Boys basketball season preview: Scouting DuPage County
Addison Trail
Coach: Cory Little, first season.
Last season’s record: 17-15 overall, 6-6 in the West Suburban Gold (third place).
Top returners: Manuel Roque, sr., G/F; Camren Salerno, sr., G/F; Vincent Blonda, sr., F; Marcello Saraceno, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Ian Ramos, jr., G; Alex Burbank, jr., G; Matthew Carrea, jr., F/C; Ulises Garcia, sr., F.
Worth noting: Little, who served as the Blazers’ girls head basketball coach last season, takes over the boys program this fall. A 1997 graduate of Addison Trail, Little earned all-state honors his senior season before going on to play collegiately at UIC. He also played six years professionally in Europe. Little inherits a team looking to fill the huge shoes left by the graduation loss of the school’s all-time scoring leader — Luke Smith (2,531 points, 30th on the IHSA’s all-time list). Smith is now playing at Elmhurst University. Roque, a 6-foot-senior, is the team’s top returner, flanked by Salerno, Blonda, and Saraceno. “Our goal is to get better each day and compete night in and night out,” said Little. “We want to be a scrappy team that rebounds and plays hard on the defensive end. Those will be our keys to winning games this season.”
Benet Academy
Coach: Gene Heidkamp, 18th season.
Last season’s record: 33-5 overall, 7-1 in the East Suburban Catholic (tied for first).
Top returners: Colin Stack, sr., C; Jayden Wright, sr., G; Ed Stasys, jr., F; Aidan Renicker, sr., G; Blair Fagbemi, jr., G.
Key newcomers: Ethan MacDermott, sr., G; Perry Tchiegne, jr., G.
Worth noting: Following a 33-5 season highlighted by the school’s first 4A boys basketball state championship (55-54 over Warren), the Redwings figure to be formidable again this season despite graduating Blake Fagbemi (Illinois) and Daniel Pauliukonis (SIU), among others. Stack, a 7-foot senior, returns in the post, supported by 6-8 forward Stasys, and 6-0 guard Wright. Stack is a North Dakota State commit, while Wright is headed to Eastern Illinois next season. Renicker, a senior guard, will play at Rhodes College. MacDermott, a 6-3 guard, and 6-4 guard Tchiegne lead a talented list of newcomers. Benet, which opens its season against King, EPIC Academy, and DeLaSalle at the DeLaSalle Thanksgiving Tournament, will play a rugged schedule that includes a weekend road trip to Philadelphia against Roman Catholic and St. Joseph (Dec. 5-6), and a late January game against DeSmet Jesuit (St. Louis).
Downers Grove North
Coach: James Thomas
Last season: 26-9 (8-4 West Suburban Silver).
Top returners: Jack Ramsey, sr., G; Colin Doyle, jr., F.
Top newcomers: Miki Vasilakopoulous, jr., G/F; Kam Ganier, jr., PG; Jacob Vroman, jr., F; Owen O’Reilly, jr., G; Connor Crowley, so., G.
Worth noting: In the Thomas era, the Trojans have turned into a heavyweight program in the state. Despite just two key returnees back in Ramsey and Doyle, the Trojans have enough firepower to make some noise in the West Suburban Silver. Expect the 6-7, 220-pound Doyle, a Duke baseball recruit, to make a big leap in his game after coming off the bench last season. “Our primary strengths are high-level team defense,” Thomas said. “We take pride in guarding. Our upside is strong. Although we lack experience, that gives us room to grow quickly. We’ve already seen progress in practice, and our group should get a boost when our football players return.”
Downers Grove South
Coach: Zach Miller
Last season: 18-13 (11-1 West Suburban Gold).
Top returners: Adam Flowers, sr., G; Sean Day, sr., G/F; Erik Vagonis, sr., F.
Top newcomers: Antonio Evans Jr., jr., F; Brennan McNamara, jr., PG; Dimitri Letsos jr., F.
Worth noting: The Mustangs have the talent for another memorable season, led by Flowers, Day and Vagonis. Flowers averaged 18.5 points per game last season, and Day is set for a bigger role after coming off the bench. The 6-6 Vagonis is a player to watch this season. “Adam does it all offensive and also defensively leads the team,” Miller said. “He gives us what we need and got a feel for both ends. Sean is a shooter, but now more of a playmaker and can do a lot off the bounce. He has a high IQ and his timing on defense is key for us. Erik is a great shot blocker, but expanded his game and is a great passer and finisher.
