Scouting Wauconda Bulldogs

Wauconda Bulldogs

Coach Scott Luetschwager (1st season)

Last year 3-25, 0-14 NSC Prairie

Key players lost G Gibson Gaite, G Connor Dimick

Key players returning G Matt Stonis, sr., F Eric Hartnett, sr., C Chris Woolridge, sr., G Brandon Blouch, sr., G Jesus Zamudio, sr., G Kyle Ryan, soph.

Key newcomers F Tyler Gick, jr., G Mike Lovelle, jr., C Matt Mead, soph.

Outlook First-year coach Scott Luetschwager might be a rookie on paper, but he's definitely no newcomer to the Wauconda bench. Prior to being named head coach last spring, Luetschwager had been in the Wauconda program for six years as an underlevel coach. "I've been feeling a little behind just because I was hired after our summer camp ended, so I didn't get that time with the team," said Luetschwager, who takes over for Rich Wolf. "But I do know all the kids. And they know me, so that helps." The Bulldogs also already know some of the plays and sets in Luetschwager's playbook since he kept some from Wolf's tenure. "We're keeping the same press and the same defense and a few of the special sets," Luetschwager said. "The one big thing we're changing is the offense. In the past, the offense gave the kids a bit more freedom and we're going to run the flex, which is a bit more structured. I think the kids are feeding off that structure."-The Bulldogs will probably feed off of the veteran leadership of Matt Stonis and Eric Hartnett. Both seniors also happen to be the team's leading returning scorers at around 13 points per game apiece. "Those two have definitely gotten stronger and more mature and even more athletic," Luetschwager said. "They're going to be our leaders this year."-Luetschwager is hoping Stonis and Hartnett take sophomore guard Kyle Ryan under their wing. Ryan, a solid perimeter shooter, figures to get plenty of minutes. "We brought up Ryan last year around Thanksgiving and then he went back down and played on the sophomore team for awhile," Luetschwager said. "Now, he knows what to expect. I think he'll be ready."-Senior Chris Woolridge, a 6-foot-5 center, and point guard Mike Lovelle will round out the starting lineup. "Last year, we were young and we didn't have any returning starters back," Luetschwager said. "This year, we have some experience and some really good athletes. The kids have some high expectations. The seniors have won a total of five games since they were freshmen. They want to win at least 10 this year. That would be big for them."

Opener 6 p.m. Tuesday vs. Grayslake North at the Johnsburg/Richmond-Burton tournament