All-Area boys team | Fox Valley

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Mike Barch Jacobs"X factor," "secret weapon," "tremendous athlete" - those are just a few of the phrases Jacobs coach Jim Hinkle used this season to describe this versatile junior. Beset by injuries as a sophomore and again last summer, Barch returned to health early in the season and enjoyed a breakout campaign for a team that was 23-3 entering the postseason. Barch leads the area in 3-point field goal percentage by a wide margin with an astounding 58 percent success rate (30 of 52). He's also a 62-percent shooter from 2-point range (74 of 119), has 104 rebounds (4.3 avg.), 26 steals and 26 assists. "We knew he was in the wings waiting for his chance," Hinkle said. "We knew what we had if we could get him healthy. He can go inside or outside. He's a player."

Ryan Beachler Westminster ChristianThe junior guard helped the Warriors stem heavy graduation losses and notch their third consecutive winning season with a scoring average of 8.9 points. However, defense is Beachler's strongest suit. His ability to contain opposing guards helped Westminster's defense hold opponents to an area-best 43.1 points per game. "Last year Ryan was one of our best defensive players and he was again this year," Warriors coach Bruce Firchau said. "His hustle made him one of our best defenders again this year. Stats don't mean a lot to Ryan. He's a team-first player and his bottom line is winning." Beachler also snared 146 rebounds in 26 games (5.6 avg.), to go with 28 assists, 6 blocked shots.

Jeff Beck Dundee-CrownA three-year varsity performer and a repeat all-area selection, this 6-foot-1 senior guard led Dundee-Crown to its second title in the Fox Valley Conference in four seasons and the school's first undefeated FVC title since 1993-94. Beck led the Chargers in scoring with 18 points per game and his 5.5 rebounds per game helped D-C advance to a Class 4A regional title game. He scored 26 points in an overtime victory against Elgin in a regional semifinal. "It's going to be sad to see Jeff Beck graduate," Chargers coach Lance Huber said. "He's been a calming influence on the floor and for our team all year. As good a player he is, he's probably a better person."

Justin Bieber HampshireThe long-range shooting ability of this second-year Hampshire varsity guard helped the Whip-Purs win a share of the Big Northern Conference-East title. The junior sank 53-of-132 attempts from 3-point range (40.2 percent) and led Hampshire with 255 total points (11.1 avg.) through the end of the regular season. Bieber also has 34 assists, 50 rebounds and 21 steals. "Justin has come a long way from his sophomore year," Hampshire coach Bob Barnett said. "He's gotten a lot stronger. We all knew he could shoot the three, but he's getting better at handling the ball and reading things. Next year he'll become the complete package."

Will Bush HampshireA three-year starter, Bush was the versatile playmaker whose penetration into the lane set up shots for his teammates and scoring opportunties for himself. The 6-foot-2 guard finished the regular season with the team lead in assists (86), rebounding (129) and steals (61) and was second on his team in scoring with 226 points (9.0 avg.) in 23 games. "He can do it all - he rebounds, he's great at disrupting offenses and he can steal the ball," Hampshire coach Bob Barnett said. "When he penetrates he'll sit, not get rattled and will look to make the bounce pass. He's a leader, he really is. He hates to lose worse than I do."

Riley Coleman St. EdwardIn this third varsity season this senior guard attacked from long range to help St. Edward win a Class 2A regional title. Entering sectional play Coleman led the Green Wave in 3-point shooting percentage, canning 60-of-142 attempts from beyond the arc (42 percent). He sank 10 3-pointers in 3 games at the regional tournament. He shot 47 percent this season from 2-point range (57-122) and 70 percent from the free-throw line (52-74) for 346 total points (11.5 ppg.). However, Coleman was far from a one-dimensional shooter. "The most important thing is he turned into our No. 1 defender at the end of the season and became a complete player for us," St. Edward coach Keith Chuipek said. Coleman also notched 74 rebounds, 57 assists and 13 steals.

Josh Dix St. EdwardA three-year varsity starter and a repeat all-area selection, this senior guard battled illness and injury all season, yet he managed to lead the Class 2A regional champion Green Wave in scoring (12.3 ppg.), assists (73) and steals (21). Healthy at tournament time, Dix scored 14 points in an upset of top-seed Genoa-Kingston at G-K and scored 35 total points in the regional tournament. "The last two weeks he's finally been 100 percent healthy and you can see the confidence in him," St. Edward coach Keith Chuipek said. "When he's playing well we're hard to beat." Dix is shooting 39 percent from 3-point range (59-152), 46 percent from 2-point range (42-110) and 74 percent from the free-throw line (60-81). He also has 65 rebounds and 5 blocked shots.

