Scouting Rolling Meadows boys basketball

Rolling Meadows

Coach: Kevin Katovich (ninth year, 97-123)

Last year: 10-18, 3-7 (fifth in MSL East)

Key losses: Richie Kemph (two-time all-area G, 19.3 ppg, 64 3s, Loras), Jimmy Garoppolo (7.8 ppg), Tyler Allen (4.1 ppg), Kyle Weiner (4.5 ppg)

Returnees: Seniors Paul Volkman (6-4, C, 4.8 ppg), Scott Shewmon (6-6, C, 2.7 ppg), Mike Crigler (6-0, G), James Nolan (5-8, G); juniors Brian Nelms (5-11, G, 8.5 ppg), Eric Lowe (5-10, G), Tyler Gaedele (6-2, G, 5 ppg, 26 3s)

Newcomers: Juniors Mike Weingart (5-7, G), Mike Olson (5-10, G), John Ott (5-9, G), Josh Galvin (5-10, G), Mike Rose (6-3, F), Charlie Lynk (5-9, G), Chase Larson (5-10, G); sophomores Jack Milas (6-1, F), Matt Dennis (6-1, F), Brian Sabal (6-3, F)

Outlook: Meadows is still young but not inexperienced considering the junior core has Nelms in his third varsity season and Lowe and Gaedele in their second. They also figure to combine for the points lost by Kemph to graduation. "We have three or four guys who could score a lot of points," Katovich said. "We don't have that so-called go-to guy and Brian is looking to score more than last year." Katovich said Nelms and Lowe "are 1 and 1A in their ability to guard the ball and defend." Volkman has expanded his offensive game away from the basket and the Mustangs could pose matchup problems inside when Shewmon returns he will have a stress fracture in his foot from football re-evaluated in a couple of weeks. Olson will start in a smaller lineup and also in the mix are Rose, Nolan, Dennis and Milas, who will be out a couple more weeks with an injured thumb. "It might be top to bottom the smartest team I've ever had," Katovich said. "We've thrown a lot at them and they're absorbing it really well."