Boys basketball season preview: Scouting Cook County

MSL East

Buffalo Grove

Coach: Kevin Geldon (4th year)

Last season’s record: 10-21

Top returners: Alex Sirbu, Jr. (6-9, F/C); Edwin Karnauchovas, So. (5-9, G); Dylan Ronczkowski, Jr. (6-1, F)

Key newcomers: Brady Goetz, Sr. (G, 6-0); Jackson Oldenburg, Sr. (G, 6-0); Ethan Fajardo, Sr. (G, 5-10); Caleb Kim, Sr. (G/F, 6-2); Ethan Wright, Sr. (F/C, 6-4); Zach Pattis, Sr. (F/C, 6-3); Jack Hilgeman, Sr. (F/C, 6-4).

Outlook: The Bison are hoping to take serious steps forward this season. Sirbu, who has been a key part for the Bison in his first two seasons, should be a huge factor this season. The junior, who has grown two inches from last season, is coming off a year where he averaged 14.9 points and 10.7 rebounds as he continues to garner college interest. Karnauchovas, who averaged 10.6 points as a freshman last year, and Ronzcowski, who had 2.5 points and 2.1 assists a year ago, will also be key factors. “We have high expectations for the growth of this group,” Geldon said. “We will need to get production from a senior class that has yet to prove itself but is hungry for the opportunity. Dylan Ronczkowski is poised to have a breakout season after an up and down sophomore year. Alex Sirbu continues to improve and develop while Edwin Karnauchovas is eager to build on his freshman campaign.”

Conant

Coach: Greg Grana (2nd year)

Last season’s record: 15-15

Top returners: Jakub Glowacki, Jr. (G, 6-0)

Key newcomers: Gabe Kipka, Sr. (F, 6-3); Abhi Sarma, Sr. (G, 5-10), Bryce Harris, Sr. (G, 6-2) Landon Revenue, Sr. (G, 6-0); Max Tutt, Sr. (G, 6-1); Ryan Dempsey, Sr. (F, 6-3).

Outlook: Grana did a solid job of stepping in last year and making Conant respectful in his first year. But he will have his work cut out for him this season as Conant has some rebuilding to do. The Cougars’ only experienced player is Glowacki, who logged about 8 minutes per game last year. “Without much veteran leadership we will lean on our seniors who are the highest standard of young men you can ask for,” Grana said. “They do the right things all the time and have been great role models for our young guys. They are a fantastic representation of our program from the way they carry themselves in their preparation to how they execute a practice plan. All seven of our seniors are true leaders.”

Elk Grove

Coach: Chris Rugg (2nd year)

Last season’s record: 3-29

Top returners: Cooper Casterton, Jr. (5-9, PG); Khaleel Khan, Jr, (G, 6-0); Nolan Brand, Sr. (6-5, W); Matt Novak, Sr. (6-0, W)

Key newcomers: Adrian Jacorzynski, Jr, (6-3, W); Dev Patel, Jr. (5-11, G); Murad Asfar, Soph. (6-2, W)

Outlook: Even without the conference changes, Elk Grove was poised to make a move this season. The Grenadiers expect huge things from Casterton, who averaged 13 points last season as a sophomore and will be in his third year as a varsity starter. Khan was a part time varsity player last season and when he got called up full time, averaged 9 points per game. Brand also averaged 9 points per game and along with Novak should provide senior leadership. “We will once again be a young team but return four players who saw significant varsity minutes a year ago after returning only one such player the prior season,” Rugg said. “This, along with the revamped conference schedule in the MSL should give us an opportunity to be a much more competitive team this season.”

Hoffman Estates

Coach: Peter McBride (5th year)

Last season’s record: 21-11

Top returners: Torey Baskin, Jr. (6-1, G); Chris Mobley, Jr. (5-10, G); Austin Lezniak, Sr. (F, 6-5); Ramon Rosario, Jr. (G, 6-1)

Key newcomers: Cam James, Jr. (F, 6-3); Amari Thompson, Jr (G, 6-1); Bryce Smith, Soph. (F, 6-5)

Outlook: Despite winning 21 games last season, the Hawks finished sixth in the West. Baskin, who averaged 13 points last year, is moving to the point this season and could make him even more dangerous to opponents. Mobley averaged 7 points last season and also returns. The Hawks have been more guard oriented in the last few years. They add more size this season with Lesniak, James and Smith and that should make them more formidable inside. “We look forward to playing an exciting, fast-paced brand of basketball as we welcome back an experienced backcourt and some talented newcomers,” McBride said. “We have a focused and hungry group that is deeply committed and enjoys playing together. I believe that Torey Baskin is one of the best guards in the area. Look for him to take a huge step forward this season as he takes over the primary handling role.”

