Boys basketball season preview: Scouting Fox Valley
Aurora Central Catholic
Coach: Josh Izzo, third season.
Last season’s record: 4-28 overall, 0-8 in the CCL White (ninth place).
Top returners: Nick Czerak, jr., G/F; Myles Manuel, soph., F.
Key newcomers: Marcus McGill, jr., G.
Worth noting: Despite having just one senior – guard Jack Swiatek – on the roster, the Chargers are not as young as they were last season. “We are now a more experienced team, having to go through last season with only three upperclassmen on the roster,” said Izzo. Czerak begins his third varsity campaign, and is one of nine juniors alongside Kyle Stanislo (G), Marcos Pena (G), Joey Arch (F/C), Miguel Vazquez (F), and Braden Dillon (F/C). “We fully expect to be competitive every night and are striving for a .500-plus record for the first time in a decade,” said the coach. “Our efforts are to be in the mix for the Chicago Catholic League White division this season.” ACC begins its season against Francis Parker, Elmwood Park, and Walther Christian at the Elmwood Park Thanksgiving Tournament Nov. 24-26. The Chargers will participate in the ICCP/Westmont Christmas Tournament Dec. 26-30.
Aurora Christian
Coach: Dan Beebe, 10th season.
Last season’s record: 19-13 overall, 2-6 in the Chicagoland Christian (seventh place).
Top returners: Jacob Baumann, sr., G; Asa Johnson, sr., F; Preston Morel, jr., G; Joe Decort, jr., G; Jack Wayne, sr., F.
Key newcomers: Zach Zappia, sr., F; Noah Zappia, soph., C; Luke Baumann, fresh., G; Ty Beebe, fresh., G.
Worth noting: Seeking its third consecutive sectional championship, Aurora Christian returns experienced players in 6-foot guard Jacob Baumann (12.8-point average), 6-4 forward Johnson (10.7 ppg), and 6-2 guard Morel (9 ppg) from a team that knocked off Hinckley-Big Rock, 57-54, in the 1A sectional finals before falling to eventual state runner-up Eastland (51-44) in the supersectional. Johnson, who quarterbacked the Eagles to the second round of the 2A football playoffs this past season, will sign with Northern Illinois next month for football. Last season, the Eagles got off to a 6-0 start and put together another 6-game winning streak late that included four postseason victories. “We expect to be in the thick of the race in a strong conference,” said Beebe. Aurora Christian will participate in the KSA Invite in Orlando before Christmas, and return to the State Farm Classic in Bloomington on Dec. 26-27, 29-30.
Bartlett
Coach: Jim Wolfsmith, 18th season.
Last season’s record: 12-18 overall, 9-3 in the Upstate Eight West (tied for second).
Top returners: Joey Cwik, jr., G; Mikey Kampa, sr., G; Brandon Pelz, sr., G; Adrian Nankov, sr., F; Quint’Ion Wright, jr., G.
Key newcomers: Brandon Johnson, sr., G; Kingston Hodges, soph., G; Kellen Myers, soph., F; Mason Leiterman, fresh., G; Andy Maloche, fresh., F.
Worth noting: The Hawks return lighting quick 6-foot-1 junior guard Cwik, a two-year starter who poured in a career-high 31 points in a victory over South Elgin last February, along with 6-1 guard Kampa, 6-2 guard Pelz, 6-2 forward Nankov, and 5-11 guard Wright. Pelz is a Valparaiso baseball commit. Johnson, a 6-2 guard, is a transfer from Glenbard East. The Hawks open their season against Batavia, Maine East, and Marmion at Batavia’s Ken Peddy Windmill City Classic on Nov. 24, 26, and 28. Wolfsmith, who has been a coach at Bartlett since the school’s doors opened 29 years ago, owns a 304-226 record during his 17 seasons as head coach.
