Boys basketball notes: Unsung heroes making big difference at Glenbard East, several other schools

High school basketball coaches like to refer to some of them as “glue guys.”

They are not the leading scorers for their teams.

However, all winning teams have their share of underrated, unsung players who deserve some time in the limelight.

Glenbard East (19-2), off to its best start since Hall of Fame coach Scott Miller guided the Rams to a third-place Class 4A state finish in 2010-2011, features South Dakota-bound senior guard Michael Nee and backcourt teammate Danny Snyder.

Coach Eric Kelly also credits 6-foot-3 senior forward Jacob Marynowski and 6-2 senior guard Keenan House for their significant contributions.

“Jacob averages 10 points and 7 rebounds and does all the dirty work for us,” said Kelly. “Plays are rarely called for him but he plays very hard on both ends of the floor.

“Keenan averages 10 points and 4 rebounds. He always guards the other teams’ best player and never gets tired. He runs the floor in transition and never backs down from a challenge.”

Glenbard North coach Kevin Tonn, who has guided the Panthers to a 16-3 record and first-place tie in the DuKane, recognizes senior Maharri Thatch for his off-the-court contributions.

“Maharri was a three-year starter for us, starting as a freshman, sophomore, and junior,” said Tonn. “He was a big part of our Elite Eight team in 2024. This year, he tore his ASCL during football practice and will not get to see the floor over the course of our basketball season.

“He would have been a four-year starter and already holds the record for most varsity wins as a Glenbard North basketball player. Basketball season is long, covering two major holidays and breaks. It would have been easy for Maharri to be done with basketball and focus on other things. However, Maharri is just as much a part of the team as he was the last three years.

“His leadership, energy, and team mentality have helped our guys tremendously. He has taken on a new role as an assistant coach. He’s a great athlete, and there’s no doubt that we miss him on the court, but what he does for our team outside of on-court production is invaluable.”

Geneva (16-3), which shares first place in the DuKane, prides itself on defense and rebounding – two strengths for 6-5 junior forward Ben Peterson.

“Ben has been our glue guy all season, serving as our leading rebounder (5 rpg, 4 ppg) and one of our best defenders,” said Vikings coach Scott Hennig. “He consistently does the little things that don’t show up on the stat sheet – setting great screens, making extra-effort plays, communicating defense, and sacrificing the team.

“He brings toughness and leadership to our team every day, and his impact goes well beyond the box score.”

Led by the Baumann brothers – senior Jacob and freshman Luke, Aurora Christian (14-2) stands atop the Chicagoland Christian.

Eagles coach Dan Beebe credits senior forward Asa Johnson, junior guard/forward Preston Morel, and senior reserve Zach Zappia as huge reasons for the team’s success.

“Asa leads us in rebounding, typically guarding players that are taller than him,” said Beebe. “He’s a team leader.

“Preston is second on the team in scoring (16 ppg) and often guards the best offensive player of our opponent,” added the coach. “He’s a hard-nosed defender who can guard positions from point guard to power forward, and takes on ballhandling responsibilities at times.

“Zach is a lunch pale, hard hat type of player willing to do whatever is asked.”

Neuqua Valley (19-1) features recent Illinois commit/junior guard Mason Martin and sophomore Cole Kelly.

“ Carter Coviello is the unsung hero of the team,” Wildcats coach Todd Sutton said of the junior guard. “He has been terrific when teams are focusing on Mason and Cole. He’s getting assists all over the place, and scoring when the big dogs are limited through creative defenses.”

Naperville North (15-6), second in the DuPage Valley, receives strong all-around play from senior Will Harvey.

“Will is a senior two-year starter,” said Huskies coach Gene Nolan. “He’s our leading rebounder for each of the last two years, and he is one of the most selfless, dedicated, and hardest working players we’ve had here at North.”

Harvey averages 4 points and 5.6 rebounds in 25 minutes per game, shooting 58 percent from the field.

Glenbard South (14-6) coach Jason Mead feels he has a pair of unsung players in senior guard PJ Lehr and junior guard Johnathan Hadley.

“PJ is a three-year starter,” said Mead. “He is the guy who has had the most profound effect on our team’s culture over my tenure here. He leads the team in charges, is our best help defender, and makes excellent reads within our offense. He rarely scores in double figures but is a prominent component of our success.

“While Johnathan will occasionally post a big scoring game, he often comes off the bench and provides defensive energy,” added the coach. “He pressures the ball well, executes offensively with consistency, and has a great attitude.”

Waubonsie Valley (12-7), third in the DVC, gets 100 percent effort from junior guard Evan Malushi.

“Evan fits that description (unsung player) on our team,” said Warriors coach Andrew Schweitzer. “He’s undersized, probably 5-8 or 5-9, but he’s willing to scrap at all times. He leads our team in charges taken, dives on the floor, and plays with a motor. Most impressively, he’s led our team rebounds in multiple games at his size.

“He’s a tremendous kid, and he’ll take an even bigger role next year. His brother (Adri) was an outstanding player at Waubonsie four or five years ago.”

Crystal Lake South (14-6) is tied with Burlington Central for second in the FVC thanks in part to unsung players Nick Stowasser and David McFadden.

“Nick is a positive leader for our young team,” Gators coach Matt LePage said of the junior forward. “His energy in our 1-3-1 (zone) is pivotal to our defense. Nick is at the top of all our defensive statistics, most notably deflections, steals, and blocks. His ability to knock down big shots is always there, but his intangibles have been a difference maker.

“David, a senior transfer from Larkin, has done a good job finding his role, providing toughness and playmaking,” added LePage. “He leads the team in charges taken, and is third in deflections and steals.”

Jacobs (10-8) receives leadership and intangibles from 6-4 senior forward Carson Goehring.

“Carson averages 8 points and 4 rebounds per game,” said Golden Eagles coach Jimmy Roberts. “He’s a competitor and a three-sport athlete (football, basketball, track). His twin brother, Connor, was our quarterback, but he got hurt this past year mid-season and had shoulder surgery, so he couldn’t play basketball this season.”

Marmion (10-9) coach Joe Piekarz feels that Billy Reynolds is a great candidate as an unsung hero for his young team.

“Billy is one of only two seniors on the roster,” said Piekarz. “He comes in off the bench and is shooting 40 percent from 3-point range. More importantly, he provides tremendous leadership for a team that is dominated with 14 juniors and one sophomore.”