Schaumburg

Coach: Jason Tucker (4th year, 15th overall)

Last season’s record: 22-11

Top returners: Cam Anderson, Sr. (6-5, F); Ray Black, Sr. (6-2, F); Tony Horton, Sr. (PG, 5-11); Aiden Patterson, Sr. (G, 6-2); Arron Shogren, Jr. (W, 6-2); Jason Jancik, Jr. (W, 6-3).

Key newcomers: Masyn Harrell, So. (G, 6-2); Caden Williams, Jr. (G, 5-11); Donovan Manning, Jr. (PG, 5-9)

Outlook: The Saxons have a solid mix of veterans and newcomers which should give them plenty of depth this season. Anderson, who averaged 9 points and 6.5 rebounds, leads a group of six players that saw lots of action last year. Black averaged 8 points and shot 41% from outside the arc. Horton, who will play the point, also averaged 8 points, Patterson, 5.3 points, Shogren 3.4 points and Jancik 3.1 points. “Cam Anderson and Tony Horton are expected to be our leaders and provide what we need to be successful,” Tucker said. “This team is also about sophomore Masyn Harrell and what he can bring to the program this year. This will be a group that can play 10 guys a night and we will with the style we want to play.”

Wheeling

Coach: Tom Antosz (6th year)

Last season’s record: 11-20

Top returners: Zach Neukrich, Sr. (PG, 6-2); Peter Kulig, Sr. (G, 5-11); Chuy Zavala, Jr. (F, 6-1); Tyler Zangara, Sr. (G, 5-11)

Key newcomers: Jack Murphy, Sr. (G, 5-10); Daniel Esparza, Jr. (G, 5-9); Matthew Ansong, Jr, (F, 6-2) Jahmeer Robinson-Williams, Jr. (F, 6-2)

Outlook: The Wildcats won 11 games with nearly the same lineup from last year and the expectation is that number will grow substantially this season. Neukrich is coming off a solid season when he posted averages of 9 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals and 5 assists. Zavala averaged 8 points while Zangara had 2 points but was a key defensive force. Wheeling will also get back Kulig who missed all of last year with an injury and was the Wildcats’ sixth man as a sophomore in 2023. “We are excited for senior guard Peter Kulig to return from a season-ending injury last year,” Antosz said. “We are expecting him to have an immediate impact on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. Zach Neukirch is our current record holder for steals in a game, steals in a season, rebounds in a game, rebounds in a season, and assists in one season. Zach is looking to continue his dominance on the glass and in the passing lanes by becoming our career leader in both rebounding and steals.”

MSL West

Barrington

Coach: Bryan Tucker (17th year, 30th overall)

Last season’s record: 19-8, 7-3

Top returners: Oliver Gray, Sr. (G, 6-6); Jake Meuer, Sr. (F, 6-3); Cam Nichols, Sr. (G, 6-0); Carter Schultz, Sr. (G, 5-11); Evan Shechtman, Sr. (G, 6-0); Robby Shomaker, Sr. (G, 6-0); DJ Young, Sr. (F, 6-3); Jackson Roberts, Jr. (G, 6-1)

Key newcomers: Darsh Poovanna, Jr. (G, 5-11); Javien Rosero, Jr. (G, 6-0); Michael Trachtenberg, Jr. (F, 6-3); Sam Weibel, Jr. (G, 6-3); Tommy Hills, So. (G, 6-2); Luke Loughlin, So. (G, 5-9)

Outlook: There will be lots of Gray area in Barrington basketball this season. Oliver Gray, who will be a three-year starter, was co-MVP of the old MSL West last season. Gray, who has offers from Eastern Illinois and Central Michigan, will again be the focal point in the Broncos’ offense this season. Gray will be looking to get help from Jackson Roberts as graduation hit the Broncos hard. “Oliver Gray continues to draw a lot of attention,” Tucker said. “But we are a young, inexperienced team playing in a division that is loaded with talent. We will need to improve in a hurry just to try to compete.”

