Boys basketball: Scouting Fox area

Aurora Central Catholic

Coach: Josh Izzo, 1st season.

Last season's record: 11-20 overall, 4-9 in the Metro Suburban Conference.

Top returners: Ethan Lewis, sr., C; Grayson Mayerhofer, sr., F; Bernard Fellow, jr., G.

Key newcomers: Jake Hager, jr., F; Nick Czerak, fresh., G.

Worth noting: Josh Izzo takes over at the helm for the Chargers, who made a 6-game improvement last season but still finished below .500 at 11-20 overall. Izzo, who has been coaching at the high school level for 14 years, was most recently the lead varsity assistant coach the past 3 seasons at Benet Academy. In addition to having a new coach, the Chargers have a new conference - the Chicago Catholic League. "Expectations are to compete in the CCL White and push for the conference title," said Izzo. "Joining a new conference that is built on tradition with great programs, it's going to be a powerhouse conference schedule, but it's great for our kids to prepare for the 2A state tournament. We have some size and athleticism. Izzo expects Czerak to be an impactful freshman, along with juniors Fellows and Hager. Czerak's older brothers, Brett, and Kyle, were standout basketball players at ACC. Mayerhofer was injured the majority of last season and will have an immediate impact on the floor. The Chargers open their season against Addison Trail at the Elmwood Park Thanksgiving Tournament on Nov. 20. "We're excited to compete against some of the state's best," said Izzo.

Aurora Christian

Coach: Dan Beebe, 8th season.

Last season's record: 22-13 overall, 5-7 in the Metro Suburban Conference Blue.

Top returners: Cam Morel, sr., F; Marshawn Cocroft, soph., G; Jacob Baumann, soph., G; Jalen Carter, soph., F; Wil McCracken, sr., G.

Key newcomers: Asa Johnson, soph., C; Zach Zappia, soph., F; Landon Schuster, jr., F.

Worth noting: A year ago, the Eagles captured their first regional championship since 2019 with a 53-51 victory over top-seeded Rockford Christian. While their season ended in a 65-58 Class 2A sectional championship loss to Rockford Lutheran, the Eagles gained valuable experience. Morel, a 6-4 senior, will become Aurora Christian's career 3-point leader at some point this season. "Cam has several offers from colleges," said Beebe, who has guided the Eagles to 7 straight winning seasons, including five 20-win campaigns. Cocroft (6-0), Baumann (6-0), and Carter (6-2) form a potent sophomore trio, with Carter fresh off a successful football season as the Eagles' starting quarterback. "We will be a very young team but with varsity experience," said Beebe. "Two freshmen started for us (last season), and another came off the bench." The Eagles begin their season against Horizon Science Academy on Nov. 20 at the Westminster Christian Thanksgiving Tournament in Elgin. Aurora Christian moves to the newly formed Chicagoland Christian Conference this season. "The conference should be an extremely challenging one with the additions of Chicago Hope Academy, Christ the King, and Marian Central Catholic, among others," said Beebe. Next month, the Eagles will return to Bloomington for the State Farm Classic.

Bartlett

Coach: Jim Wolfsmith, 16th season.

Last season's record: 19-13 overall, 12-6 in the Upstate Eight Conference.

Top returners: Nate Scearce, sr., G; Dimitre Petrasiunas, jr., C; Colin Taylor, jr., G; Keegan Taylor, jr., F.

Key newcomers: Brendan Campbell, sr., F; Robbie Stankus, sr., F; John Bowler, jr., G; Deedum Lege, jr., F; Joey Cwik, fresh., G; Brandon Pelz, soph., G; Gio Scivittaro, soph., G; Mikey Kampa, soph., G; Danny Jasso, soph., G.

