Scouting Stevenson Patriots

Stevenson Patriots

Coach Pat Ambrose (11th season)

Last year 18-10

Key players lost F Henry Wood, F Jeff Arenson

Key players returning G Jeff Levitt, sr., F Nate Johnson, G Ryan Chapman, jr., G Mark Swanson, sr., G Shaun Albert, sr.

Key newcomers G Mike Fleming, soph., F Brion Wood, jr., F Kevin Earl, jr.

Outlook Preseason practices at Stevenson have been moving a bit slower than normal because several players have been hit hard by a bad flu bug that also happens to be moving through the school. In fact, one player has even been diagnosed with H1N1. "At this point, I'm not really sure what our lineup is going to look like," Stevenson coach Pat Ambrose said. "We have a lot of a lot of question marks because of the flu."-Once healthy, the very veteran Patriots should be able to provide plenty of answers, starting with point guard Jeff Levitt, who is one of the best point guards in the area. Also returning to the starting lineup will be fellow guard Ryan Chapman and forward Nate Johnson, who can play inside or out. "There's a good chance we could start three guards or perimeter players," Ambrose said. "We're going to be very versatile at that spot. We've got guys who can shoot, drive, play defense and guard bigger players if they have to. We'll be guard-oriented." Another guard who figures to get big minutes is Mike Fleming, who is just a sophomore. "He's a great kid, a straight-A student and everything," Ambrose said. "On the court, he can just do some really nice things for us. He can put the ball in the hole, he's versatile. Even though we're heavy at guard, you really can't hold a kid like that down because he can compete at the varsity level."-The Patriots will get some of its size from the football team with the addition of newcomers Brion Wood (6-foot-3) and Kevin Earl (6-foot-5). Sophomore Colby Cashaw also brings a big upside at 6-foot-5.

Opener 6 p.m. Monday vs. Holy Trinity at Buffalo Grove tournament