Boys basketball: Scouting Lake County

Antioch

Coach: Sean Connor (third season)

Last season's record: 17-14, 9-5 NLCC (second place)

Top returning players: Carter Webb, sr., 6-3, G; Colby Priller, sr., 6-5, Wing; Marshall Gehrke, jr., 6-3, G; Teddi Wetu, jr., 6-3, G; Joel Bulka, sr., 6-3, G; Dean Brewer, sr., 6-1, G

Key newcomers: Connor Devine, jr., 6-0, G; Jack Majerowski, jr., 6-6, F; Caleb Drews, jr., 6-9, C

Worth noting: The Sequoits return 4 starters, including returning All-Area player Webb, as well as former All-Area player and BMX rider Gehrke, who was limited to 12 ballgames last season due to injury. Antioch's starting five already has 11 combined years of varsity experience. The junior crew went 11-3 in NLCC action as sophomores. Last year's plus-3 delta in the W-L column was Antioch's most wins since 1997 and only its second winning record since 1999. "We have high expectations," said Connor, who noted he has assembled a strong nonconference schedule for his crew.

Carmel

Coach: Dmitry Pirshin (second season)

Last season's record: 2-14 East Suburban Catholic (last)

Top returning players: Bryce Smith, sr.; Kaleb Jackson, sr.; Jacob Chajet, sr.; Noah Lamora, sr.; Ethan Matz, soph.; Ethan Henderson, jr.

Key newcomers: Fabian Rudd, sr., 6-5

Worth noting: The Corsairs have 9 seniors on the roster, including Jackson an all-conference selection. Rudd moved back from Virginia and Pirshin refers to him as a "mature and freak athlete." Pirshin said Carmel's strengths with be its speed, size and defense. "We are versatile and have more creative playmakers this year," he said. Defensively, versatility and size will help the Corsairs, Pirshin noted. Jackson, Smith and Matz, Pirshin noted, are a few folks to keep an eye on. "Kaleb should have a great year if he figures out the balance between running the team and scoring," he said. "Bryce got better since summer and should have a big impact. Ethan came back stronger and bigger after summer and fall. Confidence is going to be a key." Pirshin expects his group to be a factor in the conference. "I know we are going to compete with everyone," he said. "I think we are somewhere in the middle and hopefully by the second round we are going to get better. Benet, I would say, is a leader by far, and everyone else is a dogfight."

Grant

Coach: Wayne Bosworth

Last season's record: 7-21, 4-10 NLCC (sixth)

Top returning players: Braylon Gray, 6-1, G; Will Schubert, 6-3, F; Landon Enters, 5-10, G; Pryde Mendoza, 5-9, G; Ayden Sheppard

Key newcomers: Josh Cox, 6-2, F; Anthony Koza, 6-0, G; Damarrion Smith, 5-10, G; Cam Houghton, 6-1, F

Worth noting: Four starters are back for the Bulldogs. Gray averaged 10 points, while Mendoza averaged 10 points and 4 rebounds. Sheppard averaged 9 points and Schubert was at 5 points and 4 rebounds last year. Enters averaged 6 points. Gray is a returning all-NLCC selection and a Daily Herald All-Area honorable mention selection. "This is a group that has a lot of athletes who can play fast and get up and guard," Bosworth said. "We return a lot of experience from last year and still have a lot of young players ready to contribute right away." Bosworth likes the offensive depth he has. "Everyone on the team this year can contribute," he said. "It doesn't matter if they start or come off the bench, everyone has the ability to knock down shots and contribute to the teams' success." Quickness and overall athleticism will come in handy on defense, Bosworth added. "This is a fast, athletic team that can cover a lot of ground and get down and guard," he said. Gray, Enters and Schubert are a trio to keep an eye on, the coach noted. "These guys return from last year's team and understand what it takes to win," Bosworth said. In the NLCC, Bosworth expects a competitive slate with Antioch and Wauconda as the presumed favorites, "but the majority of teams in this conference will be very competitive and compete with anyone in the conference," he said. "Anyone could beat anyone any night out."

