Boys basketball: Scouting Lakes

Coach: Chris Snyder, 2nd season

Last year: 9-20, 6-6 (NSC Lake)

Last year’s tournament: Lost to Ridgewood in the regional championship, 81-47.

Key players lost: F Parker Blain

Key players returning: G Jay Jay Elvir, sr., C Justin Schneider, sr., G Tanner Blain, sr., F Justin Bergeron, jr., F Direll Clark, jr., G Jacob Brown, sr., G Jake Kohler, jr.

Top newcomers: G Andrew Spencer, jr., F Michal Tomasiewicz, soph., F/C Jon Gomulka, jr.

Outlook: Lakes played some of its best basketball at the end of last season, evidenced by its run to a Class 3A regional championship game. With four of the five starters back from that team, the Eagles are optimistic that their numbers (wins) will continue to trend upward. “We are expecting to be an improved team from last year,” second-year coach Chris Snyder said. “We have a good mix of returning and new players who have put the work in over the summer and the preseason to get ready for this season. This group really bought into working hard all the time, and if that continues, we can be successful this year.” Seniors Jay Jay Elvir, Justin Schneider and Tanner Blain were all key components of the Eagles’ lineup last year. Blain led Lakes in scoring, Elvir provided leadership from the point guard spot and Schneider gave Lakes a strong presence inside when he was healthy. He missed much of last season due to injury but has rehabbed and is ready to go. “Justin dedicated himself to preparing physically for this year,” Snyder said. “Jay Jay has put a lot of work in and has really improved his game and Tanner will be a strong leader and outside threat for us.” Meanwhile, the Eagles are looking for expanded roles out of Justin Bergeron, Jake Kohler and Direll Clark, the star fullback who led the football team to the quarterfinals last weekend. All three of those players made contributions last year as sophomores.

Opener: Monday vs. Barrington at the Mundelein Thanksgiving Shootout