Scouting: Tri-Cities area boys basketball
Batavia
Coach: Jim Roberts, 24th year
Last year: 21-6 overall, 12-2 in conference (first).
Returning players: David Bryant, sr., G; Ricky Clopton, jr., F; Ben Potter, sr., G; Jordan Coffey, sr., C; Alex Berg, sr., C; Evan Olexa, sr., F; Jay Douglas, sr., G.
Newcomers: Adam LeLeTourneau, jr., G/F; Jesse Coffey, so., G.
Outlook: Not too many players in Roberts' long career at Batavia have been on varsity as freshmen. Due to graduation last year, the Bulldogs lost one of those in Nick Fruendt, who currently plays at Northwestern. One of those rare four-year players, Bryant, however, is back for his final season with the Bulldogs. Dubbed Mr. Clutch last year, this is the year for this guard to display his talent and carry his team. "We are counting on (Bryant) for leadership," said Roberts, who said Bryant is getting looks from colleges at all levels. "He's gotten stronger and quicker." While Fruendt was a huge part of the team (Roberts said practice was "different" without him), his loss requires everyone to step up this year besides Bryant. Post players like Clopton, Jordan Coffey, Berg and Olexa should have increased roles this year, going from supporters to starters after also losing forward Jordan Smith. "They have good intensity and are vocal," Roberts said. "I think a lot will be told in the next two weeks."
Geneva
Coach: Phil Ralston, first year
Last year: 17-12 overall, 9-5 in conference (third).
Returning players: Jeremy D'Amico, sr., G/F; Tyler Scofield, sr., F; Rob Tauscher, sr., F; Christian Frederking, sr., F; Michael Santacaterina. jr., G; Sean Grady, sr., F.
Newcomers: Brandon Beitzel, jr., F; Nolan Block, jr., G; Eric Schmitt, jr., G; Jack Delabar, jr., F.
Outlook: From Grant to Geneva, Ralston just can't seem to get away from schools that begin with the letter "G." Ralston takes over the program from coach Tim Pease, who resigned at the end of last season to spend more time with his family. "Geneva is a great place," said Ralston, who coached for 8 seasons at Grant. "I have zero complaints." Perhaps his biggest issue right now - which really isn't an issue - is that he doesn't have his whole team at practice yet. Several key players are on the undefeated football team, who are gearing up for another round of the playoffs this weekend. Of course, he wants his team a full unit, but hopes his athletes go a long way in football. "From my perspective, in the past, if guys bode well in the fall season, they will continue to want that hunger to win," said Ralston, who has former longtime Lisle coach Mark D'Amico with him. That makes two D'Amicos for Ralston, as Jeremy, Mark's son, is ready to have a great season, as well as Scofield and Tauscher. "(D'Amico) is a very talented player," he said. "I see a lot of potential with (Scofield). He offers presence and I certainly think (Tauscher) has the tools and the height (both are listed at 6-foot-4)." The Vikings may get off to a slow start, but as long as they are peaking at the end of the season, that would be just fine with the new coach. "The first game is not going to measure the whole season," he said.
Kaneland
Coach: Dennis Hansen, third year
Last year: 10-17 overall, 5-9 in the conference (sixth).
Returning players: Ryley Bailey, jr., G; Mike Pritchard, sr., F; Ryan Blake, sr., G; Chris Ott, sr., G; Brody Root, sr., G; Steve Colombe, jr., F; Dave Dudzinski, jr., C; Christian Dillon, sr., C; Curtis Lubic, sr., G; Joe Spitzzeri, sr., G.
Newcomers: Chaon Denglinger, so., F; Donovan Williams, jr., G; Sean Paulick, jr., F; Pat Fleming, jr., G.
Outlook: There are 10 returning Knights back from last year's team, and 7 of them are seniors. They showed promise last year and knew if things didn't happen then, they would this year. "They are ready to go," Hansen said. "We've made strides from last year and have a lot of experience back." The Knights lost just three seniors, but do return one of the tallest players in the area in 6-foot-9 Dudzinski. He flew under the radar last year, but by the end of the season, he was their go-to guy. "He's definitely improved and stronger," Hansen said of the junior, who is already getting looked at by D-I schools. "His name is out there." There's no doubt Dudzinski is going to get double- and triple-teamed, so it will be important for Kaneland's shooters to be on. Depth is also on the team's side, as Hansen reeled off a list of players who will clock in significant playing time. "We can go 8, 9, 10 deep," he said.
