Scouting Schaumburg boys basketball

Schaumburg

Coach: Matt Walsh (second year, 17-12)

Last year: 17-12, 5-5 (third in West)

Key losses: Declan Geraghty (all-area G, 11.3 ppg), Joe Infusino (G, 4.2 ppg), Chris Baker (C, 2.3 ppg), Glenn Frost (F, 8.2 ppg, 30 3s)

Top returnees: Seniors Javon McDonald (5-11, G, 6.3 ppg, 24 3s), Mark Bielanski (5-10, G), Sean Duminie (6-3, F), Kurt Kempema (6-4, F, 3 ppg), Roger Lane (6-2, F), Elliot Rieves (6-0, G); junior Christian Spandiary (6-3, F, 5.6 ppg)

Newcomers: Juniors Joe Faleni (6-2, F), Thomas Byrne (5-9, G), Justin Hill (5-10, G), Julio Marquez (5-11, G) Mike Mallett (6-2, F), Pat Bellinger (6-5, F); sophomores Kyle Bolger (6-1, G), Jimmy Lundquist (6-5, C)

Outlook: The Saxons hope to build off their late-season run to a 10th regional title and the sectional final. "Experience is a great teacher and it gives some of our kids confidence, but it doesn't entitle us or guarantee us any success," Walsh said of extending the Saxons' 17-year run of winning seasons. "We have to come together as a team and create chemistry and work to where I think we can get." McDonald and Bielanski are interchangeable guards and Kempema provides inside defense and rebounding, but can also score outside.

"Their leadership is really going to play an important part in our team's success," Walsh said of his tri-captains. Spandiary is also a versatile offensive threat, Lane and Rieves are good defenders and Duminie will help inside. Bolger and Lundquist also are expected to play big roles. "Our depth is strong and one of our keys," Walsh said. "There is still a lot of playing time to be had and with the effort we're getting in practice, there's a lot of competition out there for spots."