictate success. Babb, who averaged 9 points, Phillip and Peterson are all entering their third varsity season. With O'Toole ready to make an impact, the motion offense will be in full swing. "Hopefully, our guard play will be our strength," Healy said. Without much size, Kienzle, Babb, Dansdill and others all need to rebound.
East Suburban Catholic Conference
Benet
Coach: Gene Heidkamp.
Last year: 14-12, 8-5, tied for fourth in the East Suburban Catholic Conference; lost to Batavia 59-56 in the Class 4A Bartlett regional semifinals.
Top players: Joe Meyerhoff, sr., C; Phil Hayes, sr., G; Joe Morris, sr., F; Dave Sobolewski, so., G; Austin Wagner, sr., G; Larry Coffey, sr., G; Don Maag, sr., F; Mike Runger, jr., F; Dylan Flood, jr., F.
Outlook: Heidkamp, a player and coach in the ESCC for 20 years, takes the helm from longtime coach Marty Gaughan. A 30-win summer has Benet confident despite only one returning starter in Meyerhoff, a strong 6-foot-7 post presence. A pushing offense plans to offset a lack of height. Many players could emerge as a leading scorer, although talented Sobolewski will miss eight weeks with a knee injury. "We want to compete with the best teams in the conference," Heidkamp said.
Interstate Eight Conference
Lisle
Coach: Mark LaScala.
Last year: 9-21, 6-5, tied for third in the Interstate Eight Conference; lost 56-41 to Peotone in a Class 2A Chicago Christian regional semifinal.
Top players: Mike Bucher, jr., C; Lee Gorski, sr., F; Jay Osika, sr., G; Chris Ray, so., C; Tyler Triplett, sr., F; Marcus Wilson, jr., G; Cameron Wright, sr., F.
Outlook: In 2007-08 the Lions returned one regular and started 1-9. Wilson, Triplett, Wright, Osika and Gorski each played in at least 22 games. It should pay off. The Wilson-Osika backcourt should help surpass last season's 43 points per game, but Lisle still must protect the lane and the defensive backboard and value each possession. Ray goes 6-foot-5, and Gorski, Bucher and Triplett give third-year coach LaScala the most physical group he's had.
Metro Suburban Conference
Fenton
Coach: Dennis Cromer.
Last year: 13-15, 6-3, second in the Metro Suburban Conference; lost to Grayslake Central in the Class 3A Fenton regional final.
Top players: Emeka Umeadi, jr., F; Dan Montano, so., F; Peter Surma, sr., G/F; Justin Southward, sr., G; Kar Sodhi, sr., F/C; Tyrell McGee, jr., G; Paris Jones, sr., G; Terrance Southward, jr., G; Sebastian Baran, jr., G/F; Cody Meyer, jr., F/C.
Outlook: After graduating 90 percent of its scoring, much from two-time All-Area pick Gozie Umeadi, the Bison must rebuild. Emeka Umeadi, a third-year varsity member, and Montano, a varsity contributor as a freshman, bring experience. Expect good things from Justin Southward and Surma - but don't expect more than 60 points a game, according to Cromer. Without a go-to guy, defense is of utmost importance. "It's a new group, but I'm looking forward to it," Cromer said.
Private School League
Timothy Christian
Coach: Jack LeGrand.
Last year: 17-13, 6-2, second in the Private School League; lost 66-55 to Walther Lutheran in the Class 2A Timothy Christian regional final.
Top players: Jon Denny, sr., F; Reggie Greenwood, jr., G; Jaaron Holmes, sr., G; Peter Tameling, sr., F/C; Justin Peeples, jr., G; Kordel Smith, jr., G; Rob Stein, jr., F; Rob White, jr., G.
Outlook: Good things happen to good people, so when 11-year coach Jeff Powers resigned, nine-year assistant LeGrand was hired. He's got momentum from a 10-of-13 season-ending streak. Three-year varsity players Tameling and Holmes get help from juniors on last year's PSL-winning sophomore squad. Lacking much height besides the 6-foot-4 Tameling and Denny, the up-tempo group will confound foes with quickness and their usual array of defensive schemes. Should they improve last year's 39 percent shooting, count the Trojans among those battling Walther for the PSL title.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Paul Ferguson.
