Scouting the Northern Lake County Conference

NORTHERN LAKE COUNTY CONFERENCE

ANTIOCH SEQUOITSCoach: Jim White (8th season)

Last year: 14-16, 4-10 NLCC

Last year's tournament finish: Lost in the sectional semifinals to DePaul College Prep, 51-28.

Key players lost: G Andrew Hare, F Branden Gallimore

Key players returning: G Dan Filippone, sr., F Jack Gillespie, sr., F Ben Nauman, sr., G Austin Andrews, sr., G Michael Balagot, sr., G/F Robbie Christiansen, sr.

Newcomers: F Gavin Eldridge, jr., F Eli Vanderwagen, sr.

Outlook: The Sequoits finished with a sub-. 500 record last season, but still managed to win a regional championship, their third straight regional championship as a matter of fact. "We continue to finish seasons strong," Antioch coach Jim White said. "It really helps with bringing positive energy going into the off-season and translates to fun, productive summers. We have good reason for optimism in returning some experienced players along with some well-suited newcomers. We will be deep again with a possible 10-man rotation." Leading the way will be senior guard Dan Filippone, who was one of the top scorers in the Northern Lake County Conference last season. He averaged 17.8 points per game. "Expectations for Dan will grow beyond putting the ball in the basket," White said. "Everyone knows how well he can put the ball in the basket. His drive this year is to be the best all-around player he can be. He is the hardest-working player in the program and his game reflects those efforts." Five other seniors with varsity experience return besides Filippone. Forward jack Gillespie averaged 8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last year while forward Ben Nauman averaged 5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Austin Andrews gives the Sequoits tough defense and strong outside shooting.

Opener: vs. Woodstock at Woodstock Hoops for Healing Thanksgiving Tournament, 8 p.m., Monday

LAKES EAGLESCoach: Chris Snyder (9th season)

Last year: 12-17, 7-7 NLCC

Last year's tournament finish: Lost in the regional semifinals to Wauconda, 52-51.

Key players lost: G Logan McCann (Olivet Nazarene), G Michael Behrendt, F Wade Parmly

Key players returning: G Brad Cherry, sr., G Leighsean Triplett, jr.

Newcomers: G Matt Ott, sr., F Brad Bies, sr., G Alec Meyer, sr., F Tylor Gunther, jr., F Chris Selig, jr., G Chance Andell, jr.

Outlook: Lakes is going to try to rev the engines this season with a fast-paced game. "Our strengths will be pushing tempo and shooting," Lakes coach Chris Snyder said. "We are athletic and we have some guys who can step up and hit shots this year. We will work to create quality looks and allow our guards to get out and play." The Eagles will be led by returning starter Brad Cherry, who averaged 14 points and 5 rebounds per game last season. "Brad is a three-year player now and I think he is going to have a great senior year," Snyder said. "He has really developed into a solid player and a great leader for this program. We have strong leadership from our seniors and this will go a long way." Matt Ott, Brad Bies and Alec Meyer are all seniors who will help Cherry set the tone. So will Leighsean Triplett, a junior point guard. Triplett is the other returning starter along with Cherry. He led the team in assists last year. "He will be delayed a bit as he gets his knee back to health," Snyder said of Triplett, who is recovering from an injury. "He should be good to go by early December. But he's an athletic player who will have a big year." Cherry and Triplett will also be counted on to help a large group of newcomers adjust to varsity basketball. "We are a young team, but we are confident in our new guys," Snyder said. "From the start of the summer, they have really bonded and become a close-knit team. I think this team will gel quickly and will be ready to play."

Opener: vs. Richmond-Burton at Richmond-Burton Thanksgiving Tournament, 7:30 p.m., Monday

GRANT BULLDOGSCoach: Wayne Bosworth (11th season)

Last year: 13-15, 9-5 NLCC

Last year's tournament finish: Lost in the regional quarterfinals to Hoffman Estates, 57-55.

Key players lost: G Michael Huff (Carthage College), G/F/C Matt McGraw (transferred to Lake Zurich)

Key players returning: G Hunter Waszkowski, sr., F Tavarus Williams, sr., G MJ Smith, sr., G Joe Gorden, sr., G Torren Curry, sr., G Samir Muhammad, sr., G Henry Kusiak, sr.

