Scouting St. Charles East Saints

St. Charles East Saints

Coach Brian Clodi

Last year 9-18, 4-6, tied for seventh in the Upstate Eight Conference.

Postseason Lost 57-54 to Larkin in overtime in Class 4A DeKalb regional opening round game.

Key losses Kevin Senechalle, Zach Scott.

Top returnees Bryce Barry (6-1, sr., F); Zack Burns (6-1, sr., G); Corey Campbell (5-7, sr., G); Colton Kumerow (6-3, sr., G); Jess Striedl (6-2, sr., F); P.J. Upton (6-4, sr., C); Drew Vazquez (6-2, sr., G).

Newcomers to watch Charlie Fischer (5-10, so., G); Spencer Motley (5-11, jr., G).

Outlook The 30 boys who tried out for the Saints varsity obviously saw opportunity, and were more encouraged by the 9-7 finish than the 0-11 start last year's crew survived. Though there are many returnees listed above, only inside-out bruiser Striedl (5.3 ppg, 2.9 rebounds), Burns (2.8 ppg) and the athletic Barry were in the regular rotation. Still, Clodi feels this group is very deep and "as quick as we've ever been." Blessed with a large group of guards, including potential starting point Fischer, super-quick Campbell and this summer's top player, shooting guard Vazquez with his long wingspan, it's a team Clodi will send scurrying the length of the court. Into his ninth season overall and bearing a career 97-126 record, Clodi will see his strengths and weaknesses quickly at the Saints' own Ron Johnson Thanksgiving Tournament - St. Charles East opens with Proviso East, Downers Grove South and St. Charles North. This team doesn't initially feature a star like 20-point big man Senechalle, but will come at teams with grit, numbers and defensive pressure to wear down opponents. "With our depth we think we can get up and down," Clodi said. "We're really excited about the season."