Grayslake Central

Coach: Brian Centella (fifth season)

Last season's record: 29-6, 12-2 NLCC (tie first), sectional champions

Top returning players: Jayden Hall, sr., 5-10, PG; Cayden Woods, sr., 6-1, G; Jadon Dumas, sr., 6-4, F

Key newcomers: Xavi Granville, jr., 6-3, G; Eric Brum, jr., 6-0, G; Chris Jaimes, jr., 6-6, F; Aayan Siddiqui, jr., 6-2, G

Worth noting: The defending Northern Lake County co-champions return no starters from last year's sectional title team, but Centella is jacked up about the roster he has this season. Hall was the team's sixth man a year ago and "played a huge role on last year's team," Centella noted. "He will step into a leadership role and we're looking to have an All-Area-type season from Jayden. He's just a flat-out winner. He makes everyone around him better." Woods played valuable minutes as a junior and brings a high basketball IQ and good shooting skills to the table. Dumas is a strong, physical player and a gifted passer. Centella predicts Granville will make an immediate impact. "Xavi is a versatile scorer and an elite defender," he said. "I believe he is one of the top players in Lake County. He can do it all. He's an absolute stat-sheet stuffer and can score in bunches." Brum is a crafty point guard who see the floor well, while Jaimes will patrol the paint with strong rebounding and shot-blocking ability, Centella noted. Siddiqui brings a versatile offensive game to the table. "We will have a great mix of hungry seniors and a very talented junior class," the coach said. "We have solid depth and that will play a huge role in navigating a grueling season. It will be about gaining experience early and finding our roles. We have a lot of potential with this group." Centella said the NLCC looks to be extremely tough. "A lot of great players return," he said. "Wauconda brings back everyone and will be tough to deal with. Antioch and Grant also bring back a ton. North has a very talented group of juniors and Lakes is always well-coached and tough to play against. We hope to be right in the mix when it is all said and done."

Grayslake North

Coach: Josh Feinzimer (third season)

Last year's record: 15-16, 8-6 NLCC (fourth)

Top returning players: Jayden Hunt, jr., 6-0, PG; Uros Mitrovic, soph., 6-3, F; Tyler Morgan, jr., 6-5, C

Worth noting: Hunt finished last season with a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, while Mitrovic shot 38 percent from 3. Morgan, Feinzimer noted, got inconsistent minutes last year, "but will be a major factor in our success this season," he said. Hunt and Mitrovic both started last season. "Jayden, Uros and Tyler each made tremendous strides in the offseason," Feinzimer said. "They are looking to take major steps this year." The Knights also will be bolstered by its junior class. "We have a group of juniors who will get better as the season progresses," Feinzimer said. "Hopefully, we will be able to lock teams down defensively and play good, unselfish team basketball offensively. I like the fact there is a selflessness in our supporting players. They are content in helping in any way they can." Feinzimer likes the team's intensity and energy on the defensive end. "These guys seem committed to locking down the opposition and we'll have to in order to be successful. I also like having Uros and Tyler clogging the middle and being real rim protectors. We haven't had much of that in the past." Antioch and Wauconda, Feinzimer said, are early front-runners in the Northern Lake County Conference. "We hope to compete and finish in the middle of the conference again," he said.

Lakes

Coach: Chris Snyder (14th season)

Last season's record: 21-7, 12-2 NLCC (co-champions)

Top returning players: Jimmy Kania, 6-4, G-F; JJ Jackson, 5-9, PG; Thomas Mercure, 6-1, G

Key newcomers: Lamar Pierce, 6-2, F; Jason Klimas, 6-6, F; Drew Bowen, 5-11, G; Derek Lucier, 5-10, G

Worth noting: Kania averaged 9 points and 4 rebounds a game and earned all-NLCC and Daily Herald All-Area honors. Jackson was in a reserve role a year ago, but saw solid minutes, as did Mercure. "Jimmy is taking on a much larger role this year," Snyder said. "Thomas missed a lot last year due to injury, but will be a huge part of what we do this year. JJ is ready to have an increased role and will be our point guard. He's a smart player and a quick defender." Kania is the team's only returning starter. "This group works hard and works well together," Snyder said. "We will be a team that sees great growth throughout the season and relies on each other to succeed on the court." Scoring, Snyder said, will come from a variety of sources. "We have some players with strong scoring ability and won't have to rely on one guy to score," he explained. "We have good depth and skilled offensive players." Team defense will be a strength as well. "We trust each other on defense and will do a nice job of defending as a team," Snyder said. "We have some defensive quickness we can use to help us defend the outstanding teams we will go against." Snyder said Wauconda, Grant and Antioch are the early favorites in the NLCC. "I think we will be competitive in the conference," he said.