Last year: 17-10, tied for third in the Private School League; lost 89-42 to Marshall in the Class 3A Marshall regional final.
Top players: Eric Albaugh, sr., G; Quinn Gorski, jr., G; Eli Nupanga, sr., F; Brian Pell, jr., G; Anthony Ritchie, jr., F; Tim Rusthoven, jr., C; Tim Streets, sr., G.
Outlook: This will be a different Warriors team in two main ways. For the first time in four years it'll be without Ben Euler, the graduated guard now playing at Grace College in Indiana. His leadership, 3-point shot and versatility will be missed. But the Warriors have a 100 percent healthy Rusthoven. The 6-foot-8 post played just eight games due to a heart ailment. When active he averaged 17 points and 7.8 rebounds and hit 62 percent of his shots. Pell and returning starters Albaugh and Gorski will be asked to push the ball and play stickier defense. The 6-4 Ritchie and 6-5 newcomer Nupanga will have to help out Rusthoven on the front line.
Suburban Catholic Conference
Driscoll
Coach: Adam Szyszko.
Last year: 21-8, 12-2, tied for first in the Suburban Catholic Conference; lost 55-46 to Northridge Prep at the Class 2A Northridge Prep regional final.
Top players: Phil Albreski, jr., G; Austin Baker, sr., G/F; Joey Calabrese, sr., G; Nick Campanella, jr., G; Mario Grana, jr., G; Matt Kaban, sr., F/C; Steve Schwabe, sr., G.
Outlook: Out of Gordon Tech to follow the successful nine-year tenure of Nick Latorre, Szyszko will go deep into the bench to apply full-court defense "as soon as you step off the bus." Regardless of Driscoll's typical football playoff run, he hopes his players jell quickly. A great addition is the 6-foot-5 Baker, a talent who did not play last season and who will complement the 6-7 Kaban, an all-SCC pick who returns averages of 11.5 points and 6.3 rebounds. Smart returning starter Schwabe, gritty Calabrese and athletic Campanella spark a unit that should compete for at least a top-three SCC finish.
Immaculate Conception
Coach: Darren Howard.
Last year: 10-17, 4-10, sixth in the Suburban Catholic Conference; lost 66-51 to St. Anne in a Class 1A Somonauk sectional semifinal.
Top players: Will Cronin, jr., G; Tim Hart, jr., F; Matt McMahon, jr., G; Demetrius Mobley, so., F; Kevin Nutley, jr., G; Matt Purdom, sr., C; Mike Randick jr., G; Antonio Taylor, sr., F; Matt Vesey, jr., F.
Outlook: The dean of the SCC, Howard hopes the Knights will challenge for the last title before it becomes the Suburban Christian Conference. He's got an all-stater to lead them. The 6-foot-6 Purdom averaged 15.4 points and 8.7 rebounds. Taylor, returning 6.9 points and a team-high 47 steals, moves into a leadership role with the athletic, 6-2 Mobley helping inside. A successful junior class adds the best shooting Howard said he's had in his nine years. Gearing them to varsity quickness and playing varsity defense are keys. IC's long football run will delay immediate results.
Montini
Coach: Brian Opoka.
Last year: 11-18, 5-9, fourth in the Suburban Catholic Conference; lost 67-50 to St. Joseph in a Class 3A St. Francis regional semifinal.
Top players: Anthony Blashewski, sr., G; Zach Brash, sr., F; Sean Keeley, sr., F; David Kelly, jr., G; Jordan Werner, sr., G.
Outlook: First-year coach Opoka - succeeding Tom Sloan, who is now at Lyons Twp. - is an "old-school Catholic Leaguer" whose mentor is Nazareth's John Bonk. So expect physical man-to-man defense. Blashewski is his kind of man, a hyper pest who averaged 10.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals last season. The transfer of Jason Viane to Hinsdale South hurts, leaving Brash as the second-leading scorer with 3.6 ppg. Very little height. While there's nine seniors, most were role players, though Keeley and Werner each tried about 60 shots in 2007-08. Team defense, an up-tempo pace and balanced scoring are required.
St. Francis
Coach: Shawn Healy.
Last year: 19-10, 11-3, third in the Suburban Catholic Conference; lost 71-58 to Marshall in the Class 3A Riverside-Brookfield sectional final.