Batavia
Coach: Jim Nazos, 13th season
Last season’s record: 13-18, 5-9 DuKane (tied for fifth in conference)
Top returners: Xavier Justice, sr., G; Joe Reid, sr., G; Brett Berggren, sr., F; Evan Blankenship, sr., G; Ben Silbernagel, sr., G; Joe Daley, sr., G; Dane Farrar, jr., G; Olan Johnson, sr., F
Worth noting: The 2024-2025 season was a down year for the Bulldogs, who finished the season with a losing record for the first time since 2018. Despite losing all-state honorable mention recipient Jax Abalos, who’s now at Cornell, the Bulldogs return a lot of depth this season. Justice, Reid and Berggren all return as starters from last season, while also returning multiple key pieces off the bench like Farrar. The Bulldogs did take a big hit on the roster, with senior forward Gavin Heniff suffering a season-ending ACL injury during practice. But Nazos says that even with that, he’s confident in his team. “The Bulldogs will again look to be very competitive in a very competitive conference,” Nazos said.
Burlington Central
Coach: Brett Porto, 17th season
Last season’s record: 22-10, 13-5 Fox Valley (third in conference)
Top returners: Patrick Magan, jr., F; Ryan Carpenter, jr., G; Cash Cumpata, jr., G; Bennek Braden, jr., G; Stefan Mesdlijza, sr., F; Tyler Kotwica, sr., F; Danny Cassata, sr., G; Brady Andersen, sr., G
Top newcomers: Colton Oniel, jr., F; Declan Wilson, fr., F; Markus Hansen, fr., F; Cedric Cenzia, jr., G
Worth noting: Coming off their ninth consecutive 20-win season, the Rockets will look a little different in terms of their starters. Central lost four of its five starters from last year, including Jake Johnson and Patrick Shell. Magan is the only starter from last season returning, but provides plenty of length in the center. Carpenter, Cumpata and Braden, who were regular contributors coming off the bench last season, will be expected to take on an increased role this season. The Rockets have nine 20-win seasons since 2015-16. They went 16-1 during the abbreviated COVID-19 season (2020-21). Central is 70-17 since joining the FVC in 2019-20. The 6-6 Magan is the only returning starter and was a good complement to a veteran starting group last season. He averaged 6.7 points and had five of his eight double-digit games in the Rockets’ last seven contests. The Rockets will look to make a deep playoff run after suffering first-round exits in each of the last two seasons. “We hope to be competitive in every game with a difficult schedule,” Porto said.
Cary-Grove
Coach: Adam McCloud (10th season)
Last season: 19-14, 8-10 in FVC (tie for fourth)
Top returning players: Adam Bauer, sr. (F, 6-7); AJ Berndt, sr. (G, 6-1); Dylan Dumele, sr. (G, 6-2); Brady Bauer, sr. (F, 6-3); Brady Elbert. sr. (F, 6-2)
Top newcomers: Evan Bauer, so. (F, 6-5); Jackson Berndt, so. (G, 6-3); Vinny Stissel, jr. (G, 5-7)
Worth noting: Seven seniors are back for a Trojans team that has one of the better inside-out duos in the area in three-year starters Adam Bauer (14.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.6 spg) and AJ Berndt (11.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2 spg). Both were all-conference players last season and have tools that have attracted a range of Division III coaches, McCloud said. Bauer is a powerful, athletic forward who is comfortable putting the ball on the ground, defending in space and hitting open jumpers. McCloud calls Berndt “a skilled, intelligent floor general who understands how to create space and control pace. He is also a high-level three-point shooter who can fill it up from distance.” Fellow senior Dumele returns as one of the better catch-and-shoot threats in the area. Seniors Brady Bauer and Elbert played regularly coming off the bench last season. McCloud said they bring size, strength and toughness to the front court. McCloud said he believes this will be his deepest team since the 31-3 team in 2020 that featured two scholarship-level players.
