Scouting DuPage County boys basketball
Addison Trail
Coach: Brendan Lyons.
Last year: 11-20, 1-11, seventh in the West Suburban Gold; lost 51-44 to Downers Grove South in the Class 4A Addison Trail regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Adem Mehmeti, sr., G; J.T. Daniels, sr., F; A.J. Carlson, jr., G; Robert Roszkiewicz, so., F; John Baumgartner, sr., F; Sheldon Allgood, sr., G; K'Vhon Pounds, sr., G; Terry Thompson, sr., G.
Scouting report: First on the to-do list is erasing the bitter taste of a nine-game losing streak that ended last season. Eleven seniors with long memories aim to make that happen. "We felt like we gave away some games last year," Lyons said. "Our seniors don't want that to happen again." Mehmeti returns for a third varsity season after last year averaging 11 points. Daniels, an all-Gold selection, also averaged 11 points. Carlson got a bunch of experience starting six games at the point as a sophomore. Three significant newcomers are Allgood, an Oak Park transfer, Pounds, a Noble Street transfer, and Roszkiewicz, a sophomore. That gives the Blazers experience and depth in the frontcourt and backcourt. "This is a group that's worked hard and stuck with it for four years," Lyons said. "We're going to rely a lot on our seniors."
Benet
Coach: Gene Heidkamp.
Last year: 27-5, 8-1, second in the East Suburban Catholic; lost 53-46 to Larkin in the Class 4A Northern Illinois University supersectional.
Top players: Will Engels, sr., F; Colin Crothers, jr., C; Kendrick Tchoua, sr., F; Charlie Dollard, sr., G; Liam Tomshack, sr., sr., F; Trevor Casmere, sr., F; Shane O'Mara, sr., F; Ben Hickey, sr., G; Drew Eschenbach, sr., F.
Scouting report: Get ready for a 10th straight 20-win season, another run at the ESCC title and another deep postseason run. With the return of Engels, who averaged 17 points in last year's sectional, 6-foot-7 Crothers for a third varsity season and Tchoua, a transfer from Maryland, it's looking like another up year for the Redwings. "It's going to come down to how we come together," Heidkamp said. "We have a lot of ability, but that's not all that matters." Engels, already strong as a junior, will be one of the area's most improved players who can play the point or the wing. Crothers is a dominant post and 6-7 Tchoua, who's attracting Division I attention, immediately vaulted onto the list of the state's top senior players. Dollard is solid at the point while Tomshack and Casmere can knock down 3s. Benet's as deep as it is talented.
Downers Grove North
Coach: Jim Thomas.
Last year: 13-13, 4-8, tied for fifth in the West Suburban Silver; lost 62-44 to Geneva in the Class 4A Naperville North regional semifinals.
Top players: Sema'j Henderson, sr., G; Trey Boston, sr., G; Connor Ilyavi, sr., G; Collin Reed, sr., G; Scott Jakobsze, sr., F; Drew Cassens, jr., F; Mike Panico, sr., F; Noah May, sr., F.
Scouting report: Few teams can match the Trojans' talented backcourt with Henderson, Boston, Ilyavi and Reed, a transfer from Plainfield East. "If we have everyone out there healthy, we'll be as good as anyone around," Thomas said. Henderson, who holds an offer to NIU, averaged 17.9 points last year while Boston had 10.6 and Ilyavi 6.3. Reed's versatility and tremendous defense adds a huge boost. Panico, at 6-foot-5, and 6-9 May hold down the post while Cassens plays bigger than his frame. Jakobsze's return from a back injury is an issue as the Trojans try to overcome some aches and pains in the opening weeks. After losing five straight Silver games to close last season, competing for this year's title is the goal. "We have no one to blame but ourselves for how last year ended," Thomas said. "We've worked hard in the off-season so we feel good."
Downers Grove South
Coach: Kris Olson.
Last year: 14-16, 4-8, tied for fifth in the West Suburban Gold; lost 59-47 to Benet in the Class 4A Addison Trail regional semifinals.
Top players: Justin Eagins, sr., G; Wes Hooker, sr., G; Charlie Furman, sr., G; Kamonte Brown-Poe, sr., G; J.T. Jablonski, sr., C; Karolis Vaitkevicius, sr., G; Timmeon Gamble, sr., G; Jake Dimovski, so., G; Chris Gory, jr., F.
