Scouting Fremd Vikings

Fremd Vikings

Coach Bob Widlowski (eighth year, 95-92)

Last year 12-15, 5-5 (4th MSL West)

Key losses Dan Bruno (two-time all-area, 15.3 ppg, 2 apg), Joe DePaolis (24 3s), Alex Weis, Will Reising (6 ppg)

Returning players Seniors Chris Klimek (6-4, F, 14.7 ppg, 6 rpg), Charlie Rosenberg (6-5, F), Kevin Ciardiello (5-10, G), Quinn Williams (6-3, G), Chris Vainisi (5-11, G), Jeff Chappell (6-4, G), Nick Pflederer (6-6, F); juniors Zach Monaghan (6-1, G, 10.2 ppg, 41 3s), Quinton Brown (5-5, G)

Newcomers Juniors Tim Scharfe (6-1, G), Ken Leonard (5-9, G), Colton Mitchell (6-1, G), David Ferguson (5-5, G), Jack Konopka (6-4, F), Akhil Nambiar (6-3, F), John Reising (6-4, F), Joe Leaf (6-7, F); sophomore Garrett Peters (6-1, G)

Outlook Fremd's last MSL division title was in the last year before realignment in the North in 1997-98. Size, talent and experience along with another important ingredient could help end that drought. "I think we've got a nice group of kids and nice pieces," Widlowski said. "We have some good team chemistry and the kids are working well together and working hard. They seem to share the ball and work together on both ends." The versatile Klimek has also taken on a leadership role in his third varsity season and Rosenberg and Pflederer return for the Vikings inside. "It's the biggest team we've had by far," Widlowski said. "(Assistant) coach (Ron) Cregier works with the forwards and does a great job with those kids." They're complemented by a solid guard contingent led by Monaghan, who was impressive after a December varsity promotion. Brown also came up at the same time and should set the tone defensively. "He's really worked hard on his game offensively," Widlowski said. "We think he can disrupt some people as a defensive point guard."