Top players: Ryan Ferguson, sr., G; Larry Murisan, jr., F; Dave Palash, sr., G; Joe Pfeiffer, jr., C; Clint Pierce, sr., G; John Ritt, sr., G; Brett Robinson, sr., G; Tony Vargyas, jr., G.
Outlook: Last year saw a magic playoff run behind unsinkable Brian McMahon. His graduation leaves behind similar blue-collar types. Palash, in his third varsity season, will be the straw that stirs this drink, the typical assortment of Spartans overachievers who will have no starter taller than Pfeiffer at 6-foot-3. Healy, who signed up to play Farragut at Marshall's Martin Luther King Shootout, says he could initially go 11 deep, mirroring greater reliance on transition over the half-court game. Chemistry must improve, but once the football players return St. Francis will settle in as a physical, sound unit.
Upstate Eight Conference
Lake Park
Coach: Cray Allen.
Last year: 8-19, 2-8, ninth in the Upstate Eight Conference; lost 61-49 to Benet in the Class 4A Bartlett regional quarterfinal.
Top players: Lucas Antioho, sr., F; Danny Baylis, sr., G; Matt Drufke, jr., F; Adam Hansen, jr., G; Charlie Johnson, sr., F; Larry Nawrot, jr., F; Pat Proctor, jr., F; Greg Whetsel, jr., G.
Outlook: It's Allen's second year at the helm, improving cohesiveness and chemistry. Whether that translates to success in a tough Upstate Eight will be seen, but the returnees should be assisted by players from a decent sophomore team. The even-keel Baylis leads all Lancers returnees at 12.8 points a game. At 6-foot-4 and 6-3, Antioho, Whetsel and Johnson are about as tall as they go, so team rebounding is a must. Allen will employ a hardworking man-to-man defense to limit the easy buckets. The idea here is to maintain consistent effort nightly.
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Todd Sutton.
Last year: 25-8, 9-1, first in the Upstate Eight Conference; lost 63-42 to Richards at the Class 4A Chicago State University supersectional.
Top players: Kareem Amedu, jr., C; Nolan Brown, sr., G; Dwayne Evans, jr., F; Rahjan Muhammad, jr., G; Derek Raridon, sr., F; Christian Shonkwiler, sr., C; Chris Sutter, sr., G; Drew Sutton, sr., G; Steve Waeghe, sr., G; Ryan Wagner, sr., G.
Outlook: Coach Todd Sutton says he's rebuilding after graduating 38 of 64 points per game. Others might call it reloading with three returning starters from last year's Elite Eight team: North Central commit Raridon, point guard Brown, 6-foot-5 Division I recruit Evans. Last year's sophomores won 20 games and the UEC. Todd Sutton has concerns over foot speed, overall height and shooting ability, but Evans, the 6-5 Amedu and point guard Muhammad lend athleticism and rebounding ability. As always, Neuqua will at least contend in the UEC.
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Steve Weemer.
Last year: 22-7, 8-2, second in the Upstate Eight Conference; lost 56-51 to Neuqua Valley in a Class 4A East Aurora sectional semifinal.
Top players: Tyler Castro, sr., F; Corey Connolly, jr., F; Kendrick Crayton, jr., G; Alex Edmondson, jr., G; Jelani Johnson, sr., G/F; Roy McElroy, sr., F/C; Jonny Strauss, sr., G; Steve Strickland, sr., G; Alex Stokowski, sr., G.
Outlook: Having graduated the three-year backcourt trio of Kevin VandenBerg, Justin Peaster and Josh Daniels, the strength shifts to the frontcourt. Western Illinois recruit Johnson is a 6-foot-5 nucleus by himself and should be helped on the boards by steady, 6-2 Castro. An unsettled backcourt may decide the Warriors' season. Strickland played well as a reserve last year and Stokowski played in 26 games; they'll need to shoulder a heavier burden, though it may initially be guard play by committee. As that develops, so will Waubonsie.
West Suburban Gold
Addison Trail
Coach: Brendan Lyons.
Last year: 5-21, 1-11, seventh in the West Suburban Gold; lost to WW South 50-42 in the Class 4A Willowbrook regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Ian Horvath, sr., G; Matt Turk, sr., F; Alex Dimaris, jr., F; Costa Diamond, jr., G; Tyler Ramir, jr., G; Tyler Horvath, so., G; Nick Addante, sr., G; Russ Restivo, sr., F; Adam Grow, sr., F.
