Scouting Wheeling Wildcats

Wheeling Wildcats

Coach Lou Wool (10th year, 96-147)

Last year 7-19, 2-8 (T5th MSL East)

Key losses James Kurtz (all-area, 12.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.7 apg), Mike Zimmer (7 ppg, Illinois State football), Mike Barton (11.7 ppg, 44 3s), Robert Carter (7.3 ppg)

Returning players Seniors Ryan McClellan (6-2, F), James Miles (5-11, G), James Barrera (6-3, F), Kevin Kortum (6-3, F-C); junior Riley Harvey (6-4, F-C, 4.2 ppg)

Newcomers Juniors Ricky Schwind (6-3, G-F), Tyler Shapiro (5-10, G), Billy Jamie (6-2, C-F), Brandyn Gray (5-5, G), Nick Boyd (5-11, G), Kyle Batiz (6-1, G-F), Glen Dismang (6-0, G-F), Matt Hart (6-3, F-C); sophomore Charlie Kirk (6-4, F-C)

Outlook Wheeling lost the bulk of its scoring and a group of talented athletes but it's also created a good battle for playing time. "Unlike any other teams we've had, it's really a collection of kids from one through 10 or 11 who are pretty close in ability," Wool said. "I think that can only make us better and creates a lot of competition. It's a nice luxury." Harvey is the most experienced returnee with the ability to score inside and outside and is more athletic and ready to take on a bigger leadership role. Miles will take over the point and Wool hopes Shapiro can help with the ball-handling. Schwind is an outside threat, McClellan and Kirk are also good shooters and Kortum and Jamie should help inside. "I think we'll be at our best if we're well-balanced and can spread it around," Wool said.