“We have some tough games on the schedule, but this group of guys, in my five years, are all basketball junkies. They like to compete and leaving it all out there.”
Fenton
Coach: Chaz Taft, 11th season.
Last season’s record: 16-15 overall, 5-7 in the Upstate Eight East (fourth place).
Top returners: Curtis Ellis, jr., G; Matt Somenek, jr., G/F; Ivan Medrano, sr., G/F; Amari Kelley, sr., F.
Key newcomers: Titus White, soph., F; Luca Protas, jr., G; Julian Medina, jr., G; Liam Menchaca, jr., F; Manny Bello, jr., F/C; Luis Caro Caceres, jr., G; Nico Gonzalez, jr., F; Dani Benavides, jr., G/F; Michael Ramirez, jr., G/F.
Worth noting: Taft has guided the Bison to a 68-28 record the past three seasons — the best 3-year mark in school history. Fenton carries a 3-year streak of winning campaigns into the season for the first time since 2005-2007. Ellis and Somenek are the lone starters returning from the 16-win squad last season, while Medrano and Kelley saw limited playing time. “We only have two starters coming back, and they’re both juniors,” said Taft. “We have two seniors (Medrano and Kelley) and 11 underclassmen. My goal is to get better each day and compete against each opponent.” Taft’s teams pride themselves on defense and ball possession. “Our defense and rebounding are our keys to winning at Fenton,” said the coach. “We are really excited to see what we can put together over the next two years with this group of players.” Fenton hosts its own Thanksgiving Tournament against Romeoville, Fremd, and Willowbrook on Nov. 24, 26, 28-29.
Glenbard East
Coach: Eric Kelly, fourth season.
Last season’s record: 22-11 overall, 11-1 in the Upstate Eight East (first place).
Top returners: Michael Nee, sr., G; Danny Snyder, sr., G; Jacob Marynowski, sr., F; Sam Walton, sr., F; Norman Loechel, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Keenan House, sr., G.
Worth noting: The Rams enjoyed several highlights last season, capturing the Upstate Eight East title as well as the school’s first Class 4A regional championship since 2020. Glenbard East earned both the regional semifinal and regional final victories by 59-49 scores over Bartlett and Proviso East, respectively. Nee, a 6-foot-3 senior, is committed to D1 South Dakota. “Michael is recognized as one of the top shooters in the country after a great summer on the Adidas National Circuit,” said Kelly. The Rams have solid height with the 6-6 Walton, 6-3 Marynowski and Loechel, and 6-2 Snyder and House. “With eight of our top nine returning (all seniors), including four starters and a Division 1 player, expectations are very high,” said the coach. “The schedule is beefed up with five shootouts versus Catholic League power Mt. Carmel, Public League power Curie, Lemont, and Rich Township, to name a few. The goal is to get downstate. All the ingredients are in place.”
Glenbard North
Coach: Kevin Tonn, fifth season.
Last season’s record: 16-15 overall, 9-5 in the DuKane (third place).
Top returners: Lamari Carpenter, jr., G; Oturo Redento, jr., F; Matt Welch, sr., F.
Key newcomers: George Schager, soph., G; Joey Randa, jr., G; Caeden Chilton, jr., G; Jamarious Bassette, sr., G.
Worth noting: Eighteen of the Panthers’ 31 games last season were decided by 10 points or less — the team finished 9-9 in those games. Carpenter, a 6-foot-4 guard, 6-6 forward Redento, and 6-4 forward Welch bring valuable experience to the fold. “Lamari and Oturo are talented and versatile juniors who enter their second varsity seasons after both averaged double figures as sophomores,” said Tonn. “The team will be anchored by (6-4) Welch, who shot 52% from 3-point range.” Schager, a 6-2 sophomore, heads the list of younger newcomers. “George looks to make his mark after being pulled up midway through last year,” said the coach. The Panthers open their season against Glenbard East, Glenbard South, and Glenbard West in the District 87 Tournament.
Glenbard South
Coach: Jason Mead, third season at Glenbard South, 13th overall.
Last season’s record: 17-16 overall, 6-6 in the Upstate Eight East (third place).
Top returners: Sean Reese, jr., G; PJ Lehr, sr., G; Cooper Langreder, jr., F; Will Sieck, jr., G; Johnathan Hadley, jr., G; Gavin Bustos, sr., G; Hunter Fort, sr., F; Sam Rickert, sr., F.
