Demirov leads Crystal Lake South to best two-year stretch in school history with another 30-win season

Crystal Lake South basketball coach Matt LePage admitted he would follow most opposing coaches’ game plans if his team had to defend AJ Demirov.

“I would try to get the ball out of his hands,” said LePage, “but that’s easier said than done.”

Fortunately for LePage, he has had Demirov on his side the past four seasons.

Demirov, a 6-foot senior, helped lead Crystal Lake South’s basketball program to new heights since his arrival.

After averaging 21.2 points per game last year for the Gators, who captured their first Class 3A sectional championship in 41 years, Demirov helped guide the team to another 30-win campaign and berth in the 3A sectional title contest — the best two years in school history.

Due in large part to his efforts, the talented point guard has been named the Daily Herald Fox Valley All-Area basketball team captain for the 2024-2025 season — repeating his honor from a year ago.

Demirov, who averaged 19 points, 4.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 2-plus steals per game while leading the Gators to back-to-back Fox Valley Conference titles, shot 47% from the field and 75% at the free-throw line this season.

“The biggest improvement from last season was his playmaking,” said LePage, whose team finished 30-5. “Entering the season, he wanted to get everybody involved. That’s exactly what he did.”

Demirov entered the season knowing he would need to take on a bigger leadership role.

“The last two years, I was a sophomore and a junior with a bunch of seniors,” he said. “We had a younger team this year, and it was cool to be with a newer group of guys.”

If there’s a drawback to being an experienced senior, it was that his fellow FVC opponents knew all too well of his talents.

“He faced box-and-ones, double-teams, ball screens, and he handled it great,” said LePage. “He’s so quick and so hard to corral in transition. He loved that challenge throughout his career.”

Demirov admittedly had to adjust his preseason goals as the year progressed.

“Other coaches wanted to take the ball out of my hands,” he said. “That was the most frustrating part of the season. This year, they were sending two or three guys at me.

“I came into the season thinking I’d be able to up my scoring average to 23-24 points per game, but I don’t really care about numbers. I’d rather average 17 points and win than average 23 points and the team have a mediocre record.”

Supported by seniors Cooper Buelna, Tony Santarelli, sophomores Nick Stowasser, Carson Trivellini, and freshman Ryan Morgan, Demirov’s backcourt tasks became a little easier this season.

“This year, we had a bunch of other skilled guards — guys who could help with ballhandling and scoring,” said Demirov.

There were several games this season where Demirov deferred to his teammates.

Facing Sycamore’s box-and-one defense in the 3A sectional semifinals, Demirov was held to 7 points but added a game-high 12 assists during the Gators’ 66-37 triumph.

There were plenty of other occasions where the Gators relied upon Demirov’s scoring skills.

Needing a win for a share of the FVC championship (with McHenry), the Gators trailed Hampshire by 12 points at halftime of their regular-season finale in late February.

“We went on a vintage (36-2) run from the third quarter into the fourth quarter,” recalled LePage. “AJ had the hot hand and scored 21 third-quarter points, and we went on to win, 77-53.”

“I wasn’t going to let my last conference game end with a loss if I could help it,” said Demirov, who added a 40-point performance last season against Cary-Grove.

LePage met Demirov several years back at the Gator Alley Camps during the summer.

“AJ would always play a year or two up, taking on eighth graders when he was in sixth grade,” said the coach. “He was so small but so quick. And he never backed down.”

“That was my favorite part of those camps, playing with all age groups — and the 1-on-1s,” said Demirov. “I met most of my best friends during that time. Those are great memories.”

Over the past 3 seasons, the Gators own an 86-18 record with 3 consecutive 3A regional titles.

“AJ has had the keys to the whole thing,” said LePage. “I think it helped this season with AJ having been in so many big games before. The record speaks for itself.

“I think what makes him great is his consistency. I know the other FVC coaches respected him a lot.”

Demirov will carry fond memories playing for LePage and assistant coaches Paul Lichtenheld and Dave Jenkins, among others, at Crystal Lake South.

“Coach LePage was like a second dad to me,” said Demirov. “I remember my sophomore year, coach’s son, Cooper, was a senior who took me under his wing.

“I also feel grateful to have had assistants like coach Lichtenheld and coach Jenkins. I’ve made a lot of lifelong relationships.”

Demirov, who broke the school record for career points (1,864) this season, finished his varsity career with 1,997 points.

“It would have been great to reach 2,000, but it’s not a big deal,” said Demirov. “It is what it is.”

Next season, Demirov will take his talents to Newberry College, a D2 school in South Carolina.

“I want to have the chance to play right away,” said Demirov, who plans on majoring in business with a minor in finance. “I’ve already started a strength program with Zac Boster (2009 Huntley grad/current player development coach), working on my legs and mobility.”

LePage is thankful to have had the opportunity coach a player like Demirov.

“It has been a pleasure to coach him,” said LePage. “AJ has never settled. He has always been committed to getting better.

“We will absolutely miss him.”