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Matt LePage (14th season)
Last season: 30-5, 16-2 in FVC (tie for first)
Top returning players: Carson Trivellini, jr. (G, 6-3); Nick Stowasser, jr. (G, 6-4); Ryan Morgan, so. (F, 6-6); John Morgan, so. (F, 6-7); Vince Santarelli, sr. (F, 6-4)
Top newcomers: Noah Cook, jr. (G, 6-6); David McFadden, sr. (G, 6-3); Ethan Nawracaj, jr, (G, 6-1); Michael Santos, jr. (F, 6-3); Wesley Bogda, so. (F, 6-6); Rylan Robinson, so. (G, 5-9)
Worth noting: Led by AJ Demirov, the Gators earned a share of the FVC title with McHenry and a third-straight Class 3A regional title last season. Demirov (Newberry College) averaged 18.5 points, 4.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds a game. The point guard graduated as the school’s all-time leading scorer, but his departure doesn’t mean the Gators are in rebuild mode. Trivellini shined as Demirov’s backcourt partner, averaging 13.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists. Besides Trivellini, who recently committed to play baseball for Illinois, the Gators return the massive Morgan twins, both of provided a physical presence in the paint last season, despite being freshmen. The 6-6 Cook played on varsity for Huntley as a sophomore last season, while McFadden is a transfer from Larkin. “We will be young, yet still have some experience from last season, and the guys are excited about new roles and opportunities,” said LePage, whose team graduated three starters. “Length, depth and energy should be our team strength. We are looking to improve each day with the goal of playing our best basketball late in the season.”
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Lance Huber (23rd season)
Last season: 14-14, 8-10 in FVC (tie for fourth)
Top returning players: Rasheed Trice, sr. (F/G, 6-1); Anthony Spain, jr. (G, 5-10); Kadin Malone, sr. (G, 5-8)
Top newcomers: Shane DeMarsh, jr. (F/G, 5-10); Max Backus, jr. (F, 6-0); Hudson Reardon, so. (F, 6-2); Anthony Pittman, so. (G, 5-10); Nathan Pederson, so. (F/G, 6-0)
Worth noting: The Chargers graduated their top two players in Jared Russell (17.2 ppg, school-record 87 3-pointers) and Terrion Spencer (9.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 5 apg). ... Trice is the team’s top returning scoring, as he averaged 7 points and 4 rebounds a game last season. ... Malone played more of a defensive role last season but hit a buzzer-beating jumper to beat Prairie Ridge. ... Three sophomores are up. “We are looking to improve each day and become a consistent team who will be playing their best basketball at the end of the season,” Huber said. “We are not very big, so we will need to be fundamentally sound at both ends of the court in order to be successful.”
Elgin
Coach: Kurt Kerrigan, second season.
Last season’s record: 2-28 overall, 0-12 in the Upstate Eight West (seventh place).
Top returners: Ryan Varghese, sr., G; Coreyon Johnson, sr., F.
Key newcomers: Lamar Powell, soph., G; Ja’Miere Moore, soph., F.
Worth noting: The Maroons bring back eight varsity players from a youthful squad last season that suffered their share of growing pains. Johnson, a 6-foot-2 forward, enjoyed a superb football season this past fall, while Varghese is a 6-2 guard. “Our team chemistry has improved, along with our skillset,” said Kerrigan. “We lost some size but will play faster. We won some summer league games this year in comparison to last summer. We had a great buy-in and dedication to getting better this offseason.” Elgin opens its season against Grant, Crystal Lake Central, and Belvidere at the Crystal Lake Central Thanksgiving Tournament. “We are excited to see the outcomes of the games this year,” said the coach.
Geneva
Coach: Scott Hennig, ninth season
Last season’s record: 29-5, 14-0 DuKane (first in conference)
Top returners: Gabe Jensen, sr., G; Dane Turner, sr., F; Ben Peterson, jr., F; Nathan Palmer, sr., G; Nelson Wendell, jr., G; Jackson McCarthy, sr., G; Kyle Suger, sr., F
Top newcomers: Alec Graham, sr., G; Aaron Masoncup, jr., G; David Udiowood, jr., G; Owen Harrison, jr., F
Worth noting: The Vikings are coming off of one of their most successful seasons in school history, going undefeated in DuKane Conference play and racking up the most wins in a season since 2018. Despite losing Hudson Kirby, Geneva returns plenty of experience on the court. Jensen will return to lead from the PG spot, while Turner and Peterson also return as starters on the wing and post, respectively. Hennig said he expects the depth of the players out on the wing to be a strength for the Vikings, who will play in Class 3A this year for the postseason. “Rebounding will be crucial to our success, but strong guard play and outside shooting should be the team’s primary strengths,” Hennig said. “We aim to remain competitive in the DuKane Conference and continue to grow as the season progresses.”