Key newcomers: Amir Jackson, sr., G; Rez Maloku, soph., F; Mason Fort, soph., F; Hamza Siddiqui, soph., G; Jordyn Warren, jr., G; Ryan Jurs, jr., F; Omair Aleemuddin, jr., G.
Worth noting: The Raiders have a lot of interchangeable parts, with Reese, Lehr, Sieck, Hadley, and Bustos returning in the backcourt, while Jackson, Siddiqui, Warren, and Aleemuddin provide depth. Langreder, a 6-foot-4 forward, will be joined by 6-1 Hunter Fort, 6-0 Rickert, 6-1 Maloku, 6-4 Jurs, and 6-3 Mason Fort in the frontcourt. “We expect to compete in every game and continue to build the culture of commitment we’ve started,” said Mead. “We have a combination of young players — there will be a lot of sophomores and juniors in the rotation — and some experience, as three starters return, while five others played a lot.” The Raiders open against Glenbard West, Glenbard North, and Glenbard East in the District 87 Tournament. “It will be an exciting season,” said the coach.
Glenbard West
Coach: Jason Opoka
Last season: 28-6, 10-2 (West Suburban Silver — Co Champions).
Top returners: Josh Abushanab, sr., G; Chase Cavan, sr., F; Jacob Harvanek, sr., G.
Top newcomers: Finn Sheely, jr., G; Brady Johnson, jr., F; Bennett Kammes, jr., G; AJ Rayford, jr., G; Josiah Wallace, jr., F.
Worth noting: Sparked by the all-around play of Josh Abushanab, the Hilltoppers are looking to be in the running for a conference title. The 6-5 Abushanab is one of the elite players in the state, combining solid offensive skills with a big-time defensive presence. “Josh Abushanab is entering his fourth varsity season and primed for a big year,” Opoka said. “The team's strengths are physicality along with IQ and outside shooting. What this team lacks in varsity basketball experience, they make up for in multi-sport athletes who are team-first competitors. Last year's team set a high bar (D87 championship, co-conference title, regional/sectional title), but the core of this team was a part of that winning, saw what it takes and is willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to repeat as conference champions and surpass 20 wins.”
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Nick Latorre
Last season: 29-4, 10-2 (WSC Silver Champions) — set the school record for 25 consecutive victories
Top returners: The Red Devils return no starters and only six percent of the offensive scoring from last year
Top newcomers: Cole Bero, sr., G; Christian Cheung, sr., G; Kris Dowell, sr., G.
Worth noting: The Hinsdale Central varsity basketball team is coming off the winningest three-year stretch in the 125-year history of Red Devil basketball, recording 75 victories over the past three seasons, winning two West Suburban Conference championships and earning two Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic titles. The Red Devils are expected to be inexperienced, but the team will be energetic and will welcome a fast-paced style of play. Dowell, a Grinnell College recruit, is a player to watch.
Hinsdale South
Coach: Scott Tanaka
Last season: 8-23 (6-6 West Suburban Gold).
Top returners: Chase Edwards, Kareem Esily, Jonathan Greenwood, Colton Lin, Niko Therapos, Noah Therapos, Maurice Oglesby Jr., Hamza Truttling, Nas Yaqub.
Top newcomers: Louie Dusek, Simas Mockus, Devin Shah, Jashi Tvelil, Kayden Verdun.
Worth noting: Hinsdale South is aiming for a winning season based on a strong group of returnees. The Hornets have a strong group of underclassmen and talent to be a contender in the division. “All 14 guys have bought into the culture and are willing to put the team first,” Tanaka said. “Our goal is to get better every single day. The potential of this team is very high and the expectations as a program will continue to rise.”
IC Catholic Prep
Coach: TJ Tyrrell, 14th season.
Last season’s record: 25-8 overall, 6-2 in the CCL White (second place).
Top returners: Will Schmidt, soph., G/F; Toby Piotrowski, sr., F; Alex Simkowski, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Noal Valadez, jr., G; Jimmy Parrilli, jr., G.
Worth noting: The Knights graduated eight seniors from last year’s school record-setting, 25-win team, but the program returns a motivated core eager to step into bigger roles. Schmidt, a 6-foot-2 swing player, recently concluded a successful football season as a 2-way standout. “Will provides valuable experience, and seniors Toby and Alex anchor a strong junior class behind them,” said Tyrrell. IC Catholic welcomes several other key football players once they round into basketball shape. “Effort, toughness, and a strong team culture should keep the team competitive throughout the season,” said the coach. IC Catholic is looking for its first Class 2A regional title since 2018. The Knights will face Peotone, Manteno, and Beecher at the Manteno Thanksgiving Tournament.
