Scouting Lakes Eagles

Lakes Eagles

Coach Brian Phelan (5th season)

Last year 13-15

Key players lost F Justin Hotle, G Mike Scott

Key players returning G John Androus, sr., F Marcell KirkmanBey, sr., G Tyler Swindle, sr., F Jack Olson, sr., G Andrew Flick, jr., F Nathan McMahon, jr.

Key newcomers G Parker Blain, jr., G Joey Carlborg, F Jacob Carey, jr., F Rolando Hernandez, jr.

Outlook During the off-season, Lakes coach Brian Phelan read some research about the teams that win Illinois state championships in boys basketball. One of the conclusions was that each team always has dynamic guard play. Well, chalk up a point for Lakes in the plus column. The Eagles return two-year starter John Androus at point guard. "He will bring experience and dynamic play at the point guard position," Phelan said. "He can defend, rebound and score and he truly enjoys sharing the ball with his teammates."-But scoring is Androus' forte. He set a single-season scoring record with 525 points last season. He is on pace to become the fourth player in Lakes history to score 1,000 career points-The Eagles were able to rebound from an 0-6 start last season to place third in the North Suburban Prairie Division and advance to the regional championship game. Phelan believes his players will be able to draw on that experience during adverse stretches this season. He's also been impressed with the leadership of the senior class, which includes not only Androus but Marcell KirkmanBey, Tyler Swindle and Jack Olson. The 6-foot-4 KirkmanBey is the perfect complement to Androus as a strong presence inside. He's been on the varsity for two years. "We had a productive summer with a record number of kids attending all of our summer league games," Phelan said. "We have laid a great foundation. There are many indicators this will be a truly magical season."

Opener 6 p.m. Monday vs. Evanston at Mundelein Thanksgiving tournament