Hampshire
Coach: Mike Featherly (seventh season)
Last season: 11-21, 6-12 in FVC (ninth)
Top returning players: Cole Harkin, sr. (G, 5-9); Jordan Parish, sr. (G, 5-9); Jaiden Baldwin, sr. (F, 6-2); Sean Roth, sr. (G, 6-4); Devin Bach, sr. (F, 6-2); Israel Ayoola, sr. (F, 6-3); Eli Schol, sr. (G, 6-0); John Belshan, sr. (G, 5-9)
Top newcomers: Cam Huffman, sr. (G, 6-0); Trey Simmons, jr. (F, 6-2); Bradley Boyd, jr. (G, 5-11); Brody Anderson, jr. (G, 5-10); Tyler Lacke, jr. (G, 5-11); Tyler Johnson, so. (F, 6-2); Sam Williams, so. (G, 6-0)
Worth noting: The Whip-Purs graduated high-scoring and all-conference guard Ryan Prowicz but return several players who either started last season or played plenty coming off the bench. “We are really excited about this group of players,” Featherly said. “The energy and positivity they have been bringing to practice has been tremendous. They are more focused on competing than just playing. We have a good blend of returning players with some varsity experience mixed with younger players. We look forward to competing on a nightly basis.”
Harvest-Westminster Christian
Coach: Nick Williams, first season.
Last season’s record: Harvest – 13-20 overall, 7-2 in the Northeastern (second place); Westminster – 3-23 overall, 1-8 in the Northeastern (ninth place).
Top returners: Jake Arnold, sr., G/F; Ryan Bartlett, jr., F/C; Nate Foster, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Zander Langfeld, sr., F.
Worth noting: This is the first season where Harvest Christian and Westminster Christian joined forces for athletics (the schools will merge into one next year). Williams, who served as an assistant coach at Westminster Christian last season, steps into the head coaching role this season. “We return a core group that has gained valuable experience, and we’re adding size and versatility with Zander (Langfeld) joining our program,” said Williams. Langfeld, a 6-foot-4 forward, averaged 9.6 points per game for Harvest Christian a year ago. Arnold, a 6-2 swingman, was one of the top players for Westminster last season. “Our goal is to be competitive every night and establish a physical, tough-minded identity on both ends of the floor,” said the coach. Harvest-Westminster opens its season at home against Schaumburg Christian, Our Lady of Sacred Heart Academy, and St. Edward on Nov. 24, 26, and 28.
Huntley
Coach: Collin Kalamatas (third season)
Last season: 12-19, 7-11 in FVC (tie for seventh)
Top returning players: Aidan Gibbs, sr. (G, 5-11); Casey Kaczmarski, sr. (G, 5-11); Dom Schnetter, sr. (G, 5-11)
Top newcomers: Isaiah Onu, jr. (F, 6-5); Tyler Dudzinski, jr. (G, 5-10); Nolan Reynolds, jr. (G/F, 6-2); Jalen Howard, jr. (G, 5-9); Isaac Muze, so. (G, 5-8); Seun Oladipo, so. (G/F, 6-1)
Worth noting: The Red Raiders went winless in four games at Palatine’s Thanksgiving tournament last season and never recovered, reaching the .500 mark only once (7-7). They graduated all-conference guard Christian Wilson (12.5 ppg, seven 20-point games) and forward Logan Darragh (9 ppg, 6.5 rpg), who anchored the defense (2 blocks a game) while also contributing at the offensive end. “This is a group that doesn’t have a ton of varsity basketball experience, but our guys have a hunger and desire to compete,” said Kalamatas, whose team won 20 games in 2023-24. “It’s an incredibly unselfish group of guys that thrive off of playing together. We know what we have to do as a team and as a program to have a successful season. It’s going to come down to a consistent approach day in and day out. If we do that, I think we’ll surprise some people this year.”
