Scouting Leyden boys basketball

Leyden

Coach: Bill Heisler (fourth year, 29-52)

Last year: 13-14, 7-5 (T3rd in WSC Gold)

Key losses: Mike Woolf (all-area G, 16.6 ppg, 57 3s, North Park), Javi Lazcano (G, 4.7 ppg), Tracy Silmon (F, 4.4 ppg)

Top returnees: Seniors Brandon Stinson (6-2, G, 10.1 ppg, 41 3s), Carlos Olavarria (5-8, G), Eric Palmer (6-3, F, 5.9 ppg, 19 3s), Andres Orrego (5-11, G), Diego Angel (5-8, G), John Gulo (5-10, G), Ricky Montgomery (5-8, G); junior Patrick Listwan (6-1, G, 6 ppg)

Newcomers: Senior Shirra Clark (6-0, F); juniors Alex Herrera (5-9, G), Brian McNamara (6-4, C), Andrew Andreev (6-1, C), Antonio Reyes (5-11, G), Christian Quintana (6-2, F), Estevan Mendez (6-3, C), Jake Traficanti (5-10, G), Shawn Shiley (5-11, F)

Outlook: Leyden looks to continue its progress under Heisler after winning 4 and 12 games his first two seasons. Last year was its best WSC Gold record since 2003-04. “The biggest thing is the ease for us,” Heisler said. “We’re so far ahead now where the kids know the system and know what’s ahead of them.” Heisler sees more offensive balance with the graduation of Wolff as Stinson returns for his third year and Listwan and Palmer are back. “Brandon is a talented kid and his leadership is really going to set the tone for us,” Heisler said. “Right now we’re trying to get him to be a little more selfish than he’s been.” Listwan is a good athlete and Palmer brings an interesting dimension with solid inside play defensively and the ability to step outside offensively. Gulo also played a lot last year, Orrego brings hustle and energy and Olavarria will add depth when he returns from a broken wrist. Herrera will step in at the point. “I trust him because he’s so even-keel,” Heisler said. “He really opens up everything because people have to respect his ability to shoot.” McNamara brings a big, strong inside presence the Eagles’ haven’t had in recent years. Once again they’ll try to get in the mix with Downers Grove South, Proviso East and Morton in the division. “I feel like we’ve kind of cracked into competing in our league,” Heisler said. “I think we gained some respect and we’re hoping to build on that.”