Jordan Dobler South ElginPenetration and ball handling ability made this three-year varsity player a difficult scorer to contain for a team that enjoyed its first winning season and finished tied for third place in the Upstate Eight. The 6-foot forward entered the state tournament averaging 49 percent on 2-point attempts (95-193) en route to 268 points in 25 games (10.7 ppg.) "Jordan can score from the outside and he can score from the inside," Storm coach Chaz Taft said. "He averaged 15 points a game in conference games." Dobler also sank 20 shots from 3-point range, grabbed 41 rebounds, averaged nearly 2 assists a game and made 17 steals.

Tem Esikiel StreamwoodThis three-year varsity starter scored 486 points in 27 games (18.7 ppg.) in his senior season to finish as Streamwood High School's all-time leading scorer, even though the opponent schemed specifically to stop him. "His biggest attribute was to somehow score when everyone knew he was going to score," Sabres coach Tim Jones said. "He had an uncanny way to get open and to finish his shots most nights. He also was able to rebound and dish out assists." Esikiel sank 59-of-165 attempts from 3-point range (33.9 percent), 84-of-133 free throws and totaled 134 rebounds (5.0 rpg.), 69 assists, 60 steals and 5 blocked shots.

Terell John LarkinLarkin's most consistent player helped the Royals improve by 7 wins in his senior season by leading his team with 320 points (12.8 avg.) and 178 rebounds (7.7). He finished 8 games with double digit totals in scoring and rebounding and topped the 20-point plateau three times. John also made 38 steals, 17 assists and shot 51.1 percent from the floor (116-227) and never missed a practice or game in two varsity seasons. "We could depend on him to be there every day," Larkin coach Larry Hight said. "Terell has a react work ethic and he was a great team member. Everyone likes him. In the last half of the season he started taking the ball to the hole with confidence."

Charles Kimbrough Dundee-CrownOnce a raw project, this 6-foot-6 senior center improved in each of his three varsity seasons to become a force in the low block, thanks to his determination and the one-on-one training of D-C assistant coach Bob Sweeney. In his senior season Kimbrough helped lead the Chargers to an undefeated Fox Valley Conference (Valley Division) championship by averaging 8.1 and 6.4 rebounds a game. His length and athleticism led to 70 blocked shots entering the postseason, best in the area. "I'm really proud of the way Charles has battled through three years on the varsity and turned out to be presence on the floor," Chargers coach Lance Huber said. "I'm equally proud of how Charles has turned the corner in his personal life with his friends and his academics."

Conrad Krutwig JacobsThe all-area honorary co-captain entered this week's regional tournament as the area leader in both scoring and rebounding. A four-year varsity performer and repeat all-area selection, the 6-foot-5 center has totaled 564 points in 26 games (21.7 avg.) and his 234 rebounds (65 offensive) give him an average of 9.0 per outing. "Conrad worked tremendously hard to improve his game, and I expect he'll continue to add to his game at the next level," Jacobs coach Jim Hinkle said." Krutwig, who will continue his playing career at Division-I South Dakota, also has 47 blocked shots, 63 assists, is a 73-percent free-throw shooter (90 of 124). He also demonstrated improved shooting range by connecting on 10-of-25 attempts from 3-point range.

Luke Labedzki BartlettA three-year varsity player and repeat all-area selection who typifies the term "gym rat," Labedzki is one of the area's most prolific scorers. The junior topped the 1,000-point mark this season on his way to 477 points in 27 games (17.7 avg.). Deadly from 3-point range, the 6-foot-1 guard sank 63 3-point attempts this season at a 37-percent clip. He also grabbed 115 rebounds (4.3 avg.) to go with 37 assists. He's known as a shooter teams better cover when the game is on the line. "Luke is a consistent scorer and a threat from anywhere 25 feet and in, and he's especially gifted at knocking down clutch jump shots," Bartlett coach Jim Wolfsmith said. "He's got ice water in his veins." Labedzki won a game for the Hawks in February with a 3-pointer with 30 seconds remaining.