Scouting report: Loaded with backcourt talent and experience, the Mustangs eye the Gold title. Eagins, who last season averaged 16.9 points and hit 83 3-pointers, Hooker, a three-year varsity member who added 12.2 points, and Furman are just the start. "I think we're much deeper than last year, especially in the backcourt," Olson said. Eagins is stronger and more athletic, and Hooker's shooting has improved. Brown-Poe didn't play last year due to injury, Gamble is a transfer from Proviso West and Dimovski comes from Timothy Christian. The Mustangs are thinner on experience in the post, although 6-foot-8 Jablonski and Gory are a good start. "We have our top few scorers, but we'll also have a bunch of guys who are going to score 6 to 8 points," Olson said. "This could be a special group."
Fenton
Coach: Chaz Taft.
Last year: 6-20, 1-11, tied for sixth in the Metro Suburban Blue; lost 51-41 to Proviso West in a Class 4A Fenton regional quarterfinal.
Top players: Diamon King, jr., F; Andre Reed, jr., G; Marcus Rule, so., G; Ivan Sosa, jr., G; Gerrell Wilson, so., C.
Scouting report: After a two-year hiatus the Bison will host the 31st Chuck Mitchell Thanksgiving Tournament, an eight-team field including Montini, West Chicago and Wheaton Warrenville South. Fenton, which benefits by shifting to the Metro Suburban Red, offers the odd duality of youth and experience. Rule returns as point guard and the 6-2 King returns averages of 9.7 points and 7.6 rebounds. "Those two guys are ready to take this thing over," Taft said. Reed and Sosa also started some games, Sosa averaging a team-high 1.9 steals. The 6-5 Wilson adds some height. Fenton always plays hard but must reduce last season's 23-turnover average and identify who takes the big, crunchtime shot after the graduation of top scorer Amari Reed, Andre's brother. "I think that's where we need to get better," Taft said, "is those pressure situations."
Glenbard East
Coach: Scott Miller.
Last year: 11-16, 5-5, tied for third in the Upstate Eight Valley; lost 45-42 to Wheaton North in a Class 4A Bartlett regional quarterfinal.
Top players: Deon Cook, jr., G; Antonio Davis, sr., F; Ladaylin Dew, jr., F; Mitch Glennon, sr., F; DaRon Hall, jr., G; Jake Huisman, sr., G; Jeremy Johnson, sr., G; Mashar Lewis, sr., G; Alijah Nelson, jr., G; Anthony Shockey, sr., F.
Scouting report: The Rams will move fast and quick. It starts in the backcourt where all-UEC point man Nelson and Hall should bulk up their respective averages of 12 and 8 points a game. Miller likes the improvements Nelson's made in ball distribution and Hall at shooting. Several Rams are three-year varsity players, and they'll be joined by others like Cook, a 20-point scorer on last season's sophomore team. At 6-6 Davis brings most of the height so rebounding will be a team assignment. Defensively, too, as 6-2 stopper Glennon and Co. hope to trim foes' 62-point average. "Hopefully, we can still score at a good clip, but we feel like we're going to be able to stop people this year a little bit more consistently," Miller said.
Glenbard North
Coach: Joe Larson.
Last year: 0-27, 0-16, ninth in the DuPage Valley; lost 71-42 to Bartlett in the Class 4A Bartlett regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Kimeli Chepyator, sr., F; Jimmy Zay, sr., G; Brandon Cole, jr., F; Angelo Cusamano, jr., F; Jaheim Edmond, jr., F; Rory Hills, jr., G; Jordan McQuarter, jr., G; Sean Laherty, jr., F; Kobe Jamison, jr., G.
Scouting report: With such little experience returning, it's tough to say how much improvement the Panthers will see. Bolstered by a talented junior class, though, things are looking up. "The junior class has some potential, but it needs to be developed a little bit," Larson said. "They need to grow up fast." What experience does return is from a pair of seniors - Chepyator and Zay, who started some games late last season. After that the group is new to varsity competition. A rotation of about eight to 10 players will allow the Panthers to be up-tempo and press on defense with hopes of creating points in transition. Glenbard North also has post potential in the halfcourt with 6-foot-4 Cole and 6-2 Edmond. "We want to push the ball up the court and take advantage of our depth and athleticism," Larson said. "That's how we'll be able to compete."
Glenbard South
Coach: Wade Hardtke.
