Scouting Hinsdale South boys basketball

Hinsdale South

Coach: Vince Doran.

Last year: 14-12, 4-8, tied for fifth in West Suburban Gold; lost 63-54 to Hyde Park in Class 4A Mt. Carmel regional semifinals.

Top players: Brock Benson, jr., C; Phil George, jr., G; Joe Petrak, sr., G; Ryan Johnson, sr., G; Keith Reidy, sr., C; Chris Chacko, sr., F; Bryson Pitts, sr., F; Johnnie Jasper, jr., G; Chris Dimayuga, sr., G; Andy Nkansah, sr., G.

Scouting report: Although the strength of the team is in the junior class with Benson and George, there is plenty of experience to make this a successful season. The 6-foot-8 Benson averaged 7.5 points and 6 rebounds last year while George averaged 12 points and knocked down 67 3-pointers in an all-Gold performance. Petrak, a third-year varsity player who brings back 7 points and hit 28 3s last year, is another returning starter at the point. A tougher schedule shouldn't prevent Hinsdale South from breaking out to another strong start. Unlike last year, though, the Hornets should be better positioned to sustain it and challenge a stiffer Gold field. "I think this is a group that'll work well together," Doran said.