Aurora Central Catholic savors perfect start
It's three weeks into the season, and the Aurora Central Catholic boys basketball team has yet to experience what it feels like to lose.
"We started 5-1 a couple years ago, but 6-0 is the best start we've ever had," ACC coach Nate Drye said.
It was expected brothers Mike and Mark Adams would lead the Chargers this year, but the team has more balance this year. Mike Adams has Nick Czaja in the post with him and Steve Hollon at point guard and Joey Guth at shooting guard.
The Chargers lost just one starter from last year's team, Danny Bieritz. He is still with the team, but this year, as an assistant coach.
"(Bieritz) wanted to get into education and coaching, and (the position) opened up," Drye said. "I thought it was going to be something at the lower levels, but it came around where I needed an assistant because the guy I had got another job.
"Danny does a nice job because he knows all the kids and all the drills we are doing … he's getting better with it. It's a little different for him, but he's getting used to it."
Batavia:ŒBulldogs star Nick Fruendt can score from anywhere -- 3-point land, free throw line and heck, even dunk the ball if he wants to -- but it is impossible for the Northwestern-bound senior to do all the scoring all the time.
Thankfully for the Bulldogs, each and every starter is capable of scoring in double digits.
For example, in the Bulldogs' 65-39 win against Western Sun Conference opponent Rochelle, three other starters scored in double-digits.
"We are pretty well-rounded, and have guys who can score," Fruendt said after the game in which he led the team with 19 points. "When I get in the lane, I am confident I can dish it to David (Bryant), Jordan (Smith), Ricky (Clopton) and Phil (Albrecht), and they will all hit the shot."
Smith loves the balance as well.
"I like how we are all sharing the ball," Smith said. "That's how we are going to do good things this year."
After the Rochelle game, the Bulldogs expressed how excited they were to head to Quincy for their annual road trip Saturday, but the fun was postponed due to icy weather conditions.
The Quincy/Batavia game has been rescheduled for Dec. 21. Last year, Batavia's drive was well worth it, as it topped Quincy 78-67.
St. Charles East: Ryan Suits may have hit the game-winning shot and Collin Pryor may have matched his career-high with 31 points, but another player that stood out for the Saints against Naperville North Saturday was Kevin Senechalle.
The 6-foot-6 junior center helped the Saints top Naperville North 75-72 with his 18 points and 11 rebounds.
"Senechalle hurt us (in the post) and gave (St. Charles East) a great lift," Naperville North coach Mark Lindo said. "He grabbed a couple of great rebounds on the offensive side."
The win was a huge one for the Saints, as it improved them to 2-4.
"It was a must win," St. Charles East coach Brian Clodi said. "We didn't care if we won by 1 or 20. Every possession was going to count … and we found a way."