Last year: 11-16, 7-5, tied for third in the Metro Suburban Blue; lost 38-21 to St. Francis in a Class 3A St. Francis regional semifinal.
Top players: Kevin Enright, sr., G; Cade Hardtke, so., G; Cole Hardtke, sr., F; Ryan Harrington, sr., C; Tavion Keith, sr. G; Tommy Powers, sr. F; Nick Plaso, jr., G; Spencer Pyle, sr., C.
Scouting report: Between the District 87 tournament, Glenbard West's Holiday Classic and now playing in the Upstate Eight Conference the Raiders play only two Class 3A opponents. That's good playoff prep but until then Glenbard South will be in a battle most every game. They'll field a lineup coach Hardtke called "potentially one of the better ones we've had here." He's got basically two returning point guards in Enright and Keith, who averaged a combined 5.1 assists. Keith, Enright and the 6-3 Powers all averaged 6 points; Powers, Pyle, Cade Hardtke and 6-8 Harrington all shot around 46 percent. Scoring balance is expected particularly after graduate Brandon Whiteside led in scoring 24 of 27 games. "They have the mentality to share the basketball as well," Wade Hardtke said.
Glenbard West
Coach: Tim Hoder.
Last year: 15-12, 6-6, fourth in the West Suburban Silver; lost 54-51 to Naperville Central in the Class 4A Addison Trail regional semifinals.
Top players: Evan Taylor, sr., G-F; Caden Phillips, sr., F: Carter Lindstrom, sr., G; Ethan Graff, sr., F; Corey Williams, sr., F; Griffin Foster, sr., G; Matthew Gertzen, sr., F.
Scouting report: With Southern Illinois-bound Taylor leading the way, the Hilltoppers will be a threat to beat every team on their schedule. A third-year starter, Taylor averaged 18 points and 7 rebounds as a junior. "We know what he's capable of doing, and we're going to lean on him a lot," Hoder said. "But if we're going to be successful we need others to step up." Six-foot-six Phillips is the perfect post complement to Taylor on the wing. He averaged 9 points and 6 rebounds. Lindstrom, a good 3-point shooter, is going to be counted on to handle the ball more with returning starter Kyle Dell out for the season with a leg injury. Graff and Williams bring size and versatility to the lineup. Foster and Gertzen add needed depth to the backcourt. "Evan's not going to be sneaking up on anyone this season," Hoder said. "We need everyone pitching in."
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Nick Latorre.
Last year: 10-18, 4-8, tied for fifth in the West Suburban Silver; lost 69-50 to Naperville North in the Class 4A Naperville North regional semifinals.
Top players: Matt Rush, sr., G; Danell Nicholson, sr., G; Justin Bradshaw, sr., G; Ryan Isaacson, jr., F; Charlie Lyne, sr., G; Mac Quast, jr., F; Charlie Parse, sr., G; Scott Bitautas, sr., G.
Scouting report: Red Devils fans might not only be seeing double. It might look like triple or quadruple because this is a roster loaded with similar players. "We have so many players who are similar," Latorre said. "It's going to be a challenge to see which ones rise to the occasion." One difference-maker is Rush, who last year averaged 15.9 points and 5 rebounds before being lost for the season due to a holiday knee injury. His return adds a huge boost to the backcourt, which will be crowded with Nicholson, Bradshaw and Lyne, the point guard, also returning. Six-foot-six Isaacson and 6-5 Quast, a third-year varsity member, both gained extensive post experience as sophomores and combined for 9 points and 7 rebounds. "This is one of those teams where we're going to have to see how the different pieces come together," Latorre said.
Hinsdale South
Coach: Brett Moore.
Last year: 21-7, 10-2, first in the West Suburban Gold; lost 61-56 to Willowbrook in the Class 4A Hinsdale South regional final.
Top players: Aaron Tims, jr., F; Billy Durkin, jr., G; Lukas Rainys, sr., G; Daeshawn Amy, jr., G; Jason Williams, jr., G; Kendall Martin, so., G; Patrick Savage, sr., F; Nate Dahms, sr., G.