Jacobs
Coach: Jimmy Roberts (13th season)
Last season: 16-16, 7-11 in FVC (tie for seventh)
Top returning players: Samson Averehi, sr. (F, 6-4); Carson Goehring, sr. (F, 6-4); Jack Magee, sr. (G, 6-0)
Top newcomers: Elijah Bell, jr. (G, 6-3); Malachi Bell, fr. (G, 6-2); Quinn Gorges, jr. (F, 6-5); Eli Nicholson, so. (G, 6-1)
Worth noting: Roberts calls his team “the most talented group we have had in years.” While the Golden Eagles graduated guard Ben Jurzak (Augustana College), they return some size and added the 6-5 Gorges, who made great strides in the off-season, Roberts said. ... Averehi averaged 9.4 points and 5.6 rebounds a game as a junior. Goehring rebounds the ball as well as anyone in the FVC. ... The biggest additions are junior guard Elijah Bell and his brother, freshman Malachi Bell, both of whom grew up in the area but attended Harvest Christian Academy last year. “I would always rather have a group that is ‘tough and together’ over talented,” Roberts said. “I’ll take tough and together every day. So if we can become that, I think we have a chance to be pretty good, and certainly compete for a conference championship and beyond.”
Kaneland
Coach: Ernie Colombe, seventh season
Last season’s record: 32-2, 10-0 Interstate 8 (first in conference)
Top returners: Marshawn Cocroft, sr., G; Jeffrey Hassan, jr, F; Evan Frieders, sr., G; Isaiah Gipson, sr., G; Connor Kimme, sr., G; Jake Buckley, sr., F; Nathan Hansen, sr., G; Jalen Carter, sr., G
Top newcomers: Chase Kunzer, jr., G; Brian Edwards, so., G; Bryce Goss, jr., G; Ryan Majerus, jr., F
Worth noting: The 2024-2025 season was one for the history books for the Knights, who won 31 straight games, won the Interstate 8 for the third straight year and made it all the way to the Class 3A supersectional before falling to eventual state champion DePaul Prep. Kaneland also has a lot of key returners from last season, including Interstate 8 Player of the Year Cocroft. The big question Colombe has for his team is finding a replacement for forward Freddy Hassan. But with guys like Jeffrey Hassan and Frieders returning to lead the group, he’s confident that the team can replicate the recent success the program has had. “We have several players who have put in a lot of work and are much improved,” Colombe said.
Larkin
Coach: Anton Wilkins, first season.
Last season’s record: 14-16 overall, 9-3 in the Upstate Eight West (tied for second).
Top returners: Jahvion Sowers, sr., G; Mac Irvin, sr., G/F; Kamryn Bartee, jr., G; Aden Mora, sr., G; Lawrence Sallis, sr., F; Elijah Walker, sr., G; Ziayre Young, jr., G.
Key newcomers: Spencer Perry, jr., F; Ronald Alexander, jr., G; Jaevon Ligon, jr., F; Donnyel Sims, jr., G.
Worth noting: The Royals embark on a new season with a new coach, as Anton Wilkins takes over the program after longtime coach Deryn Carter (240-194 in 15 seasons) became the girls basketball coach. Wilkins inherits plenty of talent, featuring 6-foot-3 guard Sowers, who earned all-Upstate Eight West accolades last season, and 6-7 swingman Irvin. Larkin finished in a second-place tie with Bartlett in the UEC West last season, two games behind conference champion West Aurora (11-1). After a quarterfinal victory over Streamwood, the Royals dropped a 63-36 Class 4A regional semifinal decision to Fremd last season. Larkin opens its season against Perspectives-IIT/Joslin in the Fred Van Vleet Classic at Rockford Auburn.