Worth noting: The Hawks suffered a loss with the transfer of All-Area guard Kelton McEwen to St. Francis. "We had a lot of key losses this year, but we really like how our team has prepared for the season this fall after a solid summer," said Wolfsmith, who received word of McEwen's transfer plans toward the end of June. Scearce's return should help, after the 6-4 guard averaged 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 ½ assists last season. "Nate is our senior leader and has really grown his game," said Wolfsmith. "He can shoot from 25 feet out as well as play inside. He's on the radar for several D2 teams and most area D3 schools." At 6-6, Petrasiunas has tremendous upside. "He is a smooth post with great passing skills," said the coach. The 6-3 Taylor twins are inside-outside players who should contribute. Campbell heads the list of newcomers. A D2 baseball commit to Minnesota-Duluth, the 6-5 Campbell returns to the court after focusing on baseball a year ago. Stankus, a 6-3 forward, is another baseball player (Loras commit) who decided to return to basketball for his senior campaign. "We are big this year and will play to that strength, but all our size can move so we will continue to try and be aggressive, moving the ball for quick shots and using our size in the half-court game," said the coach. "The biggest question is that we only have one returner with extensive experience in Nate (Scearce). I love the return of the baseball guys, who would have been in the rotation last year had they played. They have worked hard to regain their skills." The Hawks open their season against Wheaton Academy at the Warriors' Thanksgiving Tournament on Nov. 20.

Batavia

Coach: Jim Nazos

Last season: 16-14

Top returners: Nate Nazos, sr., G, 6-0; Jacob Aseltine, sr., G, 6-1; CJ Valente, sr., F, 6-6

Key newcomers: Josh Kahley, jr., G, 6-0

Worth noting: The Bulldogs have a really strong nucleus back for another season. Nate Nazos, an all-DuKane Conference selection last season, is back after averaging 9.1 points per game and 4.6 assists per game. The guard position has a lot of shooting and depth. Jacob Aseltine (7 points, 4 rebounds per game) is another key scoring option. CJ Valente (7.3 points, 4 rebounds) is a strong force inside. Jax Abalos, one of the rising juniors in the area for the class of 2025, is poised for a breakout season. Add in the bevy of players who will filter in from the football season, Batavia should be a tough matchup every night.

Burlington Central

Coach: Brett Porto (15th season)

Last year's record: 29-6, 16-2 FVC (champion)

Top returning players: Jake Johnson, jr. (F, 6-5); Caden West, jr. (G, 5-10); Myles Lowe, sr. (F, 6-7); Patrick Shell, jr. (F, 6-4); Lucas Lemon, sr. (G, 5-9); Aidan Wilson, sr. (F, 6-10); LJ Kerr, jr. (G, 5-10); Jordan Moore, jr. (G, 6-1); Logan Goff, jr. (F, 6-4)

Top new players: Patrick Magan, so. (F, 6-4); Benneck Braden, fr. (G, 6-2); Jake Boer, so. (G, 6-0); Jack Person, so. (F, 6-3); Stefan Meseldzida, so. (F, 6-2); Cash Cumpata, fr. (G, 5-10); Ryan Carpenter, fr. (G, 5-10)

Worth noting: The Rockets are 45-8 since joining the FVC in the 2019-20 school year and are three-time defending league champions. They are 43-2 over the last three seasons. ... Drew Scharnowski, a 6-9 forward, graduated and is playing at NCAA Division I Belmont. F Nic Gouriotis and Gs Matthew Lemon and Nolan Milas are the other notable graduation losses. ... Johnson hit 57 3s to lead Central and is one of the area's best shooters, hitting 87.5% of his free throws. West is the other returning starter, while Shell and Lowe had some time off the bench. ... Porto is 296-117 at Central, his alma mater, an average of 21 wins a season (and the COVID-19 season of 2021 was half a season).

Cary-Grove

Coach: Adam McCloud (eighth season)

Last year's record: 10-22, 7-11 FVC (eighth place)

Top returning players: Jake Hornok, sr. (G, 6-2); PJ Weaver, sr. (F, 6-2); Spike Boyd, jr. (G, 5-8)

Top new players: Ryan Elbert, sr. (F, 6-3); Justice German, jr. (G, 6-0); Jack Rocen, sr. (F, 6-1); AJ Berndt, so. (G, 6-0); Adam Bauer, so. (F, 6-5)

Worth noting: McCloud feels like the Trojans have good depth and a lot of players will see time. ... Hornok hit 58 3s (shooting 41%) and averaged 12.5 points a game for C-G. ... Weaver and Boyd also bring experience back for the Trojans and each hit 39% on 3s. ... C-G lost 6-6 Zach Bauer to graduation and 6-7 Reece Ihenacho, who is concentrating on track and field. Sophomore Adam Bauer will give C-G some height inside with his brother gone.