Scouting report: For years the Hornets have leaned on a dominant post presence to power their offense. Things have changed. They still have size with 6-foot-7 Tims, but it's different. This Hinsdale South team will be much more up-tempo. "We're going to spread teams out and take advantage of our shooters," Moore said. "We're going to get (Tims) the ball all over the court, not just in the post." Tims averaged 6 points and 4 rebounds as a sophomore and has rounded out his game quite a bit. Same with Durkin, who hit 30 3-pointers. Beyond that duo the Hornets need to get up to varsity speed. Rainys was in the rotation, but most other players are new. That includes Martin, a transfer from Fenwick. It'll take time to learn a new offense, but by the playoffs the Hornets could be dangerous. "We have the talent to be good," Moore said. "We'll be tough once we figure it out."
IC Catholic
Coach: T.J. Tyrrell.
Last year: 20-10, 7-5, tied for third in the Metro Suburban Blue; lost 53-29 to Orr in the Class 2A Timothy Christian sectional final.
Top players: Dom Gaudio, jr., G-F; Zach Jordan, jr., G; Chauncey Lee, jr., G; Khali Saunders, sr., F; Rashad Sbeih, jr., G.
Scouting report: The Knights have three seniors after graduating nine and players will trickle in after the usual long football playoff run. "That's a challenge we're used to," said Tyrrell, whose 114-60 record after six years shows it hasn't been problematic. Strong, athletic 6-4 Purdue football recruit Saunders may not play "if Purdue says no," Tyrrell said. If it says yes the transition game benefits via rebounds and breakouts. Either way there are reasons for long-haul success. Wojtalewicz, a 6-4 back-to-the-basket post, has progressed after a sophomore year in which he played in all 30 games; Jordan's outside shooting will draw defenders away from him. Lee is a true point guard, a potential team leader. The Metro Suburban Blue added three strong teams, but ICCP's tradition and basketball IQ are sound. "As a group, we're going to have guys who are really disciplined," Tyrrell said.
Lake Park
Coach: Billy Pitcher.
Last year: 6-21, 4-12, eighth in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost 51-39 to Metea Valley in the Class 4A Hinsdale South regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Tommy Zakic, sr., G-F; Max Ellenbecker, sr., F-C; Luke Sgarbossa, jr., G; Trevor Montiel, jr., F; Montrell Perry, jr., G; Joey Czaja, jr., G; Ryan Schleimer, jr., C; Drew Myers, jr., G; Bryce Koch, jr., F.
Scouting report: Pitcher takes the helm after spending the last eight years at Lake Zurich, where the Bears won two regional titles and last year's sectional crown. "We started in the summer getting them going with the new style of play and they're super excited," Pitcher said. The Lancers are thin in seniors - Ellenbecker and Zakic will be critical, though - so they'll lean heavily on a junior class that won 20 games at the sophomore level. Sgarbossa, who played well in last year's regional, is the team's best shooter. Montiel and Perry also saw varsity time. Czaja was another major part of last year's sophomore team success. Sgarbossa and Perry will lead the break in a faster-paced offense. "There will be a lot of close games," Pitcher. "We need to make sure we're comfortable with the system and each other."
Lisle
Coach: Mark LaScala.
Last year: 20-10, 9-2, second in the Interstate Eight Conference; lost 40-31 to Seneca in the Class 2A Lisle regional final.
Top players: Elisha Basnight, sr., G-F; Damian Guerrero, jr., F; Demetrius King, jr., G; Jakub Kowal, sr., C; Jay McGrath, sr., G-F; Connor Nigro, jr., G; Anthony Raineri, jr., F; Connor Webb, jr., G.
Scouting report: Four of last season's top-seven return in McGrath, Webb, Basnight and Kowal. After that depth and foul trouble are concerns. A 10-point scorer last season along with Basnight, McGrath will bring it wherever he's asked to play. Webb added strength and shooting plus college looks as a 6-4 point guard. McGrath hit 64 3s last season, which could open things up for the slashing Basnight or 6-5 Kowal inside. The quick King will aid LaScala's key goal to turn defense into offense. Lisle plays 10 games the first two weeks and has many players coming off a long football season, but last season the Lions ran off 16 straight wins starting over the holidays. "Depth is going to be an issue, but I'll put our top five against any 2A team in the area or the conference," LaScala said.
Metea Valley
Coach: Matt Walpole.
Last year: 16-12, 9-7, fifth in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost 71-46 to Willowbrook in a Class 4A Hinsdale South regional semifinal.
Top players: Veonte Ballard, sr., F; Maurice Barnes, sr., F; Ethan Helwig, sr., G-F; Manny Hess; Tahj Morgan, so., F; Ernest Neal, sr., G; Jens Petersen, sr., F; Jackson Tan, sr., G.
Scouting report: Three-year starters Hess and Helwig, all-DVC as a junior after hitting 61 3s and averaging 15.8 points, lead the Mustangs into the new DVC with only eight league games. Helwig has improved his midrange game and added hops to better release his accurate jumper. Hess' high was 12 points, but he led Metea in rebounds, blocks and assists with a program-record 11 assists against WW South. An athletic 6-1, Morgan looks to be a similar do-it-all type, while Tan draws the point guard spot. The Mustangs look to convert the height of 6-8 Petersen and 6-5 Barnes into a solid inside-out game. Depth and versatility to play different styles is a plus while defense is a work in progress aided by the scrappy Neal. "We'll be able to go 10, 11 deep without losing a whole lot," said third-year coach Walpole.
Montini
Coach: Bob Lozano.
Last year: 17-11, 4-4, fifth in the Chicago Catholic League White; lost 89-78 to Burlington Central in the Class 3A Aurora Central Catholic regional final.
Top players: Jeremiah Banks-Wall, jr., C; Deonte Bell, jr., G; Kai Evans, so, G; Mark Gabriel, sr., F; Julian Gatewood, so., G; Luke Morrill, sr., G-F; Fred Stokes, sr., F; Scott West, sr., G.
Scouting report: Lozano succeeds Daryl Thomas, who died March 28 of a heart attack. "I would much rather still be the sophomore coach with him still being here," Lozano said. Despite that, a loaded schedule, long football run and point guard Anthony Thompson's transfer to Bolingbrook, Montini has a dynamic, diverse roster. Tough West and Banks-Wall counter athletic Evans and Gatewood, a shooter who scored 35 in a game last season for the 19-4 sophomores. Stokes rebounds, fellow returning starter Morrill hits the 3. Replacing Thompson's handles and 15 points a game is key but depth should maintain tempo and defense Thomas would have liked. "I'm looking forward to maintaining coach Thomas' philosophy and keep building what he started," Lozano said.
Naperville Central
Coach: Pete Kramer.
Last year: 20-10, 10-6, tied for third in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost 61-49 to Benet in the Class 4A Addison Trail regional final.
Top players: Chris Conway, jr., F; Cameron Dougherty, jr., G; Payton Thorne, sr., G; Sam Jackson, so., G; Patrick Zeng, sr., G; Paul Stys, sr., F; Matt Murphy, jr., F; Riley Suda, jr., F.
Scouting report: The Redhawks might be the most intriguing team in DuPage County. In addition to returning two of the area's top juniors - Conway and Dougherty - standout football players Thorne and Jackson decided to play basketball this season. "We're going to be a young team, but we have talent," Kramer said. "It'll be interesting to see how we grow up." A common lineup may be three juniors, a sophomore and Thorne, but it's a team capable of winning now. Six-foot-nine Conway holds a half dozen Division I scholarship offers after a tremendous off-season, while Dougherty is back after last season averaging 7 points. Thorne is a talented perimeter shooter and Jackson is explosive going to the basket. Zeng and Stys deepen the backcourt. Murphy and Suda do the same in the frontcourt. "I like the mix we have," Kramer said. "It's a good group."
Naperville North
Coach: Gene Nolan.
Last year: 26-3, 15-1, first in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost 47-43 to Willowbrook in the Class 4A Glenbard East sectional semifinals.
Top players: Tom Welch, sr., F; Netzah Aldana, sr., G; Braxton Mills, sr., G; Myles Barry, jr., G; Matt Maschmeier, jr., G; Riley Thompson, jr., G; Mike Imhoff, jr., G; Grant Johnson, so., F; Liam Kim, so., G.
Scouting report: After a successful run at Marist, where he led the RedHawks to six regional titles, Nolan takes over the Huskies' program following Jeff Powers' retirement. "There's a lot we'll be finding out about ourselves as the season goes along," Nolan said. "There are going to be a lot of opportunities for kids." The most opportunities, of course, belong to Welch. The 6-foot-8 wing committed to Loyola after last season averaging 13.5 points and 6.6 rebounds. Beyond Welch the experience level drops off in a huge way for a team that graduated 10 seniors. Mills averaged 2.2 points in 10 games while Aldana appeared in nine games and Thompson played in two. With only three seniors the Huskies need a boost from juniors who won 18 games at the sophomore level, as well as a pair of current sophomores.
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Todd Sutton.
Last year: 9-20, 5-11, seventh in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost 65-59 to Joliet West in the Class 4A Lincoln-Way Central regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Justin Blazek, sr., F; Connor Davis, so., F; Donovan Navarro, jr., G; Hank Pelter, sr., F; John Poulakidas, so., G; Max Rivera, so., G.
Scouting report: With three sophomores and 10 new faces Sutton feels "like we're starting over." It's not bad to start with Poulakidas, who made 34 3s on 40-percent arc shooting and averaged 7.2 points. He's now 6-foot-4, 180 pounds, has broadened his skills and has offers from Illinois-Chicago and Southern Illinois. "Last year he was a 3-point specialist, but now he's a scorer," said Sutton, 407-190 at Neuqua. He believes point guard Navarro may be the most improved Wildcat and likes the 6-4 Davis' overall game from perimeter to post. Neuqua is solid dribbling, passing and shooting but fields little experienced height other than the 6-4 Blazek, so rebounding is a concern as is varsity-ready defense. It may take time to jell but Neuqua should improve over time. "It's a pretty skilled team," Sutton said.
St. Francis
Coach: Erin Dwyer.
Last year: 15-16, 5-3, fourth in the Chicago Catholic League White; lost 51-47 to Rockford Boylan in the Class 3A Woodstock North sectional semifinals.
Top players: Danny Blank, jr., G; Mike Cascella, sr., G; Sean Connelly, sr., G; Patch England, sr., F; Ryan French, jr., G; Marcus Ingold, sr., F; Nick Kosmetatos, sr., F; Robert Nosek, jr., F; Jake Tangorra, jr., G; Bryce Walker, jr., F; Eric Welch, jr.
Scouting report: As indicated above the Spartans should go at least 10 deep, and they have the versatility to go small or big. Cascella, who last season hit 55 3-pointers, leads returners at 9 points a game; lettermen such as Blank, Kosmetatos and England look to add more. St. Francis can play 6-8 Walker, 6-6 Nosek and 6-5 England and also scrap with Cascella, Connelly and the physical Ingold. Moving from the Chicago Catholic League to the Metro Suburban Blue, St. Francis retains a grueling schedule that includes games at the United Center and Sears Centre. This group of multisport juniors and seniors should mesh well. "To me," Dwyer said, "it always comes back to taking care of the ball and playing good defense.
Timothy Christian
Coach: Scott Plaisier.
Last year: 22-6, 11-1, first in the Metro Suburban Red; lost 54-45 to IC Catholic in the Class 2A Guerin regional final.
Top players: Jack Baldridge, jr., G; Justin Baez, sr., G; Chris Brooks, sr., G; Josh Harris, so., G-F; Danardo Jones, sr., F-C; Matt Owens, jr., G; A.J. Vos, jr., G-F.
Scouting report: Last season the Trojans won their most games since 2009-10 and a conference title but didn't attain their third goal, a regional title, "the one we really wanted," Plaisier said. They'll get back after it behind returning starters Baez and the all-conference Owens among a well-rounded lineup surrounding the 6-7 Jones, a dunk contest natural. Owens, who hit six 3s with 27 points against Peoria Christian, leads returners with 9.6 points a game. The Trojans will probably work by committee to replace the combined 25 points of graduated post Brandon Orange and wing Mike Thomas, plus Ty Merrick's playmaking. After Owens, Baez and defensive bulldog Brooks it's a pretty new look, though players like 6-4 swingman Harris are ready for a shot. "They like to play up-tempo, and they like to play with intensity," Plaisier said.
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Jason Mead.
Last year: 13-18, 6-10, sixth in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost 60-35 to West Aurora in the Class 4A Plainfield South regional semifinals.
Top players: Eric Cannon, sr., G; Kenan Collier, sr., G; Cole Gregorio, sr., F; Patrick Hogan, sr., F; Nikhil Khanna, sr., F; Mason Marinelli, jr., G; Derrien Porter, sr., G; Marcus Skeete, jr., G-F; Ben Schwieger, so., G-F; Caymen Woods, sr., G-F.