Lake Park
Coach: Billy Pitcher, eighth season.
Last season’s record: 12-19 overall, 6-8 in the DuKane (fourth place).
Top returners: Freddy Battaglia, sr., F; Luca Stella, sr., G; Brennan Shannon, soph., F.
Key newcomers: Christian Burge, fresh., G; Peyton Woods, jr., G; Truvell Lee, jr., F; Aurian Patel, jr., G.
Worth noting: Pitcher, who guided the Lancers to a 73-23 mark in the three seasons prior to last year’s 13-win campaign, brings plenty of optimism into the 2025-2026 season. “We have size and experience,” said the coach. “We expect to be very competitive in the conference, in the area, and in the difficult opening (Ed Molitor) Palatine Thanksgiving Tournament. We have a great group of young players who are making practices very competitive and fun.” Battaglia, a 6-foot-4 forward, earned unanimous all-conference honors while averaging 11.8 points per game last season. Stella, a 6-3 guard, was an honorable mention all-DuKane pick after averaging 8.5 points per contest. “None of our players played a fall sport,” said Pitcher. “They have been working on their game, lifting, playing AAU and open gyms, so they are more prepared to start the season than we have been in previous years.”
Lisle
Coach: Andrew Weber, fourth season.
Last season’s record: 7-25 overall, 2-12 in the Illinois Central 8 (eighth place).
Top returners: Simas Dobilas, soph., G; Justas Dobilas, jr., G; Hunter McGrath, jr., G; Noah Nigro, jr., G; David Nicholas, sr., G; Colin Keating, sr., F.
Key newcomers: Lucas Bundschuh, ar., G; Frankie Zifcak, jr., G.
Worth noting: Lisle looks to get off to a faster start after dropping its first five games last season on the way to a 7-win campaign. “We are a young, experienced team that returns three underclassmen starters from last year’s team,” said Weber. “Our expectation is to continue to get better throughout the season, and competing for a championship.” The Lions welcome back seniors Nicholas and Keating, along with 6-foot-2 guards Justas Dobilas and Simas Dobilas. Zifcak, a 6-3 junior, and 5-11 senior Bundschuh add backcourt depth for the Lions, who open the season against West Chicago, Westmont, and Timothy Christian in their own Thanksgiving tournament.
Metea Valley
Coach: Isaiah Davis, seventh season.
Last season’s record: 20-13 overall, 4-6 in the DuPage Valley (tied for third place).
Top returners: Tre Watkins, sr., G; CJ Jordan, sr., F; Koi Young, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Marcus Brewell, jr., G; Manny Miller, jr., G; Marcus Wallace, sr., F; Collin Booker, jr., G; Marcus Sewart, jr., G; Sincere Williams, soph., F; Solomon Morrison, soph., F; Trey Jordan, soph., F.
Worth noting: The Mustangs have experienced a good deal of success in recent seasons, enjoying a record of 60-33 the past three years. This year’s group figures to be led by returning all-conference guard Watkins, who has committed to the University of Illinois-Springfield. Jordan, a 6-foot-3 forward, and 6-foot guard Young also add experience. “I expect us to be competitive,” said Davis. Wallace (6-7), Williams (6-7), and Morrison (6-5) give Metea much needed height. “We are young, and the guys haven’t spent much time playing together at the varsity level, but it’s a group that I expect to get better as the season goes on.” Metea begins its season against Lincoln Park at the Downers Grove North Thanksgiving Tournament.
Montini
Coach: DeAndre McCamey, first season.
Last season’s record: 20-13 overall, 6-2 in the CCL White (second place).
Top returners: Robert Sansone, sr., G; Angelo DeSensi, sr., F.
Key newcomers: Stafford Brown, soph., G; Dominic Lombardi, soph., G.