Fremd

Coach: Mike Brown (2nd season)

Last season’s record: 27-4 (MSL champs)

Top returners: Jordan Williams, Sr. (6-6, W); Rafael Pinto, Sr. (6-5, G); Tommy Moffett, Sr. (6-6, W); Chase Nelson, Sr. (5-11, PG); Ricardo Requena Zambrano, Sr. (6-0, G); Charlie Chlan, Sr. (6-2, F); Grayson Gruchot, Sr. (6-4, F)

Key newcomers: Carter MacDonald, Jr. (G, 6-2); Tyler Chlan, So. (G,-6-0)

Outlook: With the revamped MSL West, the Vikings will have to go through a gauntlet just to get back to the title game. Fortunately, Fremd is poised for that challenge. The Vikings return key elements in Illinois State commit Williams, Moffett, who has several D-3 offers and Pinto, who is drawing interest from JUCO’s. They also return Nelson and Zambrano, who both saw key minutes last season. “We will face a very difficult schedule with the revamped West, along with a tough nonconference and tournament schedule,” Brown said. “We will rely on our senior leadership to set the tone for the rest of the team to see if we are up to the challenge.”

Hersey

Coach: Bob Widlowski (2nd year at Hersey. 25th overall)

Last season’s record: 23-7

Top returners: Charlie Pomis, Sr. (6-3, F); Logan Luxem, Sr. (6-2, PG); Kyle Irwin, Sr. (6-2, G); Jake Nawrot, Jr. (F, 6-4); Tristan Trotter, Jr. (F, 6-4); Ethan Gries, Sr. (F, 6-3); Mike Divito, Sr. (G, 5-10)

Key newcomers: Will Baik, Jr. (G, 6-0); Eli Leyva, Jr. (G, 6-0); Jack Balis, Jr. (6-0, G); Lincoln Burke, Jr. (G, 5-10); Collin Fahey, Jr. (F, 6-3); Griffin McNeil, Jr. (G, 6-0)

Outlook: The Huskies return key elements from a team that was regional champs last season. Pomis, who was All-Area last year and a clutch player for the Huskies, is back. He will be joined by Luxem, Irwin, Trotter, Gries and DiVito. Nawrot will also return but will be a few weeks behind due to the Huskies’ football playoff run. Moving from the East to the West will bring new adventures for Hersey. Fortunately, the Huskies will have Widlowski at the helm. The 26-year veteran spent 24 years coaching in the West and is quite aware of its identity. “Every game is going to be a battle,” Widlwoski said. “Teams better bring their ‘A’ game every night at both ends of the floor.”

Palatine

Coach: Eric Millstone (18th year)

Last season’s record: 19-14, 4-6

Top returners: Tony Balanganayi, Sr. (6-4, F); Darrin Dick, Sr. (6-2, G); Abram Williams, Sr. (6-4, W); Brady May, Jr. (6-5, F) Robbie Wilcox, Sr. (6-1, G); Will Santiago, Sr. (6-3, F) James May, Sr. (6-1, G)

Key newcomers: Jayden Evans, Jr. (G, 6-0); 6’0” Jr, G), Alex Iliopoulos, Jr. (G, 5-11); Jake Tripp, So. (F, 6-6); Maddux Heilman, Jr (G, 5-11); Brandon Martino, Jr. (G, 5-11); Chris Gatsis, Jr. (G, 6-0)

Outlook: Palatine returns a sold core and looks to contend in the new MSL West. Balanganayi, who has been a three-year force for the Pirates, returns to the hardwood. He averaged 14 points and 6 rebounds last year. Palatine also returns Dick at guard, where he averaged 6 points and 3 assists. Williams, who had a great summer after averaging 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds, has committed to Hamilton College. Brady May, who averaged 6 points and shot 47% from outside the arc, is also back. Santiago, who broke his arm in the Pirates’ last football game, is hoping to return in February. “We have some guys back who contributed quite a bit last year,” Millstone said. “But we’re looking to develop some depth throughout the season. There’s very little room for error in the West, so there needs to be a sense of urgency in order to compete at a high level every game.”

Prospect

Coach: Brad Rathe (5th year)

Last season’s record: 13-18

Top returners: Colin Tucker, Sr. (PG, 6-3); Johnny Nellis, Sr. (F, 6-3); Danny Simon, Jr. (F, 6-5); Luke Christopulos, Sr. (F, 6-7); Will Stratigos, Sr. (G, 6-0); Quinn Zinzer, Jr. (G, 6-0); Danilo Aleksic, Sr. (F, 6-5); Anderson Neach, Sr. (G, 6-0)

Key newcomers: Charlie Ross, Jr. (G, 5-10); Connor Fack, Jr. (F, 6-2); Gordy Kemp, Jr. (F, 6-2)

Outlook: Prospect is coming off only its third sub-.500 season in the last 17 years. The Knights are hoping that six players who started at times for them last year and return this year will help lead the way to better things. Tucker, who is at the point again this year, returns with his averages of 5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists a game. Nellis, who averaged 2.5 points, Simon 2 points, Christopoulos 2 points, Stratigos 4.5 points and Zinzer 3.5 points also return. “This is by far the most experience we have had coming back in a long time,” Rathe said. “We struggled at times last year, but I think that created a hunger in our guys. They are entering the season with a chip on their shoulder, and they know what it can look like if they don't have that edge. Our schedule is extremely competitive once again, so we will be tested often.”