Crystal Lake South

Coach: Matt LePage (12th season)

Last year's record: 25-9, 13-5 FVC (second place)

Top returning players: AJ Demirov, jr. (G, 6-0); Christian Rohde, sr. (F, 6-8); James Carlson, sr. (G, 6-6); CJ Regilio, sr. (F, 6-7)

Top new players: Colton Hess, sr. (F, 6-5); Tony Santarelli, jr. (G, 6-5); Michael Prokos, sr. (G, 6-1); Carson Trivellini, fr. (G, 6-1); Cooper Buelna jr. (F, 6-4)

Worth noting: The Gators won a Class 3A regional title, their first regional since 2002. Four starters, including four-year starter Cooper LePage (the coach's son) graduated from that team, but the Gators have one of the FVC's best players in Demirov and plenty of height. ... Carlson, Regilio and Rohde all got minutes last season for a team that was second in the FVC. ... Demirov is lightning-quick and averaged 15.4 points a game while hitting 46 3s. It is his team to run now in his third varsity season.

Dundee-Crown

Coach: Lance Huber (21st season)

Last year's record: 15-15, 8-10 FVC (tied for sixth place)

Top returning players: Zach Randl, sr. (G, 5-10); Kali Freeman, sr. (G, 6-1); Jude Arsenault, sr. (F, 6-3); Jared Russell, jr. (G, 5-11); Terrion Spencer, jr. (G, 5-10)

Top new players: Zion Jackson, jr. (G, 5-10); Hayden DeMarsh, jr. (F, 6-1); Andre Simpson, jr. (G, 5-7)

Worth noting: The graduation losses of 6-8 Kuba Senczyszyn (9.9 ppg., 7.7 rpg.) and 6-6 Tyler DiSilvio (9.7 ppg.) will hurt the Chargers most, as they were the top two scorers and rebounders. ... Randl and Freeman are returning starters and played a lot as sophomores too. ... Russell led the area in free-throw percentage (88.9%). He and Spencer also played key roles off the bench for the Chargers. ... "Jude Arsenault will give us a little size, but we will need to play big as a team to make up for our loss of size," Huber said. "I am confident the guys we have will play hard, smart and together and leave it all on the floor."

Elgin

Coach: Brett Johnson, 2nd season at Elgin (8th overall).

Last season's record: 11-21 overall, 3-15 in the Upstate Eight Conference.

Top returners: Maddox Hollian, sr., G; Angel Nunez, sr., F; Victor Reynoso, sr., G.

Key newcomers: Justin Mendez, jr., F; Gerardo Depaz, jr., F; Nick Avina, jr., F; Ryan Varghese, soph., G.

Worth noting: In his first season as head coach at Elgin after several successful years at South Elgin, the Maroons won more games than the previous 3 years combined. It was Elgin's best overall season since 2016-2017. That said, there is more work to be done as Johnson continues trying to put Elgin basketball back on the map. "The goal is to improve our team play and record," said Johnson. "As the players continue to work hard, we can hope to finish above .500 for the first time in 7 years. Finishing in the middle of the pack in conference will be a challenge but it can be done." Johnson expects a lot out of Hollian. "Maddox is a player to watch," said the coach. "He is quick, strong and can score in bunches. He is the leader of this team, and it shows on and off the court. He is only a few points short of 1,000 for his varsity career." Elgin begins its season against Westminster Christian at Westminster's Thanksgiving Tournament on Nov. 20. "Every conference game is going to be a tough one," said Johnson. "Each team will come to compete every night, and the title will come down to the last play in February."

Elgin Academy

Coach: Cory Wilks.

Last season's record: 13-18 overall, 2-10 in the Independent School League.