Lake Zurich

Coach: Terry Coughlin (sixth season)

Last season's record: 15-14, 6-8 North Suburban

Top returning players: Anton Strelnikov, jr., 6-8; Nick Popovic, sr., 6-3; Ryan Carroll, sr., 6-1, G

Key newcomers: Kain Kretschmar, soph., 6-3, G; Evan Peterson, soph., 5-9, G; Connor Strauss, jr., 6-4; Adrian Riep, soph., 6-3

Worth noting: Strelnikov averaged 14 points and 6 rebounds as a sophomore last season on his way to all-North Suburban and Daily Herald All-Area honors. "Our inside game with Anton will be key to our success," said Coughlin, who has 3 starters back. "This is the longest and most athletic team I've had as the head coach at Lake Zurich, so I am hoping that our rebounding should be very good." Popovic averaged 10 points and 3 assists and also was an all-area pick. Carroll averaged 7 points a contest. "We have some experienced guards and we are unique in that we have a guy we can throw the ball to in order to get paint touches without having to blow by a defender," Coughlin explained. The coach added the staff is trying to instill an overall defensive mindset and culture. "We are a work in progress at this point in the year defensively, but I believe we have the capability to be very good defensively if we believe in that end of the floor as vital to our success." Coughlin said Strelnikov, Popovic and Carroll, the team's three returning starters, "should help provide us a lift early in the year," he said. "That's the most returning starters I have had as a head coach. It will be nice to put a lineup on the floor that won't be seeing varsity-level competition for the first time." Jon Fleaka and Keyon Haynes also are back after seeing significant minutes off the bench last year. Strauss, Coughlin noted, made an impact in the final 5 games of the season last year.

Libertyville

Coach: Brian Zyrkowski

Last season's record: 29-6, 13-1 North Suburban champions

Top returning players: Liam Hanson, jr., 6-2, G; Ben Van Lyssel, sr., 6-5, F

Key newcomers: Bryce Wegrzyn, soph., 6-7, F

Worth noting: The Cats, coming off a 29-win season, a 13-1 showing in the North Suburban and a Class 4A supersectional appearance, have no returning starters. Van Lyssel came off the bench last year and was a contributor, while Hanson did not play last season due to injury. Zyrkowski is high on the prospects of Wegrzyn. "Bryce continues to improve and make a huge impact. He should have a big impact on the team's success," he said. "We have a young team with not a lot of varsity game experience. "However, we will continue to improve and compete every night." Van Lyssel is the only returning player who logged significant varsity minutes. "We expect other seniors and juniors to also contribute this year," Zyrkowski said. In addition to Hanson, Jacob Bahrani also was sidelined last year with an injury. "I am very excited to get this season started with a different looking roster from last year," Zyrkowski said.

Mundelein

Coach: Matt Badgley (seventh season)

Last season's record: 12-19, 4-10 North Suburban

Top returning players: Vincent Rogalski, sr., G; Derek Bishop, jr., G

Key newcomers: Evan Salvador, jr., G; Nate Hauf, jr., F

Worth noting: Bishop certainly is worth noting. A top scorer in the area, he averaged 18 points a game, earned all-conference honors and has started since his freshman year. "Derek is now an upperclassmen and should be ready to improve his overall game through teammate usage," Badgley said. "That's a skill that generally comes with maturity." Rogalski, Badgley explained, brings varsity experience and is expected to lead other younger players through "the challenge and excitement of a varsity basketball schedule," he said. Salvador earned significant minutes as last season carried on and "should be a solid starter this season," said Badgley, who has 2 starters back. "We expect this to be his coming out season. He has a good basketball IQ." Hauf is a first-year varsity player. "He's ready to gain the experience needed," the coach said. A primarily upperclassmen roster will be a strength, while shooting ability will be another positive. However, Badgley sees defense this season as the deciding vote. "How hard we play on defense will establish our success," he said. Badgley pegs Warren, Lake Zurich and Stevenson as top challenges in the North Suburban. "We hope to challenge everyone, but fighting to get to the middle of the pack is realistic," he said.