Newcomers: F Neil Knudsen, jr., G Mikal Ashley, jr., G Luke Bedrosian, jr.

Outlook: With a veteran group of seniors, most of whom have played together since they were young grade schoolers, Grant is looking to turn around its sub-. 500 record from last season and make a run in the tournament. "This is a veteran team led by seven seniors, who all saw playing time as juniors," Grant coach Wayne Bosworth said. "They have gained a ton of experience in close games with very good teams and look to build upon that experience for this season. With a big core of last year's group returning from a second-place finish in the conference, they are hungry for success and are striving to get better every day." Although Michael Huff, one of the best scorers and sharpshooters in the area last year, has graduated, four starters return for the Bulldogs. Starter MJ Smith is back at point guard with fellow guards Henry Kusiak, Torren Curry and Hunter Waszkowski also back in the mix. All are seniors, while classmates Tavarus Williams, Joe Gorden and Samir Muhammad will be the first reserves in off the bench. Williams, a 6-foot-5 forward, is the tallest player on the roster and saw major improvement over the offseason. "Tavarus had a very good offseason and worked hard on his game," Bosworth said. "He will go from playing spot minutes last year as a junior to an integral part of this year's team."

Opener: vs. Rockford Boylan at Grant Thanksgiving Tournament, 5:30 p.m., Monday

GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL RAMSCoach: Kosta Kougias (5th season)

Last year: 10-17, 7-7 NLCC

Last year's tournament finish: Lost in the regional quarterfinals to Deerfield, 53-41.

Key players lost: F Jack Spalding, G Alec Novak, F Clay Stoffel, F Jack Fortmann

Key players returning: G Tony Crews, sr., G Daniel Guckenberger, sr., F Coby Moe, sr., G Christopher Thomas, sr.

Newcomers: G Ethan Boelens, jr., G Dillan Dumanlang, sr., F Grant Hardy, sr., G Griffin O'Gorden, jr., G Daniel Rogers, jr., F Grant Spicer, sr., G/F Tyler Tiffany, jr.

Outlook: Grayslake Central has a nice combination of perimeter shooting and size inside. Back from last year is shooting guard Tony Crews, a sharpshooter who averaged 11.6 points per game last year. He was named second team all-Northern Lake County Conference and is starting his third season on varsity. Inside, the Rams boast height in 6-foot-7 Grant Hardy, 6-5 Grant Spicer and 6-4 Coby Moe. "We have some length and athleticism with plenty of shooters," Grayslake Central coach Kosta Kougias said. "Our goal is always to compete for a conference championship and make some noise in the state playoffs. I think the NLCC proved to be very competitive last season and should be this season, too." Guard Chis Thomas also returns for the Rams but is still rehabbing from a torn ACL in his knee that he suffered in the spring.

Opener: vs. Buffalo Grove at Buffalo Grove Bison Classic, 7:30 p.m., Monday

GRAYSLAKE NORTH KNIGHTSCoach: Todd Grunloh (13th season)

Last year: 13-15, 8-6 NLCC

Last year's tournament finish: Lost in the regional quarterfinals to Zion-Benton, 71-58.

Key players lost: G James Connolly (Saint Mary's University, Minnesota), C Jon Smithson

Key players returning: G Ryan Connolly, jr., G Nick Lovitsch, sr., G Jamon Thomas, jr., G Jason Donohue, jr., F Austin Martineau, sr., C Zach Carter, sr.

Newcomers: G Tony Hines, soph.

Outlook: Grayslake North needs to figure out how to replace half of its dynamic duo from last year. The Connolly brothers is now just the Connolly brother as junior Ryan will be without his older brother James, who rolled up 1,111 career points at Grayslake North and is now playing at Saint Mary's University in Minnesota. He averaged 18 points per game last year. Meanwhile, Ryan was at 18.7 points per game and has 847 career points with two full seasons left. "Ryan is an extremely talented player who can score from the perimeter, the post, and off the dribble," Grayslake North coach Todd Grunloh said. "He has the ability and skill set to play any position on the court." While Ryan and James played at their best when they were complementing each other, Ryan is now cultivating chemistry with other teammates. Grunloh believes there are plenty of players who can take the pressure off Connolly, just like his older brother did. "Our success will depend on having more balanced scoring than last year," Grunloh said. "We believe that we have the depth and experience to do just that." Besides Connolly, five other players return with varsity experience, including point guard Jamon Thomas, who averaged 8 points per game last season in a starting role. Junior guard Jason Donohue was a starter last season and is also back. "We hope to counter our lack of size with our dependence on our quickness and our depth at the guard position," Grunloh said.

