Scouting Maine West Warriors

Maine West Warriors

Coach Erik McNeill (sixth year, 48-93)

Last year 10-19, 4-6 (T3rd CSL North)

Key losses Tommy Solis (9 ppg), Ryan Tuntland, Alex Seiler (6.3 ppg), Nate Andersen (4.6 ppg, 28 3s), Sebastian Stankiewicz (7.8 ppg, 27 3s), Bojan Balaban

Returning players Seniors Alex Samuelson (6-2, F, 6.6 ppg), Chris Schiltz (5-9, G), Chris Garcia (5-9, G), Zack Pavlatos (5-9, G)

Newcomers Senior Tommy Ross (5-6, G); juniors Emmett Turner-Jackson (5-8, G), Paul Solka (6-2, F), Odera Eneogwe (6-3, G-F), Andre Smith (5-11, G), Josh Wright (5-10, F), Matt Jordan (5-8, G), Ben Jose (5-8, F), Pat Livingston (6-3, F); sophomore Conor Hart (5-10, G)

Outlook The Warriors hope to pick up where they left off from their 6-2 finish last year but it won't be easy with a young, inexperienced and small group. "I wouldn't say that's a negative thing," McNeill said. "We're pretty athletic and we haven't had a team like this in quite some time that can get up and down the floor." Samuelson is the tallest and most experienced player who will be counted on for bigger contributions offensively. Eneogwe fits the look McNeill expects. "He can shoot the jumper and at times play above the rim," McNeill said. "He has a lot of special talent and has been fun to coach." Ross should help after taking a year off to focus on baseball and Schiltz made the state 3-point contest. One of the keys will be how Turner-Jackson and Pavlatos run the offense. "We'll have to create offense from our defense," McNeill said. "Last year we wanted games in the 40s but this year is a little different. We want to get up and down the floor and create pressure and try to create some easy baskets."