Scouting Huntley Red Raiders

Huntley Red Raiders

Coach Marty Manning (4th year, 58-26)

Conference Fox Valley (Valley Division)

Last year 15-13, 4-6 FVC-Fox

Top returners seniors Adrian Avelar (5-9, PG), Richard Gonzaga (6-3, F), Mason Kaniewski (5-11, G), juniors Tyler Brunschon (6-2, G), Dylan Neukirch (6-2, G)

Top newcomers sophomores Ryan Davenport (6-1, F), Justin Frederick (6-1, F), Troy Miller (5-10, PG), freshman Bryce Only (6-0, F)

Outlook Size and experience might be issues for the Red Raiders, but not talent. "We'll start a freshman and we'll have three sophomores as big-time reserves for us," coach Marty Manning said. "We're pretty young, but all of those guys are pretty talented. I'm not too worried about our talent level. We have the talent. It's more height and experience that will be our big things at the beginning of the year." The freshman starter is Only, a heady player for his age who Manning said has great athleticism and instincts. He'll wear No. 15, the same as Huntley's last four-year varsity starter, Jordan Neukirch. Scoring guard Brunschon (5.5 ppg.) saw significant playing time as a sophomore. He has improved, Manning said, and will take on a larger role this season. Gonzaga is Huntley's tallest player. He came on strong at the end of last season and will be counted on to guard bigger players on a regular basis. Neukirch is a scrappy player who defends well and finds ways to score. Avelar's ballhandling skills will be counted on as a starter. How quickly this young team acclimates to the varsity game will largely determine its success. "As I watch practice and practice tape it's mainly about how well we can teach them our offensive and defensive systems," Manning said. "Once they get that down I think we'll be OK. And from there it's a matter of how long it takes them to get used the speed and intensity of varsity basketball."