Scouting DuPage County men’s basketball
Top teams: Wheaton, North Central.
Top players: Benedictine: Cameron Snelling, G/F, sr.; Brian Genslinger, C, sr.; Nate Green, G, jr; A.J. Brown, F, sr.; College of DuPage: Julius Staisiunas (Downers Grove South), F, so; Derak Stanback (Glenbard East), G, so.; Phillip Reid, G, so.; Zachary Dungee, F, so; Dan Howard (Lake Park), C, so. ; Elmhurst: Zack Boyd, G, jr.; Mike McCurdy, G, jr.; Joe Acosta (York) , F, sr.; Aaron Schroeder, F, sr.; North Central: Derek Raridon (Neuqua Valley), G/F, so.; Brian Evans (Glenbard North), G/F, sr.; Kevin Gillespie, G, jr.; Landon Gamble, F, fr.; Wheaton: Tim McCrary, F, jr.; Andrew Jahns (Wheaton North), G, sr.; Stephen Pierotti (Wheaton North), G, jr.; Spencer Schultze, C, jr.
Outlook: Wheaton, which advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III tournament, is the closest thing to a known quantity among the three College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin teams. All-America forward McCrary, who led the team in scoring and assists and led the CCIW in rebounds, leads a veteran crew that will make the Thunder a contender again. A strong freshman group will contribute more as the year goes on. “There is some uncertainty in the program,” said second-year coach Mike Schauer. “Because so many of the newcomers will play. There’s plenty of talent and we have high expectations.” Elmhurst had a disappointing year, but coach Mark Scherer is optimistic because the team is more experienced and has better height. Guards Boyd and McCurdy lead an explosive offense. Schroeder and Acosta are veterans up front and the inside play will be bolstered by the addition of several incoming bigs. North Central coach Todd Raridon will build around his son Derek, a versatile swing man who had a great freshman year. He’s listed among the Division III preseason All-Americas. Gillespie is a savvy guard, and freshman Gamble will give Cardinals an inside presence. “Our guards have shown the ability in practice to score from the perimeter which should help open up the middle for our young guys inside,” coach Raridon said. Benedictine is led by all-conference Snelling, a tall, athletic guard who can rebound. And there’s a veteran supporting cast that could thrust the Eagles into the thick the conference race. “We’re athletic and quick and we play tough defense,” said coach Keith Bunkenburg. “We’re a veteran ballclub that just needs to be more consistent.” Legendary coach Don Klaas thought his COD Chaparrals were better than last year’s 17-14 record, but this year’s team seems scrappier and more determined to succeed. Staisiunas and Stanback are a couple of athletic local products who are experienced leaders on the court. Howard gives the Chaps a strong rebounder who can score in double figures. “We have the guys who can take it to the hole,” Klaas said. “We can win some games at the free-throw line.”
Key dates: Dec. 20 Concordia at Benedictine; Dec. 22 North Central at Benedictine; Jan. 4 Rock Valley at College of DuPage; Jan. 5 Carthage at Wheaton; Jan. 8 Wheaton at North Central; Jan. 22 Wheaton at Elmhurst, Madison at College of DuPage; Jan. 26 Elmhurst at North Central; Jan. 29 Augustana at Elmhurst, North Central at Wheaton; Feb. 1 Joliet and College of DuPage; Feb. 2 Illinois Wesleyan at North Central; Feb. 5 Lakeland at Benedictine; Feb. 15 Aurora at Benedictine; Feb. 16 North Central at Elmhurst; Feb. 19 Elmhurst at Wheaton.
Neil Shalin