Scouting St. Edward Green Wave

St. Edward Green Wave

Coach Keith Chuipek (4th year)

Conference Suburban Christian (Gold)

Last year 13-17, advanced to a Class 2A sectional semifinal

Top returners Paul Bianchi (6-4, F), D.J. Byrnes (6-0, G), Zack Von Ahnen (6-7, C), Andrew Waterman (6-0, G/F), junior Michael Ellis (5-11, PG)

Top newcomers Cody Jarous (6-3, F)

Outlook A year after the Green Wave broke through to win a Class 2A regional title, St. Edward could put an even better team on the floor this season, according to coach Keith Chuipek. "I think it's going to be the best team I've had here, no doubt about it," he said. "We'll go out and compete." Leading the way will be Von Ahnen, a key figure on the 2008 squad. Chuipek said his big man has matured and he expects Von Ahnen to be an aggressive team leader who carries over the confidence gained by being a member of a playoff-qualifying football team. Ellis is a true point guard and floor leader, a player Chuipek said "is going to be special by the time he leaves St. Ed's." Byrnes and Bianchi each gained valuable experience last season and will take on larger roles this season. Waterman will be the first player off the bench. Jarous was the team's most reliable player in summer-league games and "can jump out of the gym." This team has an upper hand on the 2008 edition due to its overall speed and jumping ability. "I think overall this is the most athletic team I've had, which will allow us to do some things we haven't been able to do in the past," Chuipek said. "I think we'll be much improved on defense. We can still shoot the ball, maybe not as well as last year, but pretty close. The biggest thing is we'll be able to defend people. We're very athletic and very deep. I can go 10-11 deep and not lose anything." The Green Wave face a touch schedule that includes Rockford Christian, Winnebago, Northridge Prep and several larger schools at the Jacobs holiday tournament. They will compete for the first time in the new Suburban Christian Conference's Gold Division with defending league champion Aurora Central Catholic, Aurora Christian, Guerin Prep, Wheaton Academy and Immaculate Conception.