Marmion
Coach: Joe Piekarz, fifth season.
Last season’s record: 18-15 overall, 5-3 in the CCL White (fourth place).
Top returners: Ali Tharwani, sr., G; Joey Kramer, jr., G; Dave Malley, jr., G; Brendan Kavanaugh, jr., F; Colin McEniry, jr., F; Billy Reynolds, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Ben Piekarz, jr., G; Nick Proctor, jr., F; Max Ulbrich, jr., F.
Worth noting: Marmion welcomes back a team filled with multi-sport athletes that is young but experienced. Tharwani, who averaged 10.7 points per game while earning all-CCL honorable mention status last year, returns in the starting lineup as the lone senior alongside four juniors – Kramer (10.5 ppg), Malley (8 ppg, 60 3-pointers), McEniry, and Kavanaugh. Last year’s sophomore team had a lot of success, finishing 22-9, led by junior guard Ben Piekarz. “He should provide instant offense at the varsity level,” said the coach. Reynolds is another sharpshooter from beyond the arc, while juniors Max Ulbrich, Jamin Berman, Henry Miller, Lucas Quitno, Nick Proctor, and sophomore Frankie Duarte also played major minutes on the sophomore level last year, and are looking to continue that at the varsity level. The Cadets open their season against Maine East, Batavia and Bartlett at the Ken Peddy Windmill City Classic.
South Elgin
Coach: Ryan Storm, second season.
Last season’s record: 9-24 overall, 5-7 in the Upstate Eight West (fifth place).
Top returners: Ilija Babic, sr., F; Larry Smith, sr., G; Kyle Mann, jr., F; Aman Chiluka, jr., G; Massimo Nalbano, jr., G.
Key newcomers: Charlie Nissen, jr., G.
Worth noting: South Elgin attempts to rebound following a 9-win campaign last season. Babic, a 6-foot-6 power forward, and 6-3 junior Mann lend some height for the Storm, while Smith, Chiluka, Nalbano, and Nissen head the list of backcourt players. “I think our conference will have some strong teams that play different styles,” said Storm. “I’m excited to see how it all shapes out. Obviously, it starts with West Aurora, and that’s who we open (conference) against on December 9.” The Storm begins the season against Geneva, St. Francis, and Naperville Central at the Bob Schick Thanksgiving Tournament in Geneva. “We made an effort to really test our group in the nonconference portion of our season,” said the coach. “We’re joining the Jack Tosh Holiday Classic at York, and go on the road against Palatine, Stevenson, and New Trier.”
St. Charles East
Coach: Rob Klemm, third season
2024-25 record: 15-17, 5-9 DuKane (tied for fifth in conference)
Top returners: Cooper Jensen, sr., G; Reese Dumpit, sr., G; Gavin Belli, sr., F; Michael Hill, sr., G
Top newcomers: Peyton Faidley, sr., F; Vince Armato, sr., F
Worth noting: The Saints saw improvement in their second year under Klemm, seeing an increase from their 10 wins in the 2023-2024 season. However, St. Charles East has the tough task of replacing all five of its starters and nine players as a whole on the team. Jensen, Dumpit, Belli and Hill all saw significant minutes for the team, and Klemm expects them to slide into the starting role naturally, while he expects guys like Faidley and Armato to step up after not seeing the floor as much as juniors. “This group has put in a lot of work in the off season and has gelled as a team,” Klemm said. “Our whole staff is very excited to see what they can do this year.”