Worth noting: McCamey begins his first season as the Broncos’ head coach after serving as a varsity assistant coach the past four years. He also was an assistant coach at Glenbard East and St. Joseph, where McCamey played for IHSA Hall of Famer Gene Pingatore and won a state championship. Sansone, a 6-foot-1 guard, averaged 15 points per game last season, while 6-6, 270-pound forward DeSensi averaged 8 points and 7 rebounds per contest. “When our football players return (the Broncos are playing in the Class 4A state semifinals), we could become a good team by the middle of the season,” said McCamey. “We have a lot of optimism with a lot of young guys and inexperienced players.” Winners of four straight regional titles, the Broncos begin play against Evanston on Nov. 26 at the Fenton Thanksgiving Tournament.
Naperville Central
Coach: Michael Wilson, second season.
Last season’s record: 8-21 overall, 1-9 in the DuPage Valley (sixth place).
Top returners: TJ Hillman, sr., G; Casey Cooperkawa, sr., F; Cooper Page, sr., G; Nate Abrahamson, sr., G/F.
Key newcomers: Oskar Eriksson, jr., F/C; Quinn Oeth, jr., G/F; Liam Lau, soph., G.
Worth noting: Naperville Central won eight games last season before losing to Bolingbrook in the Class 4A regional semifinals. Despite finishing sixth in the rugged DuPage Valley, the Redhawks earned their first conference victory in more than 700 days when they beat Metea Valley, 64-54, last January. Hillman, a 6-foot point guard, has gotten offers from several D3 schools, while Cooperkawa, Page, and 6-5 Abrahamson all received serious minutes as juniors. Lau will be playing his first varsity minutes, while 6-8 Eriksson and Oeth look to impact games early. “We are looking to be more competitive in my second year,” said Wilson. “We had a strong summer record and have been working hard in the weight room and at open gyms since school started in August.”
Naperville North
Coach: Gene Nolan, eighth season.
Last season’s record: 17-15 overall, 3-7 in the DuPage Valley (fifth place).
Top returners: Max Steele, sr., G; Carson Loughlin, sr., G; Miles Okyne, sr., G; Jack Zitko, jr., G; Will Harvey, sr., F.
Key newcomers: Reid Montanari, jr., F; Antonio Brown, sr., G; Jake Victor, sr., F; Nolan Scarbrough, jr., F.
Worth noting: The Huskies are in an enviable position, as they return all five starters from a team that won 17 games last season. Those five starters — 5-foot-9 point guard Steele (11.7 ppg), 6-3 guard Loughlin (11.9 ppg), 6-4 Okyne, 6-foot Zitko, and 6-3 Harvey combined to average 47.2 points per game last season. Steele earned all-DVC honors a year ago, while Loughlin was an all-conference special mention selection last season. “Our strengths are balanced scoring, shooting, and team chemistry,” said Nolan. “Defense and rebounding will be the key.” The Huskies open the season against Payton College Prep, Dyett, and St. Patrick at the Ridgewood Thanksgiving Tournament.
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Todd Sutton, 28th season.
Last season’s record: 20-13 overall, 4-6 in the DuPage Valley (tied for fourth).
Top returners: Andrew Hoffman, sr., F; Cole Kelly, soph., F; Mason Martin, jr., G; Carter Coviello, jr., G; Tyler Tepas, sr., G; Marcus Magee, sr., F; Darlin Aghomi, sr., C; Danny Mikuta, jr., F.
Key newcomers: Darius Brockington, sr., G; Luke Balgro, jr., F; Eli Poulakidas, jr., G; Byron Thomas, jr., G; Arshil Khimani, jr., G.
Worth noting: With just five seniors on the varsity team, the Wildcats are still young but promising. Hoffman, a 6-foot forward, started last year, while Martin, a 6-5 guard, was a part-time starter a year ago. The Wildcats also return 6-7 sophomore guard/forward Kelly, who has already received D1 offers from Illinois, DePaul, Iowa, Drake, Missouri, and Nebraska. “We are more experienced that last year’s team, so we should improve in all areas,” said Sutton, who owns a 547-264 record in 27 seasons at Neuqua. “Defense and rebounding are our keys — and they are also our biggest concerns.” Neuqua opens its season against West Aurora, Oswego, and Oswego East at Oswego’s Hoops 4 Healing Tournament Nov. 25-26, 28. “We hope to compete for a conference and regional title,” said the coach.
St. Francis
Coach: Erin Dwyer, 11th season.
Last season’s record: 15-17 overall, 4-4 in the CCL White (fifth place).
Top returners: Nathan Silagi, sr., G; Tanner Hozia, sr., G; Ben Whorlow, jr., F; Carter Clark, sr., F; Luke Dufrense, sr., F; Tommy Ston, sr., F.
