Life outside of the limelight: Meet some of the area’s underrated players
Basketball is a team game, and no team succeeds without them — the guys who may not average double-figure scoring totals or knock down many buzzer-beating, game-winning shots, but are well respected by their coaches and teammates.
Here are some of the area’s underrated, unheralded, unsung players:
James Carlson and Christian Rohde, Crystal Lake South
“James is a senior captain and someone who is an unsung hero for us mainly because of what he does on the court that impacts the game,” said Gators coach Matt LePage. “A true ‘glue’ player, James is a big reason we have been successful this season. Christian is another player who embraces his role and leads us in blocked shots and rebounding. He has improved throughout the season and gives us formidable size inside the paint.”
Matt Geraci and Jeremy Zakic, Lake Park
“Matt is a tough on-ball defender and is a lot stronger than he looks (5-11),” said Lancers coach Billy Pitcher. “He leads our team in charges, steals, and deflections. Matt is very unselfish — all he cares about is winning. Since the holidays, he has become another scoring threat for us, hitting threes and driving to the rim. Jeremy is a linchpin to our defense. He is one of the smartest defenders I’ve ever coached. He is always in the right spot and can guard 1-4, even some 5s. His help-side, positioning, and talk has been a key to our defensive success.”
Brandon Block, Fenton
“Brandon was our starting point guard last year as a junior,” said Bison coach Chaz Taft. “With our point guard returning from an injury this year, Brandon successfully transitioned to a new position. His impact is shown by being able to play every position in our offense as well as every position in our 1-3-1 defense. Brandon is the glue guy on our team — he dopes all the little things in practice and in games to make our team successful. He shoots 38% from 3, 60% from 2, and 88% from the free-throw line. His attitude, focus, and leadership are a vital part of the success of our team.”
Ryan Morton, Waubonsie Valley
“Ryan is our glue guy who doesn’t score a lot but helps with our spacing because of his shooting ability,” said Warriors coach Andrew Schweitzer. “He is unassuming and has sneaky athleticism, allowing him to lead our team in blocks. He’s the type of kid still taking charges when we are up big. Everyone on the team loves him because they know they’ll get his 100% every time out.”
Jimmy Cahill, Addison Trail
“Jimmy has made 26 starts to date after seeing little time as a junior,” said Blazers coach Brendan Lyons. “He’s a 3-sport athlete (golf, basketball, volleyball) and team captain. Most of what he does for us won’t show up on a stat sheet, but he leads our team in charges taken. He’s the consummate ‘glue guy’ — coachable, dependable, high IQ, competes at a high level every night, able to motivate others, and often guards opponents’ best offensive player.”
Grayson Mayerhofer, Aurora Central Catholic
“Grayson is not only our senior captain, but he didn’t have any varsity time last year due to injury,” said Chargers coach Josh Izzo. “He is our leading rebounder (9.1 average) and has had several double-doubles, though averaging 6 points per game. He is an imperative piece in handling opposing team’s ball pressure. He also guards the top 2 players every night and leads the team in minutes. The team leans on his leadership when needed. He has been a pillar of the program, as this is my first year at ACC with a lot of changes and new standards set. He helps teach the underclassmen. He really is an undervalued player as his play doesn’t always show in the box score, and he rarely comes off the floor.”
Jalen Carter, Aurora Christian
“Jalen has guarded guards, forwards, and centers,” said Eagles coach Dan Beebe. “He’s 6-2 and has guarded players as tall as 6-9. He guarded one of the best players in the state at Christ the King (Calvin Worsham), who is 6-7, 225 pounds. He continually does an amazing job of taking opponents’ best player out of the game.”
PJ Weaver, Cary-Grove
“PJ is a captain who leads both vocally and with his play,” said Trojans coach Adam McCloud. “He leads our team in assists, second in rebounds, and leads our team — and I’m guessing our league in charges taken (18 in 23 games). PJ, a 4-year, 3-sport athlete, was accepted to the Air Force Academy. His impact on our team and our success is vital.”
