Scouting Larkin boys basketball

Larkin Royals

Coach: Deryn Carter (third season, 5-49)

Last year: 4-23, 0-12, seventh in the River Division of the Upstate Eight Conference; lost 38-27 to Streamwood in the Class 4A Larkin regional play-in game.

Top players: seniors Ian Fluhler (6-1, G), Blake Grantham (6-5, F), Adarion Mahone (6-1, F), Shaq Mosley (5-10, G), Antonio Pipes (6-5, F); juniors J.J. Darke (6-1, G), Quantice Hunter (6-1, G), Quentin Ruff (6-0, G); sophomores Drew Jones (6-4, F), Derrick Streety (5-10, G), freshman Daniel McFadden (6-4, F)

Scouting report: The Royals are poised to put successive frustrating seasons behind them and begin the trek back to respectability. Talent abounds in all four classes, led by the seniors. Senior leader Ian Fluhler has put in the work to improve on last year's averages of 8 points and 3 rebounds per game. Athletically, he has matured," Larkin coach Deryn Carter said. "He worked hard in the weight room and is conditioned better than most of the players he'll face. He's the heart and soul of the team. He takes a leadership position on the floor." Quantice Hunter sank 28 shots from 3-point range last year. He and Streety (5.1 ppg), another gifted scorer, can both handle the ball and score on the drive or on the perimeter. The Royals have more height than they've enjoyed in years. Joining 6-foot-5 Blake Grantham and 6-5 Antonio Pipes are talented, 6-4 sophomore Drew Jones, who is expected to be a start right away, and 6-4 freshman forward Daniel McFadden. Adarion Mahone is another tough forward. He averaged 5 rebounds a game last year. Grantham averaged 5.1 ppg and 5 rpg. Quentin Ruff will be one of the area's best 3-point shooters, promises his coach. Shaq Mosley isn't a natural basketball player, but he's athletic enough to play some defense and help in a reserve role. J.J. Darke is another guard expected to contribute. Overall, the team has a good mix of height and speed, though a good portion of it is inexperienced. "Not to put the cart before the horse, but I think we've turned the corner as a program competitively," Carter said. "We definitely have some height. If we're going to beat the good teams, our guards have to play well. We'll play much faster than we have in the past because our guys can handle it. We want to make it a track meet, beating people up and down the floor with opportunities in transitions. We're gonna push it. We'll make outlet opportunities off made baskets if we can."