Scouting Hinsdale South Hornets

Hinsdale South Hornets

Coach Vince Doran.

Last year 8-19, 2-10, tied for sixth in the West Suburban Gold; lost 61-54 to Mt. Carmel in the Class 4A Hinsdale South regional semifinals.

Top players Lavonte Brown, sr., G; Joe Petrak, jr., G; Brock Benson, so., F; Garrett Vanhal, sr., G; Karl Ploger, sr., G; Jason Viane, jr., G; Phil George, so., G; Andy Nkansah, jr., G; Ryan Kimble, sr., F.

Scouting report The Hornets lost last year's leading scorer, Josh Ward, to graduation, but four starters return to an optimistic group that's still pretty young. The 6-foot-6 Benson is back in the post after a year of learning as a freshman, and he's become a much more physical presence. George, a perimeter shooter, is a second sophomore and there's also nine juniors headed by fellow 3-point shooter Petrak. When Ploger comes back from a football injury, he'll give the Hornets another outside threat. A tougher schedule, including in the Gold against favorites Proviso East, Downers South and Morton, will test a team ready to take on the challenge. "With the experience we have, I think we'll be pretty competitive," Doran said.