Top returners: Chris Tacher, jr., G; Tayten Wilder, sr., G/F; Ryan Zonts, sr., F.

Key newcomers: Danny Shackleton, jr., F; AJ Murrillo, soph., G; Brayden Collins-Langfield, jr., G; Jack Guyett, soph., F/C.

Worth noting: Last month, Elgin Academy announced it will be closing at the end of the 2023-2024 school year after 185 years. The Hilltoppers welcome back their leading scorer from a year ago, junior guard Chris Tacher, who earned Daily Herald Fox All-Area honors after averaging 18.9 points per game. Elgin Academy opens its season against Rochelle Zell on Nov. 20 before participating in the Westminster Christian Thanksgiving Tournament.

Geneva

Coach: Scott Hennig

Last season: 25-10

Top returners: Tommy Diamond, sr., F, 6-3; Jack Hatton, jr., G, 6-1; Hudson Kirby, jr., F, 6-5

Key newcomers: Luke Matan, sr., F, 6-5; Gabe Jensen, so., G, 5-10; Drew Conley, jr., F, 6-8

About the Vikings: The Vikings graduated four starters from last year's sectional final team, but do bring back three in Diamond, Hatton and Kirby who played significant minutes last season to lead the way. Diamond, a three-year starter and top-end rebounder, pairs very well with Hatton and Kirby in an athletic trio. How the point guard position is stabilized will be key after the graduation of Mick Lawrence. The Vikings showcase a lot of size and shooting and will see how the rotation fills out off the bench.

Hampshire

Coach: Mike Featherly (fifth season)

Last season's record: 17-17, 10-8 FVC (tied for fourth place)

Top returning players: Nick Louis, sr. (G); Daniel Luckett, sr. (G); Ryan Regalado, sr. (G); Adrian Ugochukwu, sr. (F); Luke Lacke, sr. (F); Elijah Dollete, sr. (G)

Top new players: Chayse Gray, jr. (G); Jaden Nelson, jr. (G); Ryan Prowicz, jr. (G)

Worth noting: The Whip-Purs will rely heavily on Louis, Luckett and Regalado, all third-year varsity players, as there will be a lot of new players stepping into integral roles. ... "Practices have been competitive with great energy," Featherly said. "This should be a competitive year in the Fox Valley Conference and we are hoping to be in the mix."

Huntley

Coach: Collin Kalamatas (first season)

Last year's record: 22-11, 12-6 FVC (third place)

Top returning players: Ethan Blackmore, sr. (G, 6-0); Lucas Crosby, sr. (G, 6-2); Omare Segarra, sr. (G, 6-1); Carter Schaap, sr. (F, 6-4); Ryan Sweeney, sr. (F, 6-2); Bryce Walker, sr. (G, 5-9)

Top new players: Sheldon Aninagyei-Bonsu, jr. (F, 6-2); Jeff Cruickshank, sr. (G, 6-0); Logan Darragh, jr. (C, 6-6); Will Dillon, jr. (F, 6-3); Christian Wilson, jr. (G, 6-2)

Worth noting: The Red Raiders won a Class 4A regional title last season and have gone 104-43 over the last five seasons, 49-17 over the last two. ... The Red Raiders graduated forwards Ian Ravagnie (12.8 ppg., 65 3s) and Noah Only (9.4, 65 3s), their two leading scorers. ... Crosby, Blackmore and Segarra all started last season, and Walker likely would have started, but was recovering from a broken leg. ... The Raiders may look similar to last season when they often had different players lead them in scoring each night. Crosby (9.1, 43 3s) is their returning scoring leader. ... Kalamatas takes over for Will Benson, who left Huntley after nine seasons to take the Stevenson job. Kalamatas, a 2005 Huntley graduate, coached Burlington Central's girls for the last four seasons. ... "The great part about this group is that we don't rely on one person to do all of our scoring," Kalamatas said. "We share the ball, spread out the scoring and really work hard to find the open man offensively."

