Scouting Lisle boys basketball

Lisle

Coach: Mark LaScala (fifth year, 55-61).

Last year: 13-17, 5-6, fifth in the Interstate Eight Conference; lost 70-50 to Timothy Christian in a Class 2A Aurora Christian regional semifinal.

Top players: Kyle Frazier, sr., G-F; Kazim Kahn, jr., G-F; Phil Palicka, sr., F; Anthony Vacco, sr., G; Chris Wray, sr., F.

Scouting report: This group has the most experience in LaScala’s tenure as the Lions’ head coach. The 6-foot-6 Wray is a three-year starter who averaged 10 points and 4.4 rebounds last year. He’s improved his outside shot, but is still getting in shape after shoulder surgery. The 6-4 Palicka returns 7.3 points and 5.0 rebounds; he and Wray should occupy defenders, allowing the 6-1 Kahn room to drive to the hoop. Also 6-1, Frazier adds another scoring option. LaScala called point guard Vacco “the hardest working player I’ve had here.” Better shooting (44 percent from the field, 57 percent from the line) and ballhandling (14.6 turnovers) will help Lisle compete with Herscher, Seneca and Dwight in conference. “We need to hit the offensive glass hard,” LaScala said.