Jack Hatton and Hudson Kirby, Geneva
“Both of these juniors have been outstanding all season,” said Vikings coach Scott Hennig. “Jack had his first 20-point game last Friday and added 15 in our win over Crystal Lake South Saturday. He’s a key member of our defense, playing the top of the press. Hudson has had multiple games of 10-plus points and 10-plus rebounds. He’s also one of the leading shot blockers in the area.”
Ari Pierson and Michael Nee, Glenbard East
“Ari spearheaded a recent 4-game winning streak, averaging 14 points and 5 rebounds,” said Rams coach Eric Kelly. “Michael, a sophomore, leads our team in scoring, averaging 16 points, and has scored 20-plus points 9 times this season. They’re underrated.”
Jack Schager and Josh Abushanab, Glenbard North
“A junior, Jack is a big contributor that has gone under the radar,” said Panthers coach Kevin Tonn. “He currently averages 7.6 points and shoots 49% from 3. Josh, a sophomore, averages 8.3 points and started for us as a freshman last year as well.”
Ben Zima, Glenbard South
“Ben plays exceptionally hard, brings a good defensive presence, and executes/passes well,” said Raiders coach Jason Mead.
Brad Franck and Evan Frieders, Kaneland
“Brad is a glue guy who is becoming more of a leader each week,” said Knights coach Ernie Colombe. “He’s an excellent defender who is becoming more aggressive offensively. He gives us a lot of flexibility. Evan moved to the point this season and has done a great job of running the show. He’s an excellent defender and good decision maker. He is a very unselfish player who we feel can grow into a big-time player in our program.”
Jack Kallstrand and Grant Montanari, Naperville North
“Jack is averaging 7.8 points and 4 rebounds, shooting 36.2% from 3-point range,” said Huskies coach Gene Nolan. “Jack is a great kid, always playing hard and putting his team first. Grant is averaging 5.8 points and a team-leading 5.1 rebounds. He’s gritty, tough, and a great team player.”
Matt Steinberg, St. Charles East
“Matt was injured last year so I don’t think a lot of people knew of him coming into this year, but he made the most of his opportunities and has been a big-time contributor for us this year,” said Saints coach Rob Klemm. “He’s a strong, physical, unselfish player who has made huge strides.”
Luke Holtz, St. Charles North
“Luke is a leader every day and puts the team’s needs ahead of his own,” said North Stars coach Tom Poulin. “He’s a very good communicator and extension of the coaching staff. To have a player demonstrating an unselfish, team-first attitude every day for our underclassmen to learn from, is invaluable.”
Kaden Dawson and Matthew Morrice, St. Edward
“Kaden, a 6-7 senior, is averaging 17 points and 10 rebounds,” said Green Wave coach Andy Zielinski. “He leads the team in blocks and has also brought the ball up the court. Matthew is averaging 14 points and 4 rebounds, and leads the team in assists, steals, charges taken and deflections. In a recent win against Wheaton Academy, Morrice had 32 and Dawson had 26.”
Patrick Spahn, St. Francis
“Patrick’s ability to guard multiple positions has given us a nice edge,” said Spartans coach Erin Dwyer. “A senior, Patrick has played various roles for us based on our needs. He leads the team in deflections, second in the stall, and top 3 in total rebounds.”
Derek Clark, Ishmael George, and Ethan Zagore, South Elgin
“Derek has started every game and is starting to draw some JUCO and D3 interest,” said Storm coach Philip Church. “He’s shooting 44% from 3, averaging 13 points, and leads the team in charges taken. Ishmael was not only an all-state tight end, but he is also our defensive anchor who averages 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Ethan consistently defends top scorers and has kept many ranked players below their averages with his length and athleticism. He’s also shooting 60% from the field.”
Jordan Brooks, CJ Savage, and Terrence Smith, West Aurora
“These 3 players have shared the wealth, are very unselfish, and are balanced in terms of offensive output,” said Blackhawks coach Michael Fowler. “I believe it allows our team to know that we can have multiple players be productive each night.”