Scouting report: The Warriors return four starters including 6-5 all-conference forward Skeete and Cannon, a two-time all-DVC point guard. In 2017-18 Cannon hit 80 3s, averaged 14.3 points and 1.6 assists and looks to expand his game to the rim. Porter and the 6-5 Woods each were solid playmakers, and Skeete put up 10.6 points, 5.6 rebounds a game. The experienced Khanna, Collier and Gregorio lend a variety of skills. Hogan, at 6-6, and 6-4 Schwieger add height and length. For Mead, this team's potential is based on selflessness, trust, consistency and focus that translates to things like shot selection and team defense. "We're going to have to win battles by being good teammates," he said.
West Chicago
Coach: Bill Recchia.
Last year: 9-17, 1-9, sixth in the Upstate Eight Valley; lost 68-55 to DeKalb in the Class 4A Hinsdale South regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Jonny Bey, jr., G; Matt Brotnow, jr., F; Raed Haroon, jr., G-F; Christian Krahenbuhl, jr., F; Isaac Nelson, sr., G; Sam Ricci, sr., G-F; Jordan Wilkins, sr., G.
Scouting report: The Wildcats have depth surrounding point guard Nelson, the 6-4 Ricci and Jordan, who they will lean on heavily. All three bring two seasons of varsity minutes if not starts, and offer senior leadership that, Recchia said, "can't be measured." West Chicago will miss graduated guard Jason Gimre, the program's all-time 3-point leader, but Ricci, Jordan and returning assists and rebounds leader Nelson averaged between 12.4 to 9 points. Haroon can spot up and shoot; Bey should add spark after missing more than half last season to a knee injury. West Chicago had a good summer, but the Upstate Eight is a tough league. The Wildcats will counter overall lack of height with fundamentals. "If we're playing within ourselves and doing things right it could lead to a successful season for us," Recchia said.
Westmont
Coach: Craig Etheridge.
Last year: 17-11, 6-5, fifth in the Interstate Eight Conference; lost 50-47 to El Paso-Gridley in the Class 2A El Paso-Gridley regional semifinals.
Top players: Caden Anderson, sr., F; Ishmay Kone, sr., F; Matt O'Leary, sr., F; Alex Pietrzak, jr., G; Troy Schlicher, sr., G; Michael Thompson, sr., F; Jaden West, sr., G-F.
Scouting report: Etheridge is five wins from 300. Four three-year starters off the Sentinels' best season since 2011-12, including 1,000-point scorer Anderson, might get that done quick. "One of the best in school history," Etheridge said, four-year starter Anderson averaged 12.9 points, 6 assists and heads what should be a balanced scoring effort including 3-point shooter Schlicher, banger Thompson and assists leader O'Leary, all around 8 points a game last season. The coach believes Pietrzak is due for a breakout, and the athletic West and Kone give Westmont as strong a core group as any in the Interstate Eight. Lack of height places an emphasis on rebounding, but this is a group groomed for this season. "We've been building this for the last couple of years," Etheridge said.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Steve Thonn.
Last year: 20-7, 10-2, tied for first in the Metro Suburban Blue; lost 66-51 to St. Francis in the Class 3A St. Francis regional final.
Top players: Gerald Blackmon, sr., G; Marcus Bult, jr., G; Jack Dykema, sr., G; Justin Hocker, sr., G; Bryson Mitchell, jr., G; Sebastian Pares, sr., F; Steven Ryan, sr., F; Max Scharnowski, jr., F.
Scouting report: Switching to the Metro Suburban Red, the Warriors will vie for the title. Some experienced players - sadly not senior guard Jimmy Paganis, out with a knee injury a second straight season - bring shooting, height and length that could turn defense to offense. Bult, 6-4, is the sole returning starter, but 6-4 Pares and 6-2 Dykema were regulars. Pares averaged 5 points, 4 rebounds; Bult averaged 9.5 points and he and Dykema hit at least 40 percent from 3-point range. Keys will be handling the ball and replacing all that graduates Jayston Williams and J.D. Gunn did, which was a lot. "Though we have to replace quite a bit of scoring from last year," Thonn said, "I think these guys are in position to do that."
Wheaton North
Coach: Dave Brackmann.
Last year: 16-13, 10-6, tied for third in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost 53-37 to WW South in the Class 4A Bartlett regional semifinals.
Top players: Deng Reng, sr., F; Matthew Brend, sr., G; Jacob Schauer, sr., G; Garrett Horner, jr., F; Nathan Heyen, sr., G; Xander Mueller, jr., F; Drake Dickinson, sr., G.