Shane Larkin Burlington CentralA second-year varsity starter, this 6-foot-3 junior forward developed into the Rockets' most consistent scoring threat whether he posted up or moved away from the basket to find an open shot. Larkin helped the Rockets to 12 wins by averaging 14.4 points per game, 4.6 rebounds, shooting 46 percent from the field and 64 percent from the free-throw line. "He's a tough matchup for people," Burlington Central coach Chris Payne said. "He's got decent post ability, but he's also able to step out on the perimeter and make shots. He can also put the ball on the floor and create. He made some progress this year and, with some work, should go into next year as one of the better returning players in the area."

Marcus Lewis StreamwoodThis versatile 6-foot-3 athlete made an impact for the Sabres in his junior season. Lewis helped lead the Sabres to 13 victories, their highest win total since 2000, by pacing his team with 148 rebounds (5.7 avg.) and 61 steals. Streamwood's second-leading scorer finished with the season with 340 points (13.1 avg.), including 33-of-90 attempts from 3-point range (37 percent). Lewis will be a cornerstone for the Sabres next season. "He has the potential to be a triple-double person," Streamwood coach Tim Jones said. "He has great leaping ability. He is able to go to the basket at any time and finish. His outside shooting has really improved and it can get better, and he could be a great defender with his quickness and length."

Marc Little BartlettA repeat all-area selection and the honorary co-captain of the all-area team, this 5-foot-10 senior point guard made a basketball dance. Little's job was to get his teammates involved early and look for his shot later in games. "We asked him to stretch teams out and look for teammates early so he can close games out late, Bartlett coach Jim Wolfsmith said. "He worked extremely hard on his game in the summer and in the preseason." Little led the area by a wide margin with 149 assists in 27 games (5.5 avg.) and finished the season second in area scoring with 570 points (21.1). Little showed his flair for the dramatic by sinking a long 3-pointer to send a game with Warren to overtime and by sinking a game-winner from just inside the midcourt line to beat Waubonsie Valley.

Chad McCarron Cary-GroveAn aggressive rebounder who can score from within 15 feet of the basket and can run the floor like a guard on fast breaks, this 6-foot-3 junior was a force in the paint for the Trojans all season. In 27 games the athletic forward led Cary-Grove in scoring with 334 points (12.4 ppg.) and 183 rebounds (68 offensive) for an average of 6.8 per game. A hard-nosed worker, McCarron reached the free-throw line 120 times and made 78 (65 percent). His best basketball likely still lies ahead. "He's been working on his perimeter jump shot," Cary-Grove coach Ralph Schuetzle said. "When he masters that skill he will be one of the top players in northern Illinois next year." McCarron also blocked 20 shots.

Tim Moran JacobsThe youngest of the four Jacobs basketball-playing Moran brothers is no ordinary 6-foot-4 forward. The four-year varsity performer is an adept ballhandler who brings the ball upcourt when his starting point guard is out of the game. Moran ranked among the top three in area assists all season and has 101 helpers in 26 games (3.9 avg.), topping most area point guards. Through the end of the regular season, Moran had 33 steals, 143 rebounds (5.5 avg.) and had connected on 19-of-44 attempts from 3-point range (43 percent). His 9.7 scoring average (252 points) is third-best for a team with 23 wins and 3 losses, a group that has benefitted from his experience. "He's a versatile player and the leader of the team," Jacobs coach Jim Hinkle said. "He's the heart and soul. He takes charge of things." Moran and teammate Conrad Krutwig own the school record for most victories in a career (93-18).

Jordan Neukirch HuntleyA three-year varsity starter for the Red Raiders and a repeat all-area selection, Neukirch provided consistent leadership through words and deeds in leading Huntley to its third straight winning season. "Jordan has been our unquestioned leader this year," Red Raiders coach Marty Manning said. "He is in the top two of nearly every statistical category that we have, but beyond statistics his impact on our team is immeasurable. He continued to be our defensive stopper this year and he led our team in charges taken. But it is his desire to win and his leadership ability that had the biggest influence on our team's success." Neukirch, the honorary captain of the Daily Herald all-area football team last fall, entered regional tournament action averaging 9.8 points (255 points in 26 games) and 4.2 rebounds (108) to go with 29 steals and a 33-percent efficiency from 3-point range (9 of 27).