St. Charles East
Coach: Brian Clodi, sixth year
Last year: 13-14 overall, 6-4 in the conference.
Returning players: Kevin Senechalle, sr., F; Zach Scott, sr., G; Phil Kohlhagen, sr., G; Tim Russell, sr., F; Jeff Jones, sr., G; Joe Vitali, sr., C; Matt Jurewicz, sr., G.
Newcomers: Jeff Streidl, jr., F; Zack Burns, jr., G.
Outlook: The Saints pride themselves on their tough schedule early, and this year is no different. "To be the best, you have to play the best," Clodi said. "They know the task at hand, and they are excited about it. These kids are up for the challenge." Fully equipped for a great season are Senechalle and Scott, the Saints' two leaders this year. "Definitely look out for those two," Clodi said. Kohlhagen is up for the starting point guard position, Russell is a football player who is looking good at the forward spot, Jones, an All-Area soccer player is quick, strong and one of the best defenders on the team and both Vitali and Jurewicz look promising from last year. As for the top 2 newcomers, Streidl was the sophomore team's leading scorer last year and Burns was the starting point guard. Clodi stressed this team's strength is depth. "We are definitely excited to get started," Clodi said.
St. Charles North
Coach: Tom Poulin, third year
Last year: 17-12 overall (tied school record in wins), 7-3 in conference (third).
Returning players: Nick Neari, sr., G; Mike Kastel, sr., F/C; Jon DeMoss, sr., G/F; Jake Juriga, sr., F; Zach Hirsch, sr., F; Mike Lefelstein, sr., G; Eric Battle, sr., G.
Newcomers: Beau Blakely, jr., PG; David Johnson, jr., G; Josh Mikes, so., G/F.
Outlook: It is apparent Poulin is fired up for this season. He has every reason to be with a talented bunch returning, including DeMoss, who has been on varsity since his freshman year, along with Neari, who enters his third year. Add in Kastel (who is getting looks from schools at all levels all over the place, including several schools on the East coast and Augustana and Carthage), Juriga ("the glue that holds us together" and potential D-I football player), Hirsch (a talented pitcher who is heading to Nebraska next year for baseball), Battle and Lefelstein, and you have 7 seniors who will be on the court a lot. "These seniors have worked their whole high school careers for this season," Poulin said. "They are going to take us as far as they can." The new players are going to see some time as well; Blakely will work the point, Johnson is a good shooter and Poulin called the 6-foot-4, left-handed Mikes, "the best athlete in the building" who has the potential to take the North Stars to "another level." Will that level include breaking the school record for wins? Poulin can't guarantee anything, but he did say this: "I have nothing but confidence in this group (but) we know it's not going to be easy. It's going to require a lot of hard work, but we have the guys to get it done. Their time has come."
West Aurora
Coach: Gordie Kerkman, 33rd year
Last year: 18-9 overall, 9-5 in the conference (third).
Returning players: Markus Cocroft, sr., G; Jamal Blackmond, sr., G; Bryson Hughes, sr., G; Malcom Graham, sr., G.
Newcomers: Juwan Starks, fr., G/F; Kyle Pilmer, so., C; Tyrone Carey, jr., G/F; D.J. Vaughn, sr., G.
Outlook: West Aurora only returns one starter in Cocroft. He's going to be the team's go-to guy. "I told him he's going to have to be our Derrick Rose," Kerkman said, comparing him to the Chicago Bulls' rookie. "He's that kind of player. He has the quickness and speed." Another rarity is a freshman on Kerkman's squad in Starks. The 6-foot-3 guard/forward, along with another rookie, Pilmer, had a good summer and will play a lot. But did the rest of the team? Kerkman admitted he wasn't too pleased with how the team played over the summer, but liked what he saw in the first few days of practice. "I saw some things (in practice) I haven't seen in the last two years," Kerkman said, listing patience, better offense and intensity as the things he saw. Although Blackmond, Hughes and Graham didn't see a ton of time last year, they will see a lot more this year. Blackmond made several appearances in the starting lineup, Hughes showed potential late last year and Kerkman called Vaughn "one heck of a shooter."