Outlook: Lyons already feels the difference from last year. "We're far ahead of where we were at this point a year ago," he said. Ian Horvath, who averaged 11 points last year, Turk and Dimaris return the most starts, but a young group returns a surprising amount of experience. Diamond, Ramir and Tyler Horvath all enjoyed valuable playing time. After breaking a long Gold losing streak at the end of last season, the Blazers plan to build upon their modest success. "We're excited," Lyons said. "There's a lot of energy in the program."
Downers Grove South
Coach: Paul Runyon.
Last year: 14-14, 5-7, fifth in the West Suburban Gold; lost to Lyons Twp. 65-54 in the Class 4A Lyons Twp. regional final.
Top players: Malcolm Herron, sr., G; Julius Staisiunas, sr., F; Alex Gorniak, sr., G; Bledar Dervishi, jr., C; Mike Cahill, sr., G; Don Mahone, sr., G; Seth Carson, sr., F; Mark Bentley, jr., G.
Outlook: Runyon's retiring at the end of this year, and his final season features four returning starters led by Herron, an All-Area talent who returns 17 points per game. While opponents know his talent, they may be surprised by the strides made by Staisiunas, who Runyon believes is poised for a breakout year. Gorniak and Dervishi, a 6-foot-7 force, complete a quartet looking to vie for the Gold title. Look for a much improved defense and rebounding team. "They play so well together," Runyon said. "That's going to be key for us."
Hinsdale South
Coach: Vince Doran.
Last year: 15-12, 7-5, tied for third in the West Suburban Gold; lost to Richards 64-51 in the Class 4A Eisenhower regional final.
Top players: Karl Ploger, jr., G; Josh Ward, sr., C; Lavonte Brown, jr., F; Garrett Vanhal, jr., G/F; Ryan Kimble, jr., F; Josh Coley, sr., F; Brock Benson, fr., C; Jason Viane, so., F; Joe Petrak, so., G.
Outlook: Graduating their top five scorers, the Hornets have some holes to fill in their lineup. Three sophomores and a freshman could start along with a junior in Ploger, who knocked down 52 percent of his 3-pointers last year. Keep an eye on 6-foot-7 Ward, who has improved greatly from a year ago. Benson and Coley also stand taller than 6-5. The key to any success will be the blending of four different classes. "We'll come together as a team," Doran said. "It's just a matter of how long it takes."
Willowbrook
Coach: Tim Lavorato.
Last year: 16-11, 7-5, tied for third in the West Suburban Gold; lost to Neuqua Valley 63-53 in the Class 4A Willowbrook regional semifinals.
Top players: Kyler Market, sr., G/F; Phillip Reid, sr., G; Matt Redmer, sr., G; Ken Schmidt, sr., F; Lair're Jones, sr., G; Kyle Tynan, sr., G; DeVell Smith, sr., G; Eric Miller, jr., G; Graham Olatunji, jr., F; Coleman Lydon, sr., F.
Outlook: Three starters graduated, but Market, a fourth-year varsity player returning 11 points per game, and Reid, a quality point guard, anchor a unit with potential. Redmer and Miller add strength to the perimeter while a thin group in the post is headed by Schmidt and Olatunji. A smaller lineup is loaded with shooters, and they'll be getting after it with an aggressive defense that'll thrive in transition. "We've definitely got something to build around," Lavorato said. "I like where we're headed."
West Suburban Silver
Downers Grove North
Coach: Jim Thomas.
Last year: 10-16, 2-10, seventh in the West Suburban Silver; lost 53-52 to St. Laurence in the Class 4A Downers Grove North regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Tom Benton, sr., G; Nick LeBeau, jr., G; Kameron Norton, sr., F/C; Mark Perales, sr., G; Scott Raap, sr., F; James Sandifer, sr., G.
Outlook: Thomas was a late hire last year, so a full year of chemistry and concepts, especially on defense, will only benefit the Trojans. A little lankier than last year's guard-oriented unit, though point guard Benton, Perales and LeBeau will pop their share of 3-pointers. Along with several 6-foot-4 sophomores, Downers North offers the 6-6 Norton, who leads all returnees with 6.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. A college prospect, Norton and the 6-4 Raap should help Downers North rebound and hopefully improve last year's 39.7 team field-goal percentage.