Jacobs

Coach: Jimmy Roberts (11th season)

Last year's record: 16-16, 10-8 FVC (tied for fourth place)

Top returning players: Ben Jurzak, jr. (G, 5-11); Treval Howard, sr. (G, 6-3); Emaan Thomas, jr. (G, 5-9); Max Fessler, sr. (G, 6-3); Mark Takasaki, sr. (F, 6-2); Nolan Roper, jr. (G, 6-2); Jake Bouchard, sr. (F, 6-4)

Top new players: Andrii Tymoshcuk, jr. (F, 6-5); Jordan O'Connor, jr. (G, 6-3); Cam Arthur, jr. (F, 6-4)

Worth noting: The Golden Eagles lost two of the best shooters coach Jimmy Roberts has had in his time at the school in graduated Brett Schlicker and Jackson Martucci. Schlicker hit 101 3s (11.7), Martucci hit 57 (10.7, missed nine games). They rarely missed from the free-throw line. ... But most of their other top players return, led by Jurzak (10.1, 54 3s) and Howard. Emaan Thomas and Nolan Roper were on varsity as sophomores. ... "We have experienced guards returning," Roberts said. "Max Fessler will be a big contributor this year as a senior. We do have some size, we will need to replace the leadership void."

Kaneland

Coach: Ernie Colombe (fifth season)

Last season: 26-6, 14-0 Interstate 8 (first), lost in regional final

Top returning players: Troyer Carlson, sr., G; Parker Violett, sr., F; Freddy Hassan, jr., F. Evan Frieders, so., G; Brad Franck, sr., G; Luke Reinert, jr., G

Top newcomers: Brayden Seaton, jr., G; Isaiah Gipson, so., G; Jake Buckley, so., C; Jeffrey Hassan, fr., F

Worth noting: It's hard to say a 17-year-old is a "savvy vet," but if there is one, it's Troyer Carlson. Carlson is leading a team that was perfect in conference play last season but lost to a tough Marmion squad in the Class 3A regional title game. Colombe said this is a team with a more-than-competent second unit with new stars ready to step up. "This is a great group of young men," Colombe said. "They work extremely hard and are unselfish. This team is also very deep. Carlson and Parker Violett have started since their sophomore seasons and will be relied on again this year. Freddy Hassan and Evan Frieders look like they are ready for breakout seasons."

Larkin

Coach: Deryn Carter, 15th season.

Last season's record: 14-17 overall, 11-7 in the Upstate Eight Conference.

Top returners: Logan Leaver, sr., G; Jack Casebeer, sr., F; Tre Reed, sr., G; Peyton Wemken, sr., F; Leandre Williams, sr., G; AJ Jones, jr., G; Josh Hibbert, jr., G.

Key newcomers: Deangelo Mister, sr., G; Tyler Burker, jr., G; Landon Kilberts, jr., F; Cobaia Burke, soph., F; Jahvi Sowers, soph., G.

Worth noting: The Royals lost last year's leading scorer, Jakob "Cheese" Blakley, as the senior guard transferred to Chicago Payton Prep. "We are a young team who will be much better in January than we are to start the season," said Carter, who guided the Royals to an Elite Eight berth two years ago. "I believe there are a few teams in the conference that would be considered as favorites. I do not see us as one of them right now. But by the end of the season, I believe we will be a difficult team to play. It will be a challenge early with so many new faces, but the kids are hungry, and we are working hard." Larkin opens its season against Rockford Jefferson at the Rockford Auburn Thanksgiving Tournament on Nov. 20.

Marmion

Coach: Joe Piekarz

Last season: 23-12 overall, 5-8 in the Chicago Catholic League.

Top returners: Evan Stumm, sr., G; Logan Hubble, sr., C; Matthew Stewart, sr., G; Christian Stewart, sr., G; James Kennedy, sr., G; Jack Regan, sr., G.

Key newcomers: Caden Anderson, jr., G; Matthew Murray, jr., G; Braden Harms, soph., F.

