Scouting Carmel Catholic

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC CONFERENCE

CARMEL CORSAIRSCoach: Zack Ryan (5th season)

Last year: 19-12, 4-5 East Suburban Catholic Conference

Last year's tournament finish: Lost in the sectional semifinals to North Chicago, 73-61.

Key players lost: G Zion Kilpatrick

Key players returning: F Johnny Roeser, sr., F Jalen Snell, sr., F Lukas Galdoni, sr., G Kimahri Wilson, soph., F Damone Williams Gray, sr.

Newcomers: G Will Schott, sr., G Mason Schaedel, sr., F Jack Smith, sr., G Kylen Beals, sr., F Julian Speights, sr., F Bryce Moore, fr.

Outlook: Carmel has been making a steady rise. "We have increased our win total each year for the past four years," Carmel coach Zack Ryan said. The Corsairs won 19 games last year, won a regional and gave a fight in the state tournament to North Chicago, which eventually finished fourth in Class 3A. Ryan is confident that this year's team can match or exceed the successes of last season. "This team is deeper than last year and we bring back many players that saw extensive minutes," Ryan said. "We are hoping to go about 10 deep." Leading the way for the Corsairs is senior forward Johnny Roeser, a four-year starter, who has 78 starts under his belt. "Johnny is going to go down as one of the best players in school history," Ryan said. Roeser averaged 12 points and 6 rebounds per game last season. The Corsairs also had two other players average double-figures last year - Damone Williams Gray, a 6-foot-5 forward, also averaged 12 points and 6 rebounds per game and sophomore guard Kimahri Wilson averaged 11 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists per game in a special freshman year. "Kimahri Wilson is one of the state's best sophomores," Ryan said. "Damone provides us with size and rebounding." Jalen Snell (6-foot-3) and Lukas Galdoni (6-foot-4) also give Carmel size inside. Some new blood will also figure into the mix. Kylen Beals saw time at the end of last season as a sophomore and started for Carmel for the majority of the summer. Mason Schaedel sat out last season due to transfer rules but looked good over the summer and will provide strong shooting from the perimeter. And Bryce Moore is a freshman who is already turning heads. "Jack Smith, Will Schott and Julian Speights will provide depth and senior leadership," Ryan added.

Opener: vs. Chicago Schurz at the Grant Thanksgiving Tournament, 5:30 p.m., Tuesday