Scouting Downers Grove North boys basketball

Downers Grove North

Coach: Jim Thomas.

Last year: 8-18, 4-8, fifth in West Suburban Silver; lost 74-50 to Glenbard North in Class 4A Geneva regional quarterfinals.

Top players: Dennis Blake, jr., G; Jalen Grace, sr., G; Tom Wengren, sr., G/F; Ross Johnson, sr., G/F; Rob Mahlke, jr., F; Tyler Mason, sr., C; Alex Vogler, sr., F.

Scouting report: An influx of athleticism has the Trojans eyeing a switch to a more up-tempo style of play. It’s something they haven’t been able to do for a few years, but the talent is there starting with the point guard tandem of Blake and Grace for switching the style of play. Wengren and Johnson return as experienced players on the wing, and both will be effective on the perimeter. Mahlke, at 6-foot-7, offers a scoring presence in the post while 6-5 Mason is a bruising rebounder who epitomizes a gritty team style of play. Halfcourt offense and defense is the key for the Trojans, who know a boost to their 49 points per game average from last year could have reversed the many losses by 6 points or fewer. “I think this is the best group we’ve had in the last four years,” Thomas said.