Key newcomers: Jack Bratthauer, jr., G; Johnny Shannon, jr., F.
Worth noting: After finishing .500 in the CCL White a year ago, the Spartans have been moved to the CCL Blue, which figures to be a step up in competition. “The CCL Blue has eight of the top programs in the state, so we recognize the schedule will be a major test,” said Dwyer. “We are looking forward to it.” The CCL Blue includes DePaul Prep, Fenwick, St. Ignatius, Loyola, St. Laurence, Mt. Carmel, DeLaSalle, and Brother Rice. Hozian and Silagi return for their third season of varsity action. Both players plan to play college basketball next season. Whorlow, a 6-foot-9, 220-pound forward, figures to be a force. “Ben has really moved up the recruiting radar with his ability to shoot, guard, rebound, and block shots,” said the coach. “He brings a presence on both ends of the floor.” St. Francis lost to DeLaSalle in the 3A regional finals last season. “This group has done a great job working on their game, playing much tougher competition in the offseason,” said Dwyer.
Timothy Christian
Coach: Peyton Wyatt, first season.
Last season’s record: 9-21 overall, 3-5 in the Chicagoland Christian (fifth place).
Top returners: Marc Gamble, sr., F; Dylan Drye, jr., G; Wes Hueber, sr., G; Adam Roland, sr., F; Charles Rieger, jr., G; Isaac Plaisier, jr., G; Charlie Crichton, sr., G/F.
Key newcomers: Parker Jones, jr., G; Brian Gannon, jr., G; Lukas Kaciulis, fresh., G.
Worth noting: The Trojans have a new coach in Wyatt, who served as an associate head coach at Elmhurst University and was part of the 2022 NCAA Division III national runner-up team. However, they return a familiar face in 6-foot-7 Gamble, who earned third team all-state recognition after averaging 18 points and 7 rebounds per game last season. “This is a high IQ, mentally tough and driven group, led by a strong core of upperclassmen who have grown together through experience and adversity,” said Wyatt. “With a mature approach and strong leadership on and off the court, they’re poised to take a major step forward this season. The talent and chemistry are in place to be competitive in what is arguably one of the deepest and most challenging small school conferences in the state (Chicagoland Christian).” Timothy opens against Westmont, West Chicago, and Lisle at Lisle’s Thanksgiving Tournament.
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Andrew Schweitzer, fifth season.
Last season’s record: 31-3 overall, 9-1 in the DuPage Valley (first place).
Top returners: Kris Mporokoso, jr., G/F; Kyler Payne, soph., F.
Key newcomers: Aidan Lee, sr., G; Tate Bartzen, sr., G; TJ Horton, sr., G.
Worth noting: The Warriors enjoyed a superb season in 2024-2025, establishing a program single-season record with 31 victories, including school-best 22-game winning streak. They also graduated a strong senior group that included Moses Wilson and Daily Herald DuPage All-Area Captain Tyreek Coleman (now at Illinois State). “We will have a number of new faces this year, as we graduated six of our top seven players,” said Schweitzer, who has guided the program to a 58-6 record the past two seasons. “However, we have two exceptionally talented young players in Mporokoso and Payne, who will be supported by a senior class that can really shoot the ball. It will be fun to see who takes advantage of their opportunities and steps up this season.” Waubonsie, which captured back-to-back Class 4A regional titles last season for the first time since 2007-2008, begins play against Proviso East on Nov. 24 at the Downers Grove North Thanksgiving Tournament.
Westmont
Coach: Craig Etheridge
Last season: 14-18 (5-2 Chicago Prep Conference).
Top returners: Luca Valencia, sr., G, Maddox Valencia, soph., G; Carter Sullivan, sr., G; Vitaly Stetskyy, sr., C.
Top newcomers: Ricky Yenkin, jr., F; Colin McDaniels, jr., G; Jaiden Rapinchuk, soph., F.
Worth noting: The Sentinels graduated a lot of key players from last year's team, however, there are still a few remaining skilled players with substantial varsity experience. The combination of new and returning talent should put us in position to have a successful season.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Daniel Smith, fourth season.
Last season’s record: 21-9 overall, 8-0 in the Chicagoland Christian (first place).
Top returners: Hayden Schroeder, jr., F; Jackson Snider, jr., G; Tyler Anderson, soph., G.
Key newcomers: Kaleb Istvanik, sr., G; Josiah Nichols, jr., G.
