Boys basketball notes: These four unbeaten teams not surprised with perfect starts; Benet goes 3-0 in Philadelphia

Two weeks into the high school boys basketball season, and the number of DuPage County and Fox Valley teams that headed into the week’s action still unbeaten is dwindling quickly.

The remaining unbeatens are Aurora Christian (6-0), Geneva (5-0), Glenbard East (5-0), and Kaneland (4-0) following a weekend that saw Jacobs, IC Catholic Prep and Timothy Christian each suffer their first losses.

It should come as no surprise that the four teams are unbeaten.

Aurora Christian, which finished 19-13 a year ago, reached the Class 1A supersectional last season before falling to eventual state runner-up Lanark Eastland, 51-43.

Coach Dan Beebe’s Eagles return more than 40 points from last season in the form of senior guard Jacob Baumann, senior forward Asa Johnson, and junior guard Preston Morel.

Last Saturday, Aurora Christian captured its own Burney Wilkie Classic with a 65-57 victory over Joliet Catholic behind Jake Baumann (21 points) and Morel (21 points). Luke Baumann, a 5-foot-11 freshman guard, added 11 points.

The Eagles also posted victories over Harvest/Westminster Christian (75-48), Providence-St. Mel (63-33), UIC College Prep (58-32), and North Chicago (65-49).

Jake Baumann led the Eagles with 21 points and 19 points, respectively, against UIC College Prep and Providence-St. Mel, while sharing a game-high 17 points with Morel against North Chicago. Morel tallied a team-high 23 points against Harvest-Westminster Christian.

Last season, Glenbard East earned its first Class 4A regional title since 2020 while capturing the Upstate Eight East crown.

With 8 of their top 9 players returning, including South Dakota-bound Michael Nee, the Rams have lofty aspirations.

“The goal is to get downstate,” said Rams coach Eric Kelly, whose team began its season with victories over Glenbard West, Glenbard North, and Glenbard South at the District 87 tournament.

Last week, Glenbard East defeated St. Charles North, 78-63, behind Jacob Marynowski (18 points), Nee (15 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals), Danny Snyder (14 points), and Sam Walton (12 points).

The Rams opened UEC East action on Friday with a 97-49 triumph over Elmwood Park.

Marynowski led 5 players in double figures with 16 points, supported by Snyder (15), Nee (14), Keenan House (12), and Maksim Jajic (10).

Kelly cites three keys to the team’s fast start.

“We’re relying on veterans,” said the coach. “Danny Snyder and Michael Nee are now in their fourth year of varsity basketball. We have nine seniors total who have varsity experience and know how to win.

“The improvement of seniors Jacob Marynowski and Sam Walton, who are bigger, stronger, and more skilled. Bolingbrook transfer Keenan House has brought size and athleticism we have not had.”

Depth has also been a factor.

“Currently, all five starters are averaging double figures, so we have balanced scoring which will make it hard to load up on Nee,” said Kelly.

The Rams are a confident bunch.

“With a regional and conference title under our belts, we know we are a good team that can go on a long playoff run,” said Kelly. “Also going 27-2 this past summer let the guys know we can beat anybody.”

Geneva improved to 5-0 with Friday’s 63-44 DuKane Conference win over St. Charles North.

The Vikings, who finished 29-5 last year — most wins since 2018, began their season by capturing their own Bob Schick Thanksgiving Tournament

Senior point guard Gabe Jensen scored 12 points and tournament MVP Nathan Palmer added 11 during Geneva’s 39-22 victory over St. Francis.

Seniors Dane Turner, Jackson McCarthy, Kyle Suger, and juniors Ben Peterson, Nelson Wendell, and David Udoiwod have also contributed for the Vikings, who finished 14-0 in the rugged DuKane last season.

“We’ve done a nice job playing together as a team, sharing the ball, defending at a high level, and competing on the boards,” said Geneva coach Scott Hennig. “Our group has embraced the value of unselfish play and collective effort.”

Added depth makes Hennig’s job easier.

“Our depth allows us to keep guys fresh and put different lineups on the floor based on the opponent,” said the coach. “It gives us flexibility, creates healthy competition, and ensures we can maintain our energy and defensive intensity throughout the game.”

A year ago, Kaneland finished 32-2 and advanced to the Class 3A supersectional before losing to eventual state champion DePaul.

The return of Interstate 8 Player of the Year Marshawn Cocroft has played a key role in the Knights’ 4-0 start.

Cocroft, a recent Grand Valley State commit, scored a game-high 26 points during the Knights’ 63-48 victory over West Aurora last Saturday. Junior 6-9 center Jeffrey Hassan added 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots, while senior guards Connor Kimme and Isaiah Gipson had 11 and 6 points, respectively.

The 3-time defending conference champions opened Interstate 8 play with a 78-32 win over Ottawa last Friday behind Cocroft (18 points) and Hassan (12).

Benet goes 3-0 in Phily

Benet Academy (7-1) returned home from its trip to Philadelphia last Sunday with 3 more victories following a memorable weekend in the City of Brotherly Love.

Playing 3 games in as many days at 3 different sites, the Redwings finished with a 56-32 victory over LaSalle at Swarthmore College Sunday, less than 24 hours after their 42-25 win over St. Joseph Prep in North Philadelphia.

Benet began its journey with a 49-46 victory over Roman Catholic at the Alan Horwitz Sixth Man Center. Colin Stack led the way with 13 points and 9 rebounds, supported by Jayden Wright (12 points, 7 assists) and Ed Stasys (9 points, 6 rebounds).

“It was a high intensity game against one of the best teams in the city,” said Benet coach Gene Heidkamp. “It was very physical.”

According to Heidkamp, a Benet alum who lives in Philadelphia originated the trip.

“It was a great experience for the guys,” said the coach, whose JV squad also got the chance to play a couple games. “The hospitality was great. All 21 guys saw playing time.”

The group posed for pictures on the ‘Rocky’ stairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

“We didn’t have time to do much sightseeing,” said Heidkamp. “Some guys got a chance to see the Liberty Bell. Playing three games in three days, we were there for the basketball part.”