Glenbard West
Coach: Tim Hoder.
Last year: 16-13, 4-8, tied for fifth in the West Suburban Silver; lost 67-64 to Bartlett in a Class 4A East Aurora sectional semifinal.
Top players: Chris Cochrane, sr., F; Brian Emanuel, sr., G; Dave McCaffrey, sr., G; Kevin Smith, sr., G; Bryant Venson, sr., G; Tyler Warden, jr., F; Chris Watt, sr., C.
Outlook: For a basketball team the Hilltoppers play great football. With 10 summer hoopsters still on the gridiron and 2007-08 All-Area captain John Shurna gone it may take awhile to get things going. Good news is second-year coach Hoder has floor-burn leader Emanuel from the start, and he can see how 6-foot-4 twin freshmen Michael and Mathew Mache take to varsity ball. When footballers, including returning starters Watt, Venson and McCaffrey come back there should be great depth and a variety of skills, defense, balance and, possibly, a top-flight scorer in the 6-6 Warden. For the real story check back in February.
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Ed Lynch.
Last year: 14-12, 5-7, fourth in the West Suburban Silver; lost 70-52 to Downers Grove South in a Class 4A Lyons Twp. regional semifinal.
Top players: Clay Foster, sr., F/C; Eddie Karl, jr., G; Nick Kladis, jr., G; John Lyons, jr., G; Jason Rafferty, jr., F; Abe Saleh, sr., F; Ted Vernon, jr., F; John Whitelaw, jr., G.
Outlook: Seeking four straight winning seasons for the first time since 1981-85, returning starters Whitelaw, Rafferty and Foster, experienced Saleh position the Red Devils to do it. Whitelaw, Lyons, Rafferty and Karl need to get their legs and join the junior-laden chemistry after football; coach Ed Lynch sees it as a positive as hungry newcomers like Vernon get minutes. All-Area graduate Chris Chana will be missed, but Whitelaw is a natural leader. This group has potential to improve on mediocre scoring, shooting and rebounding numbers and to vie for a WSS title.
York
Coach: Al Biancalana.
Last year: 19-9, 8-4, third in the West Suburban Silver; lost 61-40 to Waubonsie Valley in the Class 4A Waubonsie Valley regional final.
Top players: Evan Fendley, jr., G; Bob Golen, jr., C; Tom Judge, sr., G; Kevin Kahovec, jr., G; Cody Kleithermes, so., G; Steve Ogdon, sr., F; Tom Roth, sr., F; Joe Santiago, sr., C; Will Sullivan, so., G.
Outlook: Just what Silver foes needed - more coaching at York. Biancalana added aides Jeff Powers from Timothy Christian, Dominick Cannon from Prospect and Kris Olson from Florida Tech. Now to get their team to rebound. Ogdon, Santiago and Golen head this group at 6-foot-4, so the Dukes will work the ball inside with penetration or shoot the 3. They're well-suited there with varsity-tested soph Sullivan, Roth, Kahovec and Judge, the sole all-WSS returner. Shooting, rebounding, defense will determine if York's college of coaches are again in the mix for conference and regional titles.
Western Sun Conference
Glenbard South
Coach: Wade Hardtke.
Last year: 16-11, 8-6, fourth in the Western Sun Conference; lost to Aurora Central Catholic 74-61 in the Class 3A Aurora Central Catholic regional final.
Top players: Louis Erkins, sr., G; Ralondo Shumate, sr., G; Jordan Harks, sr., F; Sam Mitchell, sr., F; Kevin Marshall, sr., F; David Ledwidge, sr., C; Chris Kakavas, sr., F; Trace Wanless, jr., G; Mike Rovansek, jr., G.
Outlook: An extended football run could make the start of basketball a little ragged. But when Erkins, the lone returning starter, and others get rolling, expect another solid campaign. Shumate is another talent at guard, but the real strength comes up front. Hardtke believes 6-foot-6 Harks, a tremendous inside-out scorer and rebounder, will have a breakout year. Marshall, Mitchell, Kakavas and Ledwidge all stand at least 6-5. "If we learn to play together, the winning will take care of itself," Hardtke said.
- Dave Oberhelman and Kevin Schmit