Scouting Downers Grove North boys basketball

Posted November 17, 2010 10:00 pm

Kevin Schmit

Downers Grove North

Coach: Jim Thomas.

Last year: 8-18, 4-8, fifth in West Suburban Silver; lost 74-50 to Glenbard North in Class 4A Geneva regional quarterfinals.

Top players: Dennis Blake, jr., G; Jalen Grace, sr., G; Tom Wengren, sr., G/F; Ross Johnson, sr., G/F; Rob Mahlke, jr., F; Tyler Mason, sr., C; Alex Vogler, sr., F.

Scouting report: An influx of athleticism has the Trojans eyeing a switch to a more up-tempo style of play. It's something they haven't been able to do for a few years, but the talent is there -- starting with the point guard tandem of Blake and Grace -- for switching the style of play. Wengren and Johnson return as experienced players on the wing, and both will be effective on the perimeter. Mahlke, at 6-foot-7, offers a scoring presence in the post while 6-5 Mason is a bruising rebounder who epitomizes a gritty team style of play. Halfcourt offense and defense is the key for the Trojans, who know a boost to their 49 points per game average from last year could have reversed the many losses by 6 points or fewer. "I think this is the best group we've had in the last four years," Thomas said.

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