Scouting Crystal Lake South boys basketball

Crystal Lake South Gators

Coach: Dan DeBruycker (seventh year, 88-78)

Last year: 15-11, 4-6, tied for third in Valley Division of Fox Valley Conference; lost 61-58 to McHenry in a Class 4A Prairie Ridge regional semifinal

Top players: seniors Will Ahsmann (6-3, G), Matt Benoit (6-4, C), Steven Jarva (6-1, G), Xoni Veseli (6-0, G), ; juniors Alex Bartusch (5-7, G), Nick Geske (6-0, G), Max Meitzler (6-4, F/C), Eric Schiller (6-2, F)

Scouting report: All five starters graduated from a team that went 15-11. The bulk of the varsity experience for this team lies in senior point guard Will Ahsmann, senior guard Xoni Veseli and senior center Matt Benoit, each of whom played significant backup roles last year. Ashmann was injured at midseason but returned in time to make a strong finish. He's expected to be a floor leader and solid defender for the Gators, though he didn't practice until this week because his football team was still competing in the state playoffs. Xoni Veseli came off the bench last year but saw significant playing time. He'll play a bigger role as a senior. Matt Benoit has gained strength to fight for rebounding position and is expected to start at center. Juniors will play large roles. Nick Geske was a dependable scorer on the sophomore level last year along with Max Meitzler (230 pounds), who gives the Gators another post defender. Alex Bartusch is a good shooter who will get minutes at point guard and shooting guard. Eric Schiller will see significant playing time at forward. The team gets a lift from the return of guard Steven Jarva. He played for the Gators as a freshman and sophomore until his family moved out of state. He has returned for his senior season. "He's a hardworking kid who can really shoot the basketball," CL South coach Dan DeBruycker said. "It's a positive development for our team. Overall, I think we have a good mix and a deep group of 11 or 12 on the floor. They're battling every day in practice. We don't have any returning starters, but they worked hard this summer, played well and became closer as a team. It's a hardworking group. I expect us to compete in every game."