Rolling Meadows

Coach: Kevin Katovich (24th year)

Last season’s record: 30-5

Top returners: None

Key newcomers: Andrew Krestel, Sr. (PG, 6-1); Tyler Stankewicz, Sr. (G, 6-3); Marty Lesner, Sr. (F, 6-3); Kenan Pekovic, Sr. (F, 6-4); Sean Kerr, Sr. (C, 6-5); Ben Babula, Sr. (F, 6-3); Matt Marineau, Sr. (F, 6-3); Mike Murray, Sr. (G, 6-2); Tony Ruffalo, Jr. (G, 6-2); Spencer Repak, Jr. (G, 6-1)

Outlook: No team in the area will be affected by graduation more than Meadows. The Mustangs graduated 9 seniors and all 9 played nearly all the significant minutes for Meadows last season. But that doesn’t mean that the cupboard is completely bare for Meadows. Pekovic, Kerr, Stankewicz, Lesner and Andrew Kretsel were all up on the varsity last season and practiced each day against a Mustangs team that won 30 games and advanced to the supersectionals before losing to Warren. “This group has done an outstanding job following the standards set by last year’s seniors,” Katovich said. “They’re a different group of players, but they’ve shown tremendous ownership in striving to become the best versions of themselves. That growth is a direct reflection of the leadership last year’s seniors provided and the daily interactions this year’s group had with them throughout last season.”

East Suburban Catholic

St. Viator

Coach: Michael O’Keeffe (6th year, 11th overall)

Last season’s record: 24-10

Top returners: Dawson Charles, Jr. (G, 6-2); Sean Halpin, Sr. (G, 6-1); Isaiah McKenny, Sr. (G, 6-1); Jacob Only, So. (G, 6-2); Landon Ray, So. (G, 6-5); Jack Leonard, Jr. (G, 6-1)

Key newcomers: Cullen Hughes, Jr. (G, 5-11); Nathaniel Rouse, Jr. (F, 6-6); Juan Vargas, Jr. (G, 5-7); Miles Waddell, Jr. (G, 5-10); Vinny Corrado, So. (F, 6-7)

Outlook: Charles and Only return as starters from last season to give the Lions cohesiveness. Halpin, McKenny, Ray and Leonard all saw time last season. Rouse and Corrado will give Viator some needed size. “Our expectations are high for this year's team,” O’Keeffee said. “We have a very young team after graduating an outstanding senior class. We also have a really good mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen. Our kids play extremely hard, compete at a high level, and play an unselfish style of basketball on both ends of the floor. We expect all of our returning players to flourish this season, not only on the court, but more importantly, in the classroom and in the community.”

Central Suburban South

Maine South

Coach: Colin Wehman (4th year)

Last season’s record: 13-17

Top returners: Panayiotos Sotos, Jr. (6-2, G); Alex Matushevskiy, Sr. (6-5, F); Nick Hachigian, Sr. (F, 6-4)

Key newcomers: Andreas Malamis, Sr. (G, 6-3); Marco Urso, Sr. (G, 6-0); Alex Melby, Sr. (G, 6-1); Ian Smucker, Jr. (G, 6-1); Timo Sakoufakis, Jr. (G, 6-4); Carter Bruce, Jr. (G, 6-3); Dylan Tomlinson, Jr. (G, 5-10); Sean Ryan, So. (G, 6-0); Elliott Arteta, So. (G, 5-10)

Outlook: The Hawks return a trio of players that should give them plenty of points and leadership. Stots is a 4-year starter and has numerous DIII offers. Matushevsky is a three-year starter and will be counted on for his scoring and rebounding. Hachigan is coming off a great football season and when he is in basketball shape should move into s starter’s role after coming off the bench last season. The Hawks will have plenty of depth including sophomores Ryan and Arteta. “This team has a very high ceiling,” Wehman said. “We have veteran players. We have size and strength. We have young, hungry guards. And we have a tremendous competitive spirit. Our team will thrive on playing for one another and embodying selfless, team play.”