Marcus Redburg ElginAfter missing the first 5 games of the season, Redburg returned to action a mere 5 months after reconstructive knee surgery to give the Maroons a bona fide post presence. The 6-foot-5 senior used his quick feet and a variety of moves to score 339 points in 21 games (16.1 ppg.) while averaging 6.2 rebounds. "Marcus came into his own this season," Elgin coach Mike Sitter said. "He's always kind of lived in the shadow of some other kids, but his year he was the closest thing to a go-to guy for us. When he wants to be he's one of the toughest kids in the area because he's so big, athletic, is a student of the game and has good footwork down in the block. It makes him a difficult matchup."

Steven Rogers Crystal Lake SouthThis senior's gift was figuring out how to get 2 points in the paint. "He as an amazing knack of scoring around the basket," CL South coach Dan DeBruycker said. "He averaged 13 points per game and was defended by someone bigger every night. And he's a great kid." The 6-foot-2 forward led the Gators in scoring with 379 points in 28 games (13.5 ppg.) and was second in rebounding with 125 (4.3). Rogers also collected 20 assists, 22 steals, 7 blocked shots, 34 pass deflections and made 82-of-116 free throws (70.7 percent).

Tom Roth ElginThe area's toughest three-sport athlete completed his successful, three-year varsity basketball career as Elgin High's leading scorer in 2008-09. A key member of the Maroons' 2008 sectional title team, the 6-foot-1 senior point guard was Elgin's consistently steady hand from start to finish. Roth led the Maroons in scoring with 400 points in 26 games (15.4 ppg.) and was the engine that powered the offense with lane penetration. "It's tough for us to play when he's not on the floor," Elgin coach Mike Sitter said. "Tom takes such a physical pounding, but being a three-sport athlete, he bounces right back up from that. We played our best basketball when the ball was in his hands. He'd get it in the post where Marcus (Redburg) wanted it, he'd get it to the wing players when they're open or he took it himself if nothing else was going on. He's probably sick of me by now because I've coached him all four years, but it's been a joy to coach him."

Alex Sanchez South ElginThis three-year varsity point guard helped the Storm to its first winning season in its three-year existence by being a leader on and off the court. "Without Alex there's no way we're in any position in the conference," said South Elgin coach Chaz Taft, whose team finished tied for third in the Upstate Eight. "He's the nuts and bolts of our team." In 26 games heading into regional play, the 5-foot-8 senior led South Elgin in scoring with 242 points (9.3 ppg.), 109 assists (4.2), 44 steals, 3-point field goals (24) and 3-point shooting percentage (42.9). The 73.9-percent free-throw shooter (51-69) also grabbed 69 rebounds (4.2 rpg.) while shooting 48.5 percent from the floor (63-130).

Eric Wilde Crystal Lake SouthThis versatile, athletic, 6-foot-4 senior will take his game to West Point next season to play the United States Military Academy. According to his high school coach, Army is getting a winner. "He's one of the most intelligent players I have ever coached," CL South coach Dan DeBruycker said. "He grew into a leader of our team with his communication. If you left him open on the 3-point arc, you pretty much could put 3 points on the board." Wilde was particularly dangerous from long range, hitting 62-of-145 shots from 3-point range. He wasn't too shabby at the free-throw line either, where he sank 81-of-95 attempts (85.3 percent) to lead the area. He finished his third varsity season with 380 points in 28 games (13.6) and snared 153 rebounds (5.7) to go with 19 steals and 31 deflections. "He's a great kid and I wish him all the luck at the Army," DeBruycker added.

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>All-Area basketball teams</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Cook County</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=276980">Girls team</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276982">Boys team</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276929">Captain: Ashley Wilson</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276899">Captain: Cully Payne</a></li> </ul> <h2>DuPage County</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=276984">Girls team</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276985">Boys team</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276917">Captain: Toni Kokenis </a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276915">Captain: Danny Crawford</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276916">Past girls captains</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276914">Past boys captains</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276931">The best of the girls season</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276930">The best of the boys season</a></li> </ul> <h2>Fox Valley</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=276978">Girls team</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276990">Boys team</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276709">Captain: Katie Yohn </a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276820">Captain: Marc Little</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276780">Captain: Conrad Krutwig</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276916 ">Past girls captains</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276914 ">Past boys captains</a></li> </ul> <h2>Lake County</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=276987">Girls team</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276990">Boys team</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276907">Captain: Lydia Bauer </a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276908">Captain: Brandon Paul</a></li> </ul> <h2>Tri Cities</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=276989">Girls team</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276988">Boys team</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276904">Captain: Taylor Whitley </a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=276905">Captain: Jeremy D'Amico</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>