Worth noting: A year ago, Marmion enjoyed one of its best seasons in school history, capturing its first sectional championship since 1976 with a 71-58 victory over Burlington Central on the Rockets' home court. However, all 5 starters, including Jabe Haith, Trevon Roots, and Collin Wainscott, graduated from the team that won 23 games before losing to Metamora, 60-48, in the 3A supersectional. "The sixth man from that team, Evan Stumm, returns and will lead the team this year," said Piekarz. "The rest of the roster has some talent just not a lot of varsity experience." Despite all the Cadets' success last season, they finished 5-8 in the rugged CCL. "The always tough Chicago Catholic League should prepare us," added Piekarz. Marmion opens its season against Streamwood in the Ken Peddy Windmill Classic at Batavia on Nov. 20.

South Elgin

Coach: Philip Church, 2nd season.

Last season's record: 19-13 overall, 16-2 in the Upstate Eight Conference - 1st place.

Top returners: Luis Vergara, sr., G; Shay Shukti, sr., G; Caden Scholl, jr., F; Ethan Zagore, sr., G; Derek Clark, sr., F.

Key newcomers: Troy Linsenmeyer, jr., G; Ishmael George, jr., F; KJ Brooks, jr., G; Frank Clemente, jr., G/F; Drew Harms, jr., F; Ryan Mirante, jr., F; Ryan Brown, soph., G/F.

Worth noting: A year ago, Church guided the Storm to the Upstate Eight Conference championship in his first season as head coach. While the Storm lost several players to graduation, Church remains optimistic about his team's chances. "We graduated a lot of scoring and minutes but I'm excited about the depth this team offers," said Church. "We have a couple football guys (George, Brooks) getting their legs back, and a couple transfer athletes (Brown, Linsenmeyer) who had a nice fall league. I've got some great senior leaders in Miller Meincke and Luis Vergara, who were big parts of that scout team last year. I think Fenton and Glenbard East are going to be at the top of the mountain this year, but I like our depth and our chances pushing for a top spot in our conference. We've also got some unknowns with the addition of new coaches at WeGo and Glenbard South. East Aurora is a team people should be keeping an eye on. They bring back some athletes and could make for some tough nights with their pressure. Bartlett and Larkin both lost a top scorer, but they are so well-coached that I wouldn't be surprised to see one or both in the mix for another conference title." South Elgin begins its season against Geneva at the Vikings' inaugural Bob Schick Thanksgiving Tournament on Nov. 20.

St. Charles East

Coach: Rob Klemm

Last season: 18-17

Top returners: Brad Monkemeyer, jr., F, 6-3; Jacob Vrankovich, sr., F, 6-2; Andrew Wolfsmith, jr., F, 6-4

Key newcomers: Cooper Jensen, so., G, 6-3

Worth noting: The Saints made late season surge to the sectional final appearance. They did graduate a bulk of scoring and contributors from that team, but Monkemeyer and Vrankovich headline the rest of a largely inexperienced varsity group. Monekemeyer and Vrankovich are athletic forwards who can push the pace of an offense.

St. Charles North

Coach: Tom Poulin

Last season: 6-24

Top returners: Danny Connolly, sr., G, 6-3; Parker Reinke, sr., F, 6-5; Jake Furtney, sr., F, 6-5; Luke Holtz, sr., F, 6-5

Key newcomers: Augie Hoffman, jr., G, 6-2; Colin Hopp, jr., F, 6-3; Cam Vine, jr., G, 6-5; Jake Love, so, G, 6-1

Worth noting: St. Charles North is very interested in moving forward from last year's tough season and re-establishing their culture. SCN has four seniors back in the starting lineup and features a lot of size and athleticism. Furtney is a physical presence inside, while Reinke and Holtz offer plenty of shooting to complement it. Connolly is an athletic guard and the North Stars will be looking for continuous improvement.

St. Edward

Coach: Andy Zielinski, 6th season.

Last season's record: 21-12 overall, 8-2 in the Metro Suburban Conference.

Top returners: Kaden Dawson, sr., F; Matthew Morrice, jr., G; Josh Pottorff, sr., F; Josh Fowle, sr., F; Zach Sauceda, soph., G.

Key newcomers: Cooper Pisarski, jr., G; Anthony Freeman, jr., G; Aidan Coleman, jr., G; Aiden Lyles, fresh., F; Owen Searcy, fresh., F; Ben Pfieffer, fresh., G.