St. Charles North
Coach: Tom Poulin, 20th season
2024-25 record: 7-23, 1-13 DuKane (eighth in conference)
Top returners: Cooper Mellican, sr, F; Jake Love, sr., G; Braden Harms, sr., G; Ansh Salwan, sr., F; EJ Mondesir, sr., F; Besnik Memedoski, sr., F; Wylder Smith, sr., G
Top newcomers: Nathan Chappel, jr., G; Caleb Trent, so., G; Holden Munier, so., F; Chris Whitted, so., F; Jack Leigl, jr., G; Brennan Haan, jr., F; Ian Gaddum, jr., G; Vamarius McKnight, so., F; Ty Weierheuser, Sr., F
Worth noting: Coming off of their third consecutive sub-.500 season, the North Stars will be looking for a big turnaround this season. Mellican is the big returner for the team, earning first-team conference honors last season. Love also returns to the starter role, while guys like Harms, Salwan and Mondesir will look to have expanded roles after coming off the bench last year. “This is a very hard-working group that will look to build on a strong off season,” Poulin said. “The commitment has been outstanding and now we need to put it all together and learn how to work together to be successful. Our strength will be team play and unselfishness offensively, while outworking opponents with heart and effort on the defensive end.”
St. Edward
Coach: Zoe Smallwood, first season.
Last season’s record: 14-16 overall, 2-6 in the Chicagoland Christian (eighth place).
Top returners: JT Birns, jr., G; Ben Pfeiffer, jr., G; Jack Guyett, sr., F/C; Jivonni Leix, sr., F; Owen Searcy, jr., F; Zach Sauceda, sr., G/F.
Key newcomers: Anit Puri, sr., G.
Worth noting: Smallwood, who served as an assistant JV coach at St. Edward last season, takes over as the Green Wave head varsity coach this season. Birns and Pfeiffer will be joined in the backcourt by Puri, a 6-foot-2 senior transfer from Fremd. Guyett, Searcy, and Sauceda figure to lead the list of frontcourt players, as the Green Wave look for their first winning season since 2023. Last season, St. Edward lost to top-seeded Ida Crown, 55-51, in the Class 1A regional semifinals. “We are going to shock the world…period,” said Smallwood. St. Edward opens play against Schaumburg Christian, Harvest-Westminster Christian, and Our Lady of Sacred Heart Academy, at the Harvest-Westminster Thanksgiving Tournament Nov. 25, 26, and 28.
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.
Streamwood
Coach: Quentin Ruff, fourth season.
Last season’s record: 7-25 overall, 3-9 in the Upstate Eight West (sixth place).
Top returners: Jaelin Tate, sr., G; Jesse Sanchez, sr., F.
Key newcomers: Demarion Smith, sr., F; JC Parker, soph., G.
Worth noting: The Sabres welcome the return of 5-foot-10 guard Tate, who averaged 7.5 points per game last season, and 6-2 swingman Sanchez. “Our season expectations here are to maintain competitiveness in every game,” said Ruff. “We hope to have double-digit wins and finish in the top half of our conference. Last year, we won seven games and were competitive most of the season.” Smith, a 6-4 forward, is a transfer from Proviso West, while Parker is a 5-8 sophomore point guard. Streamwood begins its season against Bogan, Uplift, and Proviso West in its own Thanksgiving Tournament. “We are still in a building stage,” said the coach.
West Aurora
Coach: Michael Fowler, second season
2024-25 record: 21-9, 11-1 Upstate Eight West (first in conference)
Top returners: Travis Brown, jr., G; Jaden Matthews-Thomas, jr., G; Abe Martinez, jr., G; Antonio Higgins, sr., G; Drew Lundberg, sr., F
Top newcomers: Jordan Weeks, jr., F; Orlando Edwards, jr., G; James Baker, sr., G; A Mon Greene, so., G; Terell Purnell, so., G
Worth noting: Coming off of an Upstate Eight West title in their first season back in the conference, the Blackhawks are hoping to build off of last season’s success with a team of experienced underclassmen. Leading the way is Brown, who was the Upstate Eight West Player of the Year as a sophomore. Also returning is All-Conference player Martinez, who Fowler said is recovering from a knee injury to start the season. Fowler also said he expects big things from Weeks and Baker, who both transferred in from Aurora Christian, to fill in with their size. “We’re looking to build on our record and Upstate Eight title from last season,” Fowler said.
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.
– Joe Aguilar, Joel Boenitz and Eddie Carifio from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview.