Scouting Conant Cougars

Conant Cougars

Coach Tom McCormack (25th year, 399-262; 26th overall, 422-269)

Last year 19-8, 7-3 (T1st MSL West)

Key losses Tony Rizzo (all-area, 10 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg), Tim Gilhooly (all-area, 13.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 54 3s), Cameron Leavitt (all-area, 10.5 ppg, 3.4 apg, 3 rpg), David Trinco, Tim Lomas, Eric Madeck

Returning players Seniors Taylor Peterson (6-3, F, 6.1 ppg), Christian Sotos (6-0, G), Garrett Gatz (6-0, G), Kevin Reddington (5-11, G), Kevin Chua (5-10, G-F), Andrew Spangler (6-2, F), Mike Keegan (6-0, G-F), Fred Dover (5-10, G), Nate Rummel (6-6, C).

Newcomers Senior Tim Wordlaw (6-6, C); juniors Brian Wadsworth (6-3, F-C), Dylan Bartuch (5-11, G), London Dokubo (5-9, G), Joey Pontarelli (6-1, G-F), Kyle Lee (6-1, F-C), Mike Lastrella (5-10, G), Avery Osby (6-5, C).

Outlook Conant figures to reload again as it chases a fourth consecutive outright or shared West title. Peterson did most of his work inside and on defense last year and is the only player with significant returning experience. Peterson and the improved Sotos figure to be a formidable combination. "Tyler and Sotos are two very skilled kids and everyone else has certain things they bring to the table," McCormack said. "These two are good. They're strong and explosive and they have a good cast around them." Gatz is a good shooter, Spangler can play on the wing and Rummel is a strong post player. Chua, Keegan, Reddington and Dover will also be part of a big battle for playing time. Bartuch is also a good shooter and Osby and Lee could help inside. "Normally (our depth) is very good but this year I think it's even better," McCormack said. "It's going to have to be huge for us. We have an awful lot of interchangeable parts." It should make the Cougars diverse defensively. "I think we'll be able to do the things we normally like to do," McCormack said. "We'll play at a pretty good pace and keep pressure on people."