Scouting Geneva Vikings

Geneva Vikings

Coach Phil Ralston

Last year 21-7, 11-3, tied for first in the Western Sun Conference.

Postseason Lost 59-34 to Batavia in Class 4A Batavia regional semifinals.

Key losses Jeremy D'Amico, Chris Frederking, Sean Grady, Tyler Schofield, Rob Tauscher.

Top returnees Brandon Beitzel (6-3, sr., F); Nolan Block (5-10, sr., G); Michael Santacaterina (6-0, sr., G); Scott Wendt (6-1, sr., G).

Newcomers to watch Will Doeckel (6-2, jr., G); Dan Trimble (6-6, jr., G-F).

Outlook Don't tell second-year Vikings coach Ralston he graduated his top six scorers, including Eckerd College's (Fla.) D'Amico - reigning Daily Herald All-Area captain - off a team that won the conference and two holiday tourneys. "Some people would think of this as a rebuilding year," Ralston said. "I could easily see this as a reloading year." That's because he measures success in points allowed, not points scored (D'Amico's 20.7 notwithstanding). Between returnees such as Beitzel (3.0 ppg) and Wendt and newcomers from a 20-win sophomore team that also won the Western Sun, Ralston counts up to 11 rabid defenders. As he said offensive prospects are "a blank slate," but Ralston believes this group will provide balanced scoring and has the right blend of athleticism, depth, strength and toughness to overcome lack of experienced height. The goal will again be to control tempo on both sides of the court; greater familiarity between players and the former 8-year Grant coach is a plus. "We kind of want to be the team that no one else wants to play," Ralston said. "I don't know if we're there yet, but I think we're getting a lot closer to having that come to fruition."