Aurora Central
Coach: Nate Drye, fifth year
Last year: 25-5 overall (school record for wins), 12-2 in conference (tied with Driscoll for first); won class 3A regional title (11th in school history).
Returning players: Mike Adams, sr., F/C; Anthony Kelley, sr., G; Nick Czaja, sr., C; Steve Hollon, jr., G; Brian O'Donnell, sr., G; Tom Barkei, sr., G; Joey Guth, jr., G.
Newcomers: Matt Wagner, sr., F/C; Alex Schaefer, jr., G.
Outlook: The Chargers still haven't forgotten last year's season-ending loss to Chicago's Marshall in the Class 3A sectional semifinal. They came so close. They knew they were able to keep up with the highly-talented Commando team when some doubted ACC's abilities. The loss wasn't just a loss; it was something that stuck with the Chargers for a long time and has inspired them to be an even better team than last year. "We hope to be in the sectional again," Drye said. "We'd like another shot at (Marshall)." Although it may seem too early to think that far ahead, ACC did make some changes to its schedule this year. It added Chicago's Manley and a shootout at Whitney Young hosted by Marshall. "We made the schedule even harder," Drye said. "The kids get it. They want to get it done." While there is no clear-cut superstar like last year's Mark Adams, arguably the best basketball player to come out of ACC, there are several returning starters who are going to have their moment in the spotlight - Mark's brother Mike, along with Czaja, will do damage in the paint while Kelley's role as shooting guard and Hollon at the point will be a good combination. "I like our balance," Drye said. "This is the most balanced team we've had in a while. We've got a lot of good people."
Marmion
Coach: Rashon Burno, second year
Last year: 12-14 overall, 7-7 in conference (fourth).
Returning players: David Brouch, sr., G; Sean Fichtel, sr., G; Bryce Emory, sr., F.
Newcomers: Tyler Lavik, jr., G; Mark Peters, jr., F; John Mason, jr., F.
Outlook: With a full season under his belt, Burno goes into his second year of coaching at Marmion knowing the players and knowing the basics and core fundamentals. "I'm so glad that's over," Burno said. "The first few days (of practice) went well. It's exciting." Burno listed just three key players from last year's team. Fichtel, who led the Cadets in scoring and assists, is expected to do the same thing this year, and Emory has stepped up his game all-around. Marmion would like to see an improvement on last year's record, but this will be a gradual process. "The guys understand what it takes to be successful," Burno said. "But we are happy with where we are."
Aurora Christian
Coach: Marc Davidson, first year
Last year: 18-11 overall, 4-4 in the league (fifth); won Class 2A regional title (second consecutive, 10th since joining the IHSA in 1989.
Returning players: Nate Hill, sr., G/F; Eric Andersen, sr., F; Jordan Roberts, sr., G; Salomon Kabongo, jr., C; Travis Cleveland, sr., F.
Newcomers: Brad Rutherford, sr., G; Juwanza Wright, sr., G; Jeremy Anderson, so., F.
Outlook: There's a new Davidson running the show this year. Marc takes over the program for his father, legendary coach Don Davidson, who retired after over 30 years of coaching. Aurora Christian even named the gym after Don, who is still the school's athletic director. "We are ready to get started," Marc said. "It felt like forever. We are excited and ready to go." Like Geneva's team, the Eagles are in the same boat, as both have football players still playing who plan on playing basketball. Davidson may have to wait for a complete unit, but that's just fine with him. "We expect the football team to make a run for the state title," said Davidson, who awaits players like Andersen and Roberts. "But that's OK. That will give other guys a chance to step up." Davidson had only good things to say about Cleveland. He's expected to lead the team who lost 7 seniors. "He's an outstanding player," Davidson said.
"He jumps well. We are going to run a lot of plays through him. He's very hard to handle." He also thinks Hill will have a breakthrough year as well. "He's going to step up as a leader, and he shoots well," he said.