Worth noting: The Warriors look to build off their success from last season that included 21 victories and a trip to the 3A regional championship game (losing 66-56 to Kaneland). While the team will consist of many young players getting their first varsity action, the Warriors return an integral part in the form of 6-foot-8 junior Schroeder. Schroeder, who was named MVP of the Chicagoland Christian last season, has already received multiple D1 offers (Toledo, Western Michigan). “This team should have a high floor, but the ceiling will depend on toughness, defense, and the development of key pieces over the coming months,” said Smith. “This team is connected and love competing together.” Wheaton Academy opens its season against Plainfield East, Thornridge, and St. Charles North in the annual RJ Thanksgiving Tournament at St. Charles East.
Wheaton North
Coach: David Eaton
Last season: 12-17 (4-9 DuKane Conference)
Top returners: Henry Schlickman, sr., PG; Briggs Barnick, sr., G; Will Channing, sr., G; Sean Pedersen, sr., G; Ben Gillmar, jr., Point forward.
Top newcomers: Burke Neibch, jr., G; Ryder Froebe, sr., G; Jon Clayton, jr., G; Zander Zielinski, sr., G; Matthew Rebholz, sr., G; Adam Schilling, jr., F; Jacob Johnson, jr., F.
Worth noting: The Falcons head into the season bringing back their all-conference point guard in Schlickman. The Falcons are looking to battle and be competitive in a talented conference. The 6-footer scored 26 points in a double-overtime loss to Metamora last season, and tossed in 15 points and 7 rebounds against St. Charles North. His outside shooting and leadership will be essential for a team looking to top last season’s 12-win total.
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Michael Healy
Last season: 24-8, (12-2 DuKane Conference). Won a regional title.
Top returners: Brady McClatchy, sr., G; Zach Rogers, sr., G.
Top newcomers: AJ Rogers, so.; David Showman, jr.; Quinn McCody, jr.
Worth noting: Under the direction of Healy, the Tigers have been a formidable team in the region, piling up impressive victories and exceeding expectations nearly every season due to a toughness and grit by his players, especially on defense and patience on offense. McClatchy and Rogers, a three-year starter, will shoulder the load for the start of the season until some newcomers get comfortable playing heavy minutes on the varsity. “Our strengths will be that we have a great group of seniors, who have shown tremendous leadership and have a really good work ethic,” Healy said. “Our hopes are that we will be pretty good at the defensive end. We should be pretty athletic. We hope we can rebound with bigger teams, as we aren't that big. I think offensively that we have lots of guys that can contribute, but we need to get that to be consistent. Our goals are always the same: Get better every day and enjoy the journey of the season.”
Willowbrook
Coach: Chris Perkins
Last season: 10-21 (4-8 West Suburban Gold)
Top returners: O.J. Powell, sr., G/F; Jaylin Griffin, sr., G; Michael Garner, jr., F.
Top newcomers: Jory Crocker, sr., G/F; J.J. Miulli, jr., G/F; Jashua Cruz, jr., G; Zack Boyton, sr., G.
Worth noting: The Warriors are aiming to take a step forward with three returners, two of which will be three-year Varsity players this season. Willowbrook’s offense will be led by Powell, who averaged 20.0 points per game last season.
“ With an early tough schedule, there may be some growing pains but the Warriors expect to be in the hunt for a conference title, which they last achieved in 2022,” Perkins said.
York
Coach: Mike Dunn
Last season: 14-18 (3-9 West Suburban Gold) lost in regional final to Wheaton Warrenville South.
Top returners: Hunter Stepanich, sr., C; Costa Kampas, sr., C; Sawyer Asgedom, jr., G.
Top newcomers: Will O’Leary, soph, G; Joseph Lubbe, jr., F; Miles Burnison, jr., C; Nathan Poku, jr., G; Will Greetis, soph, F.
Worth noting: The Dukes return their frontcourt from last season, led by 6-9 Stepanich, Princeton Football/Volleyball commit and a three-year varsity basketball player that led the Dukes in scoring at 12 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks last season ppg. The 6-6 Kampas, a Georgetown football commit, averaging 4.0 points and 2.0 rebounds last season. The Dukes’ backcourt will be young but talented led by junior Sawyer Asegdom, who was second on the team with 24 3-pointers last season. Watch out for talented guards in sophomore Will O'Leary and junior Joseph Lubbe.
— Bobby Narang from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview.