Scouting Elgin Academy boys basketball

Elgin Academy Hilltoppers

Coach: Dewayne Robinson (first season)

Last year: 8-16, 2-10, Independent School League; lost 55-41 to host Christian Liberty Academy in a Class 1A regional semifinal

Top players: senior Connor Flexman (6-1, F), Joe Heisely (5-8, G); sophomores Michael Grabeck (5-8, G), Jumel Julien (5-7, G)

Scouting report: The Hilltoppers have a new leader in coach Dewayne Robinson, who took over as coach and athletic director when Dave Vogt resigned those posts to move to Florida. Robinson played basketball at Judson University. He spent the last two years as an assistant coach in the Elgin Academy program before taking his first job as a head coach. He has a bona fide court leader returning in multitalented senior Connor Flexman, who last year led Elgin Academy in scoring (14.5 ppg) and rebounding (7.2). Flexman also sank 20 3-pointers. "Connor will be pretty big for us," Robinson said. "He's been working hard and I expect him to be our major contributor this year. But we've got a good crop of new guys who can give us good production as well. Overall, it's a good, well-balanced group." Other returnees include guards Jumel Julian and Mike Grabek, both of whom worked hard over the summer to improve their physical games and basketball IQs, according to their coach. Heisely rejoins the team after sitting out last year. "My goal is for them to get better and keep improving to the point where we're giving 100 percent effort in every practice and every game," Robinson said. "If we do that, the wins will take care of themselves."