Central Suburban North

Maine East

Coach: Sergio Muro (4th year)

Last season’s record: 7-22

Top returners: Brandon Schreiber, Sr. (PG, 6-3); Jayden Dozie, So. (G, 5-10, G); Albert Cooper, So. (G, 5-10); Kaiden Wade, Jr. (F, 6-1)

Key newcomers: Josiah Oaxaca, Jr. (G); Adis Ikanovic, Jr. (G); Benny Karamovic, Jr. (G, 6-0); Micah Rotter, Sr. (F, 6-4); Andrew Merza, Sr. (G-6-0)

Outlook: Maine East has not finished over .500 since 2009. The Demons are hoping their guard tandem of Schreiber, who is coming off a season where he averaged 19.1 points, and Dozie, who averaged 13.4 points last year as a freshman, can help deliver that and more. “Brandon Schreiber and Jayden Dozie is a backcourt that is underrated,” Muro said. “Our expectations are a winning record, win conference and win a regional.”

Maine West

Coach: Don Paxson (4th year, 23rd overall)

Last season’s record: 14-17

Top returners: Davion Tate, Jr. (G, 5-9); Baker Blevins, Jr. (G, 5-11); Metea Vitor, Sr. (F, 6-3); Price Macon, Sr. (G, 6-1); Adrian Kleszczewski, Jr. (F, 6-7); Joe Fallon, Sr. (F, 6-2); Nate Fowler, Sr. G, 5-10)

Key newcomers: Nathan Abebe, Sr.; Anthony Aguilar, Jr.; Julian Avalos, Jr.; Leo Hernandez, Jr.; Gabe Niedziela, Jr.; Dara Oluyinka, So.; Shrey Patel, Jr.; DeAngelo Rodriguez, Jr.; Ayaan Salman, Jr.

Outlook: Tate, who averaged 18 points, 2 assists and 2 steals, along with Blevins, who had 12 points, steals, 2 assists and 2 steals per game, make up a formidable backcourt for the Warriors. Maine West has good size in Kleszczewski, Vitor and Fallon and will also be looking for production from Macon, Fowler and Abede. “Blevins and Tate certainly bring a lot of great experience that we can lean on this season,” Paxson said. “We also have a lot of new faces this year that have demonstrated a real hunger to get better. We’ve had a solid first week and look forward to competing this year.”

West Suburban Gold

Leyden

Coach: Tyler Gilliam (2nd year)

Last season’s record: 9-22, 3-9

Top returners: Ernesto Sanchez, Sr. (6-3, G/F); Mohamed El-Hindi, Sr. (5-10, G); Julian Martinez, Sr. (F); Nathanial Aria, Sr. (5-11, G)

Key newcomers: Armani Santana, So. (F); Kevin Sanchez, So. (F/G); Robert Darling, So. (G); Jaxson Penkava, Jr. (G); Christopher Stephens, Jr. (G)

Outlook: The Eagles will lean heavily on returning all-conference selection Sanchez as well as returning players El-Hindi, Martinez and Aria. Leyden will then blend a solid group of sophomores in hopes of contending in the WSC Gold and winning 20 games. “We will rely on a combination of experience, youth, and depth this season.,” Gilliam said. “Sanchez is poised for a breakout year. El-Hindi has shown tremendous growth over the summer and off-season and will be a major contributor on both ends of the floor. The team has great depth and will be able to maximize the strengths of each role player.”

Northeastern Conference

Schaumburg Christian

Coach: Solomon Gustafson (1st year)

Last season’s record: 17-14

Top returners: Cooper Smith, Soph. (G, 5-8); Nathan Peterson, Sr. (F, 6-2); Tanish Dundi, Sr. (PG, 5-9, PG); Tanmay Dundi, Soph. (G, 5-9); Joshua Caprariu, Jr. (F, 6-2); Colin Lowrey, Jr (F, 5-10); Alex Tatum, Jr (G, 5-10)

Key newcomers: David Saenz, Jr. (F, 6-3); Evan Artajp, Sr. (G, 5-10); Cooper Smith, Jr. (G, 5-8); David Malstron, Jr. (G, 5-11); Krystian Bogacz, Jr. (G, 6-1); James Carey, Sr. (G, 5-10); Arnold Wicen, Jr. (G, 5-9)

Outlook: The Conquerors are coming off their first winning season in quite a few years as Gustafson takes over to keep that streak going. They should have good size in Peterson, Caprariu and Saenz with Tannish and Tanmay Dundi, along with Smith, Lowrey and Tatum, making up the backcourt.