Scouting Westminster Christian Warriors

Westminster Christian Warriors

Coach Bruce Firchau (5th year, 58-51 at Westminster)

Conference Northeast Athletic

Last year 17-11

Top returners seniors Ben Carani (6-2, G), Nate Suire (6-1, F), juniors Ryan Beachler (6-0, G), Luke Carani (6-2, G), Ian Dutcher (6-8, C), Andrew Mason (6-3, G/F)

Top newcomers senior Mark Graziano (5-10, G), juniors Steve Hoeflich (5-9, G), Jordan Kalous (6-3, F), Andrew Mason (6-3, G/F), Brandon Cork (5-9, G)

Outlook The junior-oriented Warriors have the makings of another tough squad, one that should compete in the upper echelon of the new Northeast Athletic Conference and challenge for a regional title, a tournament Westminster will host. Another year of maturity will make the 6-81/2 Dutcher more dangerous than his sophomore season, when he averaged 7.9 points and 7 rebounds and blocked over 50 shots. "We're nine to 10 deep and we've got excellent quickness and improved outside shooting," IBCA Hall of Fame coach Bruce Firchau said. "Mix that in with Ian Dutcher's size and that's a good blend. They have to prove to me that they can play defense like the last two teams. They could be good, but talk is cheap." Beachler was the team's stalwart defender on the perimeter last season and led the team in scoring with 9.7 points per game. Two transfers will add depth. Graziano did not play at St. Charles North last season due to a spleen injury. Cork, who played at Elgin Academy as a freshman and Burlington Central as a sophomore, is an adept shooter. The Warriors will host their own Thanksgiving Tournament and compete in the Marengo Tournament at Christmas. A tough schedule awaits in Games 3-6, a stretch that includes Immaculate Conception, St. Edward, Rockford Christian and Genoa-Kingston. Against like Class 1A schools over the past three seasons, Westminster has gone 29-6, and 5 of those losses were by a total of 11 points.