Scouting Elgin Academy boys basketball

Elgin Academy Hilltoppers

Coach: David Vogt (second year)

Conference: Independent School League

2009-10 record: 4-21 (0-12 ISL)

Top returning players: Jon Busano (Jr., 5-10 G), Martin Diaz de Leon (So., 6-0 F), Connor Flexman (Jr., 6-2 G), Patrick Martinak (Sr., 6-1 F), Aaron Thomas (Sr., 6-0 G)

Top newcomers: Vinny Busano (Fr., 5-6, G), Jumel Julien (Fr., 5-5 G), Vito Maglio (So., 5-6 G), Tam Tunca (Jr., 5-6 G)

Season outook: The Hilltoppers hope for an uptick in victories with four returning starters back for second-year coach David Vogt. Leading the way are co-captains Aaron Thomas and Patrick Martinak. Thomas is the team's leading returning scorer at 11 ppg. "He can fill it up quickly when he gets hot," Vogt said. "Aaron has the potential to score big. It's just a matter of getting to a consistent level." Martinak is normally outsized in the paint, but he battles for rebounding position and hustles constantly. Also back is Connor Flexman, a tall guard who averaged 9 points per game last season.

He could get more looks at the basket with leading scorer Paul Leonardis graduated. Jon Busano saw some playing time last year on the perimeter and, like Flexman, will be asked to pick up some of the scoring slack. Martin Diaz de Leon could be the team's most improved player. Vocal junior leader Tam Tunca "will log some significant minutes." He has a great mid-range shot and a good work ethic, according to his coach. Jumel Julien is a speed player who brings energy off the bench. Vito Maglio and Vinny Busano add bench depth to the roster. The 'Toppers will need depth because they plan to run. "Again, a lack of size will lead us to play an up-tempo game," Vogt said. "We're going to try to put it up as much as possible and put a lot of points on the board. If our work ethic carries over, it should be a fun season for us."