Round Lake

Coach: Jack Hansa (first season)

Last season's record: 1-29, 0-14 NLCC

Top returning players: Julian Jones, jr., PG; Cesar Gutierrez, jr.; Aldo Vega, jr.

Key newcomers: DJ Billups, fresh., 6-3

Worth noting: "We ae looking to bounce back this season and have a lot of young and new faces," Hansa said. Jones, a point guard, is the Panthers' only returning starter. "Julian is a quick guard who can score off the dribble and finish around the rim," Hansa noted. Hansa said Gutierrez and Vega will contribute, plus there are high hopes for Billups, a freshman. "DJ is a force on the defensive end and can finish strong around the rim," he said. Hansa added strengths for the Panthers center on hard work and drive. "The strengths of this young team are they are hungry, work really hard and get better every day," he said. "Offensively, we have a lot of guys who can shoot the 3, and defensively we have a lot of quickness to try and facilitate turnovers, which can turn our defense into our offense." Hansa took the Panthers' head coaching job six weeks before the season started. "My focus has been on developing our guys here and getting better every day," he said. "Our goal is to get better and surprise a lot of teams."

Stevenson

Coach: Will Benson (first season, 14th overall)

Last season's record: 22-8, 11-3 North Suburban (second), regional champions

Top returning players: Jack Dabbs, 6-6, F; Aidan Bardic, 6-3; Rocco Paglioca, soph., 6-3; Armand Burris, sr., 5-11

Key newcomers: Atticus Richmond, 6-8, F; Kelvin Clement, 6-1, G-F; Liam Curtin, 6-5, F; Jayden Daube, 6-0, G

Worth noting: Benson takes over for hall of fame coach Pat Ambrose (505 wins at Stevenson), who retired. Benson, a Crystal Lake South graduate, had previous coaching stops at Harvard, Marengo and Huntley. He played at Dubuque and Northern Illinois. Dabbs was an all-NSC selection last year after averaging 10 points per game. Bardic also averaged 10 points. Pagliocca came off the bench as a freshman last year and recently received a Division I scholarship offer from Eastern Illinois. Burris came off the bench as a junior. Richmond is a prep school transfer from the East Coast. Dabbs and Bardic are the team's returning starters. "We have a nice combination of size, skill and overall depth," Benson said. "Through the first week, we have been sharing the ball nicely. I think we have some versatility on offense. We are getting better defensively. We need to continue to play with intensity and focus along with communicating more consistently." Benson predicts Dabbs, Richmond, Bardic and Pagliocca "are all going to play college basketball at some level," he said. In terms of the North Suburban race: "From what I've heard, our league is going to be strong," Benson said. "Warren and Lake Forest are going to be good. Waukegan can beat anyone on any given night. Lake Zurich has an excellence post player and Libertyville has been consistently good and is the defending champion. I would think we have enough talent to be in the mix toward the top of the conference."

Vernon Hills

Coach: Matt McCarty (21st season)

Last season's record: 16-16, 6-4 Central Suburban North (third)

Top returning players: Dylan Chung, sr., 5-8, PG; Anthony Morgan, jr., 6-4, F; Anthony Martorano, sr., 5-10, G; Bryce Drexler, sr., 6-1, G; Deen Hatibovic, sr., 6-3, F

Key newcomers: Daniel Odhiambo, soph., 6-5, C; Tomasz Starr, jr., 6-3, F; Tyler Perritt, jr., 6-0, G

