Scouting St. Viator boys basketball
St. Viator
Coach: Joe Majkowski (24th year, 353-268)
Last year: 24-7, 8-5 (fourth in ESCC, 3A supersectional qualifier)
Key losses: Alan Aboona (two-time all-area G, 16.5 ppg, 76 3s, Washington (Mo.) Univ.), Richard McLoughlin (two-time all-area F, 12.5 ppg, 20 3s), Jack Etchingham (F, 6.8 ppg), Brendan King (G, 6.9 ppg, 22 3s), Richard Markovits (G, 5.1 ppg), Julian Sipiora (G, 3.5 ppg), Danny Muench (G)
Top returnees: Seniors Cameron Korab (6-0, G), Ryan McGuigan (5-10, G), Colin Carney (6-2, F), Quinn Murray (6-1, F), Nick Frett (6-2, F), Dan Moynihan (6-3, F-G); junior Chris Myjak (6-5, F, 6.9 ppg)
Newcomers: Juniors D.J. Morris (5-10, G), Kevin Walsh (6-2, F), Dan Ford (6-1, G), Brian Wilhite (6-3, F), Nick Abel (6-1, G), Tony Kasper (6-5, C), Frank Laterza (6-0, G), Brian Guth (6-4, F)
Outlook: What can St. Viator do for an encore with four starters and two two-time all-area picks graduated from the most successful team in school history? “In high school basketball you’re lucky if you have a great season and still have guys coming back,” Majkowski said. “We have a lot of competition for playing time right now. We have a lot of good depth and a lot of players comparable in skills and athleticism … but one of the keys is getting these kids experience.” Myjak is the only one who saw considerable action and will be counted on for a lot in Viator’s four-out, one-in attack. Moynihan had a strong offseason and Morris has the inside track at the point. Ford, a transfer from Loyola, Carney, Walsh, Wilhite and McGuigan figure to keep the offense rolling. “Overall I think we have a few more weapons than we did last year and that’s one really good thing,” Majkowski said. “We have several kids who are good, quality shooters and they can get it going pretty good.” One of the big adjustments will be the jump to playing varsity defense. Even though perennial power St. Joseph left for the Chicago Catholic League, the ESCC will be tough with Benet, St. Patrick, Notre Dame and Marist. “I think we will be (in the mix),” Majkowski said.