Scouting report: This is a team capable of scoring a bunch of points. The key to success is how many points the defense can prevent. "We have a lot of guys who can score for us but the defense needs to catch up with the offense," Brackmann said. One capable player at both ends of the court is Reng, who last season averaged 11.5 points and 7.3 rebounds. Long and versatile, 6-foot-8 Reng has evolved his game in each of his three varsity seasons. Point guard Brend struggled with injuries much of last year, but he'll fuel the offense as a good passer and penetrator. Schauer, who made 43 3-pointers, played starter minutes while Horner and Heyen also played a bunch. Look for senior leadership from Dickinson, who's also healthy, and a jolt of post athleticism from Mueller. "We'll be relying a lot on Deng, but we also need other guys stepping up," Brackmann said.
WW South
Coach: Mike Healy.
Last year: 23-7, 13-3, second in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost 45-42 to Bartlett in the Class 4A Bartlett regional final.
Top players: Jeff Kratz, sr., G; Joe Ives, sr., G; Chase Keating sr., G; Matt Scherrman, sr., G; Owen Struebing, sr., G; Jackson Fischer, sr., F; Colin Rachford, sr., G; Jason Haw, jr., F; Ben Bastian, jr., G; Dorian Howard, sr., F; Declan Ermer, sr., F.
Scouting report: The Tigers will try to keep their momentum going despite two straight years of big graduation losses. "We don't have a lot of experience back, but we had a pretty good summer," Healy said. "We might have to be a little more creative in how we do things." Kratz, last year's sixth man, is the only player returning significant varsity time. Last year he averaged 4.7 points while making 25 3-pointers at a 50-percent rate. Ives, Rachford and Scherrman, another 3-point shooter, help balance the scoring, but the Tigers will win with another stout defensive effort. Six-foot-seven Howard, Fischer and Ermer provide that effort in the post. The competitiveness of a half dozen football players will help. "They're inexperienced right now but they're hungry," Healy said. "Once we get some experience, I like this group."
Willowbrook
Coach: Chris Perkins.
Last year: 26-6, 9-3, second in the West Suburban Gold; lost 67-40 to Benet in the Class 4A Glenbard East sectional final.
Top players: Matas Masys, sr., G; Everett Stubblefield, jr., G; Scott Tumilty, sr., G; Jack Hines, sr., G; Charlie Flak, sr., F; Levi Bentsen, sr., G; Sam Tumilty, jr., G; Deandre Holliday, jr., G; Isaac Gaines, jr., G; Brenton Jones, jr., G.
Scouting report: After notching 50 wins the last two years, the Warriors expect to add a lot more. Despite the graduation of four starters, there's plenty of reason for optimism. "I still feel like we return a good amount of talent," Perkins said. "I have confidence with this group, even with a tougher schedule." The backcourt should be phenomenal with Masys, in his fourth varsity season, Stubblefield and Scott Tumilty. Last season Masys averaged 11.8 points and hit 67 3-pointers. Stubblefield helped vault the Warriors to the sectional final while averaging 10.5 points and hitting 26 3s in 13 games. Scott Tumilty and Bentsen combined for another 31 3s, and there's more perimeter shooting on the way with Sam Tumilty and others. This team will fly down the court in transition and pressure every inch of it.
York
Coach: Vince Doran.
Last year: 17-12, 7-5, tied for second in the West Suburban Silver; lost 52-49 to Riverside-Brookfield in the Class 4A Curie regional semifinals.
Top players: Nick Kosich, sr., G; John Milling, sr., G; Erik Cohn, sr., G; Sam Walsh, sr., F; Nate Shockey, jr., G; Mike Pedote, sr., G; Jeff Grace, so., G; Hassan Iqbal, sr., G.
Scouting report: With nearly 90 percent of last season's scoring back, this should be another very good Dukes team. Kosich, Cohn and Walsh are entering their 10th combined varsity campaign. "We've got five or six guys who could lead us in scoring this season," Doran said. "They understand that for us to be successful they have to play unselfishly." Kosich was last year's leading scorer with 12.3 points a game while making 69 3-pointers. Cohn and Shockey combined for another 18 points and 74 3-pointers. Six-foot-five Walsh brings a back-to-the-basket presence after averaging 6.4 points and 4 rebounds. Grace and Iqbal had their moments last season and should be bigger contributors. After struggling with injury issues last year, staying healthy is key. Pedote was out all last year due to injury, but he's poised to make an impact.
- Dave Oberhelman and Kevin Schmit