Opener: vs. Huntley at Johnsburg, 5:30 p.m., Monday

ROUND LAKE PANTHERSCoach: Jay Iden (1st season)

Last year: 0-27, 0-14 NLCC

Last year's tournament finish: Lost in the regional quarterfinals to Lake Forest, 72-35.

Key players lost: F Lucas Hollingsworth (North Park), G Chris Pierre

Key players returning: F Ryan Lowe, sr., G Nick Pierre, fr., Musiq Brantley, sr., Marco Barcenas, sr., Jamirh Jones, jr., Elyija Jones, jr.

Newcomers: G/F Kevonne Peterson, jr., G Kendrick Grant, jr., G Isaiah Nixon, soph., G Brycen Sutton, soph., F/C Jeremiah Jordan, soph., G/F Hakim Williams, soph.

Outlook: It was a long winter for Round Lake last year. The Panthers did not win a single game. New head coach Jay Iden, a Lake Zurich graduate and now a business teacher at Round Lake, has some work to do, and he and his staff hit the ground running over the summer. "Our primary focus from Day 1 has been 100 percent culture," Iden said. "Our staff and players have worked tirelessly to build relationships on and off the basketball court. Throughout the summer and this preseason, our guys have really bought in and have demonstrated leadership and enthusiasm. Everyone in the program is extremely excited and optimistic about this season. We have given the guys many opportunities to help them improve both on and off the court and I feel that we have forged a really cohesive bond." Round Lake lost two double-figure scorers in Lucas Hollingsworth (15 ppg, 9 rpg) and Chris Pierre (11 pgg, rpg) but return six players with varsity experience, including seniors Ryan Lowe, Musiq Brantley and Marco Barcenas. Lowe averaged 10 points per game last season. "Ultimately, we want our kids to embrace the notion that success is a way of life," Iden said. "Each and every day, we want to celebrate and be there for each other. If we can do that, everything will take care of itself."

Opener: vs. Marian Central at Woodstock Hoops for Healing Thanksgiving Tournament, 5 p.m., Monday

WAUCONDA BULLDOGSCoach: Scott Luetschwager (10th season)

Last year: 12-19, 7-7 NLCC

Last year's tournament finish: Lost in the regional championship to Carmel, 47-32.

Key players lost: G Jimmy Ott, F Matt Nolan, F Drew Nolan, G Matt O'Brien

Key players returning: G Connor Brannick, sr., G Donovan Carter, jr., G Nick Rinchiuso, sr., F Nick Bulgarelli, soph.

Newcomers: G Benji Chung, soph., F Jake Shanholtzer, jr.

Outlook: Wauconda coach Scott Luetschwager loves the versatility of his team. "We have a lot of players who can play in multiple positions," Luetschwager said. "It gives us the ability to play different styles without having to change the lineup drastically." The Bulldogs return a solid core of players who were vital in a run that advanced to the regional championship last season. Back are guards Donovan Carter and Connor Brannick, two double-figure scorers and all-conference selections from last season. It is the second time in three seasons Wauconda returns two all-conference players. Carter averaged 13.3 points per game while Brannick was at 10 points per game. "Connor is a crafty player who finds ways to score," Luetschwager said. "Meanwhile, Donovan opens the floor up with his accuracy from behind the arc." Nick Rinchiuso and Nick Bulgarelli both return with varsity experience from last year as well. "We lost four seniors that had a lot to do (with advancing to the regional championship)," Luetschwager said. "But we retained a solid nucleus from that group that we are building around."

Opener: vs. Johnsburg at Johnsburg Thanksgiving Tournament, 7 p.m., Monday