Scouting Elk Grove Grenadiers

Posted November 19, 2009 10:00 pm

By Marty Maciaszek

Elk Grove Grenadiers

Coach Anthony Furman (third year, 12-45)

Last year 8-21, 2-8 (T5th MSL East)

Key losses Matt Martinski (All-area, 13.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg), J.J. Lastovich (5.4 ppg), Tim Furlong (7 ppg), Robert Hult (4.2 ppg), Andy Larson

Returning players Seniors Donny Duschinsky (6-2, F-C, 9.5 ppg), Brian Battaglia (6-2, G, 3.9 ppg), Scott Siwicki (6-6, C, 4.4 ppg), Keven Zelaya (6-0, G), Ethan Husak (6-1, F), Zack Husak (5-11, G), Nick Rathman (6-1, F)

Newcomers Juniors Joe Bishoff (6-2, F), Kevin Morelos (6-3, F), John Lorenz (6-0, G), Matt Gordon (5-9, G), Sean Gordon (5-9, G), Joe Sabatino (5-8, G), Erik D'Onforio (5-11, F)

Outlook Elk Grove hopes to continue the progression from 4 wins in Furman's first year to last year and snap a streak of four losing seasons. "We're not satisfied with being a three-quarters (a game) team or being competitive the second time around (the East)," Furman said. "We're going to go after it - and we're hungry for some better results. I think we can challenge people and not just settle for being close." Duschinsky and Battaglia, who were promoted to the varsity late in their sophomore seasons, will lead the way. The versatile Duschinsky's scoring picked up the second half of last season when Martinski suffered a knee injury and Battaglia has showed more confidence to run the offense. "We're still looking for another guy to be able to handle the ball if 'B' isn't in there," Furman said. Siwicki has gotten stronger and showed last year he can alter games inside defensively and also score outside. Zelaya also figures to be a scoring threat as the Grens hope to improve on their 48.6 points a game average of last year. "We have guys who can make baskets and good offensive decisions but it has to be proven in a varsity game," Furman said. Bishoff will bang inside and Morelos, Lorenz and the Gordon twins also figure to be key contributors. "I really think it is 15 guys who all understand their roles and are on the same page," Furman said. "I feel like these guys are all in it together."

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