Scouting Grayslake North Knights

Grayslake North Knights

Coach Todd Grunloh (4th season)

Last year 10-17, 2-8 Fox Valley Fox

Key players lost G Grant Henricksen (Beloit)

Key players returning G Matt Pucher, sr., C Michael Verwijst, sr., G Ross Sauer, sr., G Chris Nicolosi, sr., G Zach Estes, sr., G Ross Sauer, sr., G Willie Pitts, sr., F Myles Siemsen, sr.

Key newcomers G Teddy Ludwick, jr., G Kurtis Boyd, jr.

Outlook As freshmen and sophomores, the senior class at Grayslake North won 20 games each season and were vying for conference championships until the bitter end. Last year, was an eye-opener for the seniors, who were a part of only 10 wins, and 2 in the Fox Valley Fox Division. Needless to say, they're ready to get back on track and give Grayslake North its best season in school history. "Everyone assumed that this group would be the best ever in the program and it just didn't translate that way," Grayslake North coach Todd Grunloh said of last year's disappointment. "This group, the entire team, has worked so hard in the weight room and so hard the entire summer to get ready for this season. I think their expectations are very high."-Leading the way will be guard Matt Pucher, who missed some of his classmates' glory days with the underlevel teams. Pucher was promoted to varsity early in his sophomore year and has been there ever since, usually in the starting lineup. He averaged 11 points per game last season. "He's by far the quickest player we've ever had in the program," Grunloh said. "He elevates well, he finishes well. He creates for others and is a good shooter himself. A lot of what we do starts with Matt."-A nice complement to Pucher is senior center Michael Verwijst, who stands 6-foot-5 and averaged 7 points per game last season. He was hampered by a back injury last summer but has looked good in practice so far. "We struggled as a team when we played in games without Michael last summer," Grunloh said. "He adds a lot to our team."-The Knights will also rely heavily on returning guard Ross Sauer, but not until December. He broke his hand in football and is still recovering-Grunloh figures newcomer Teddy Ludwick can fill in and will be competing for minutes on the perimeter all season. Meanwhile, forwards Sean Grim, Myles Siemsen and Brendon Rose will also figure into the rotation.

Opener 6 p.m. Tuesday vs. Wauconda at Johnsburg/Richmond-Burton tournament