Worth noting: Three starters are back for the Cougars. Chung averaged 5.8 points and 3.7 assists and scored in double digits in five of the team's final seven games, including 20 points in a playoff game against Lakes. "Dylan is an excellent point guard and leader and has continued to work hard to improve his scoring," McCarty said. Morgan averaged 6.7 points and led the team with 41 blocked shots. "Anthony is an athletic wing who can play above the rim," McCarty said. Martorano will help greatly on the defensive end. "Anthony Martorano is one of the top perimeter defenders we have had come through the program," McCarty said. Martorano, an all-conference football player, is on the mend from a football injury. "He brings that football intensity to the basketball court," McCarty added. "Anthony takes pride in his defense and loves the challenge of guarding our opponent's best player." The team did lose 3A all-state honorable-mention standout Milan Raval. "Although we lost Milan, we have many minutes returning for us," McCarty said. "The hard part will be replacing Milan's ability to score the ball, especially late in games. We hope the trio of Dylan, Deen and Anthony will step up for us in that area." Hatibovic and Drexler both came off the bench last year and played meaningful minutes and reached double-digit scoring in games. Drexler connected on 5 threes in one contest. Odhiambo gives the Cougars length along with strong shot-blocking ability. Martorano led the team in steals. "Daniel continues to develop and has the ability to give us a dynamic inside presence with his athleticism and length," McCarty noted. "He played varsity soccer this past season so he is used to the speed of varsity sports. He played freshman B last season in basketball, so he is still learning the game." McCarty said Niles North, with three strong junior starters back, is the favorite in the CSL North. Niles West is new to the North and has two high-caliber players back, McCarty explained. "They will be a formidable opponent. Vernon Hills, Maine East, Highland Park and Maine West will be competing for that next spot. I feel like us, Highland Park, Maine West and Maine East could be highly competitive in games all season."

Warren

Coach: Zack Ryan (second season)

Last season's record: 18-15, 8-6 North Suburban

Top returning players: Alex Daniels, sr., 6-6; Josh Stewart, 6-0, sr.; Braylon Walker, soph., 6-1; Jack Wolf, jr., 6-4; Javerion Banks, jr., 6-1; Immanuel Brown, 6-5, sr.

Key newcomers: Jaxson Davis, fresh., 6-1

Worth noting: Daniels was an all-NSC pick after averaging 12.3 points and 5.7 rebounds. Stewart averaged 4.7 points and 3.5 assists, while Walker averaged 3.3 points as a freshman. Wolf, Banks and Brown played heavy minutes with Wolf averaging 6.8 points and 3.5 rebounds (started several games), while Banks was at 6.9 points and 3.3 rebounds. Davis, Ryan noted, is regarded as one of the top freshmen in the state and has an offer from Western Illinois University already. In total, Warren has 3 starters back and six of its top eight from a year ago. "We have strong guard play with the returning players and a very good freshman," Ryan said. "We are unselfish on offense and can pressure the ball well on defense." Ryan listed Stevenson, Lake Forest and Waukegan as top contenders in the North Suburban. "We think we have a chance to compete for the conference title," he said.

Wauconda

Coach: Ty Weidner (second season, 17th in the program)

Last season's record: 16-13, 8-6 NLCC

Top returning players: Braeden Carlsen, sr., 6-4, G-F; Cayden Mudd, sr., 6-1, G; Tyler Tylka, sr., 6-5, F; Zach Miller, sr., 6-4, F; Colton McLennan, sr., 6-5, F

Key newcomers: Nick Ori, soph., 6-4, G-F; Alex Ortega, soph., 5-6, G; Liam Carney, junior, 6-5, C

Worth noting: Weidner, a 2003 Wauconda graduate, has plenty to be excited about. Carlsen averaged 23.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 2.2 assists in setting the school's single-season scoring record. He's a four-year varsity player, a two-time all-NLCC selection and is headed to Mercer University. Mudd also is a four-year varsity player and is committed to Wheaton College. "Cayden is a lights-out shooter with great range and plays with an edge," Weidner said. Mudd averaged 10.1 points last year. Tylka averaged 8.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He's a three-year varsity player and a Parkland commit for baseball. "Tyler is a great all-around player who thrives in our up-tempo offense," Weidner said. Miller has length and a great first step, which Weidner said gives bigger players fits, while McLennan also has great length and is playing with confidence after getting settled into the "2" spot late last season. Weidner calls Ori "an absolute stud athlete who has added muscle to his frame," he said. Ortega brings a high basketball IQ to the table. "Alex is a tough, gritty undersized backup point guard who has a nose for the ball on the defensive end," Weidner said. Carney is getting looks from numerous Division I football schools and gained 30 pounds of muscle since last season. "He's looking to carve out a role as a big, physical presence inside," Weidner said. Weidner is excited about the team's up-tempo transition offense. "Through the first two weeks of practice, this group has definitely shown the maturity of understanding their roles and I feel we have the buy-in from everyone, which is the foundation to all great teams," he said. Weidner said Grayslake Central, Antioch and Grant will be teams to watch. "We feel that with our five returning seniors, we will be a top team in the NLCC and should compete for a conference championship," he said.