Worth noting: Coming off back-to-back 20-plus win seasons, the Green Wave return talented varsity veterans Dawson and Morrice. Dawson, a 6-7 forward, averaged 11 points per game a year ago, while the 6-3 Morrice scored 13 points per game. "We have two all-conference players back (Dawson and Morrice) who both averaged double digits last year and have good size," said Zielinski. "Chemistry, who will handle the ball, and how our young players develop will be the key. We didn't get a chance to play much together in the summer, so our early tournaments will be a time to see where we are at as a team." St. Edward moves to the Chicagoland Christian Conference this season. "I think the new conference will be one of the best small school conferences in the state this year," said the coach. "There are no easy games on the schedule." St. Edward begins its season against Elgin Academy in the Westminster Christian Thanksgiving Tournament on Nov. 21.

Streamwood

Coach: Quentin Ruff, 2nd season.

Last season's record: 1-32 overall, 0-18 in the Upstate Eight Conference.

Top returners: James Donato, sr., C; Francis Sagadraca, sr., G; Tre'Sean Bush, sr., G; Sincir Hunter, sr., G; Joseph Calderon, jr., G/F.

Key newcomers: Kaiden Conner, jr., C; Payton Clements, jr., F; Aden Strong, jr., F; Byron Walton, fresh., G.

Worth noting: The Sabres hope to improve behind a senior-dominated group, led by Donato and Sagadraca. Streamwood opens its season against Marmion, Waubonsie Valley, and Batavia on Nov. 20-22 in the Ken Peddy Windmill City Classic at Batavia.

West Aurora

Coach: Michael Fowler, 1st season.

Last season's record: 18-15 overall, 9-7 in the Southwest Prairie Conference West.

Top returners: Terrence Smith, jr., G/F; CJ Savage, sr., G; Jordan Brooks, sr., G; Billy Samp, sr., F.

Key newcomers: Gabe Gonzales, jr., F; Jaden Edwards, jr., G; Kewon Marshall, jr., G/F.

Worth noting: The Blackhawks have a new coach in Michael Fowler and a familiar face in returning Daily Herald All-Area 6-4 junior wing Terrence Smith. Samp, a 6-6 forward, and guards Savage (5-9) and Brooks (6-1) bring additional starting experience. "We have 10 returners - 9 seniors - from last year's squad," said Fowler. "The experience is there. Offensively, we will rely on Savage, Brooks, and T. Smith, but to reach our potential, this group will need to buy in defensively and make it our top priority. Watch seniors Michael Evans, Jayvyn Marion, and Evan Hackney, making an impact as well." Fowler has confidence in his team, as it attempts to knock 2-time defending Southwest Prairie West champion Oswego East (32-game conference winning streak). "This group will compete for a conference title in the tough Southwest Prairie," said the coach. The Blackhawks begin their season against Oswego East on Nov. 20 in the Hoops 4 Healing Tournament at Naperville North. Oswego East handed West Aurora 4 losses last season. The Blackhawks, who will compete in next month's Pontiac Holiday Tournament, has a loaded nonconference slate against Brother Rice, New Trier, East Aurora, Waubonsie Valley, Naperville Central, and Wheaton North.

Westminster Christian

Coach: Ryan Geu, 2nd season.

Last season's record: 6-23 overall, 1-5 in the Northeastern Athletic Conference.

Top returners: Adam Haak, sr., G; Joram Versaw, sr., G; Jack Versluys, soph., F/C; Peyton Faidley, soph., G/F; Michael Harynek, sr., G.

Key newcomers: Jake Arnold, soph., G; Ben Dunkin, sr., F/C; Stephen Boldt, sr., G; Jeremiah Seward, soph., G; Ethan Holstrom, sr., F.

Worth noting: The Warriors lost last year's leading scorer, Nathanael Ephrem, to graduation, but return several players, led by Haak, Versluys, and Faidley. "We expect to be better than we were last season despite losing our leading scorer," said Geu. Westminster Christian opens its season against Elgin in its own Thanksgiving Tournament.