DuPage County boys basketball outlook
Addison Trail
Coach: Brendan Lyons (18th season).
Last season’s record: 13-18 overall, 4-8 in the West Suburban Gold (tied for 5th place).
Top returners: Luke Smith, sr., G; Dom Renc, sr., G; Isaiah Cortes, sr., G; Matt Garcia, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Manny Roque, jr., G; Cam Salerno, jr., F; Matt Correa, soph., F.
Worth noting: The Blazers welcome the return of 6-foot-1 All-Area senior guard Smith, a 4-year starter who enters the season with 1,699 career points – ranking 193rd in IHSA history, and 3-year starter Renc. The 6-1 Cortes and 6-2 Garcia add backcourt depth, while 6-8 Correa and 6-3 Salerno provide some interior size. Addison Trail begins its season against Collins on Nov. 25 at the Hoffman Estates Invite prior to its WSC Gold debut against perennial power Proviso East on Dec. 6 in Maywood. In addition, the Blazers will compete in the State Farm Holiday Classic in Bloomington, play in the Crohn’s Shootout at Waubonsie Valley, and join the WSC/MSL Challenge at Buffalo Grove.
Benet Academy
Coach: Gene Heidkamp (17th season).
Last season’s record: 27-7 overall, 14-2 in the East Suburban Catholic (tied for 1st place).
Top returners: Jayden Wright, jr., G; Blake Fagbemi, sr., G; Daniel Pauliukonis, sr., F; Colin Stack, jr., C.
Key newcomers: Grant Bergmann, jr., F; Chris Huynh, jr., G; Austin Clifford, jr., G; Aidan Renicker, jr., G; Jason Chow, jr., G; Jack Reiser, jr., G; Jaiyden Cotton, jr., G; Maclane Zich, jr., G; Edvardas Stasys, soph., F; Blair Fagbemi, soph., G; Tyler Cibulka, soph., G/F.
Worth noting: The perennially powerful Redwings lost All-Area junior Gabriel Sularski (transfer to Lemont) but return several top players from last season’s 27-win squad, including 7-foot post player Stack, 6-9 wing Pauliukonis, 5-11 guard Blake Fagbemi, and 5-10 guard Wright. Benet tied Marist for first place in the ESCC last year and earned its fourth straight Class 4A regional title (57-54 win over Oswego East) before losing to Bolingbrook (65-59) in the sectional semifinals. Heidkamp, who has guided the Redwings to three 4A second-place state finishes (2014, ’16, ’23), owns a 388-103 record in 16 seasons as well as 10 regional crowns. Benet begins its season on Nov. 25 against King in DeLaSalle’s Windy City Turkey Classic before the ESCC opener against Joliet Catholic on Dec. 6. The Redwings will play in the Pontiac Holiday Tournament Dec. 26-28, face Stevenson in the DePaul Prep Pappas Shootout Jan. 4, and face Rich Township in their own When Sides Collide Tournament Jan. 25.
Downers Grove North
Coach: James Thomas
Last season: 31-5 (11-1 West Suburban Silver)
Top returners: Jack Crowley, senior, guard; Bobby Grganto, senior, forward; Nolan Hurter, senior guard; Aidan Akkawi, senior, forward; Andrew Novak, senior guard; Colin Jacobs; senior, guard; Jack Richtman, senior, guard.
Top newcomers: Colin Doyle, sophomore, forward.
Worth noting: Downers Grove North will have a different look after losing several key players from last season’s team, namely high-scoring guard Jack Stanton, steady guard Owen Thulin and inside force Jake Riemer.
“We have returning seniors that have competed with and against a really strong senior class that graduated,” Thomas said. “They have won a lot of games from freshman, sophomore and junior varsity schedules. We anticipate being in a lot of close games with a ton of opportunities to learn and grow with a chance to win some big games throughout the season. We have unbelievable team chemistry.”
Downers Grove South
Coach: Zach Miller
Last season: 23-8 (11-1 West Suburban Conference Gold)
Top returners: Keon Maggitt, senior, point guard; Daniel Sveiteris, senior, wing; Daniel Laurich, senior, wing.
Top newcomers: Adam Flowers, junior, guard; Wyatt Wawro, senior, guard; Sean Day, junior, guard, Erik Vagonis, junior, forward.
Worth noting: The Mustangs are trending up due to the return of several players, most notably Maggitt and Sveiteris. Maggitt averaged 9.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season to earn all-conference.
“This will be the most talented team I’ve had in four years,” Miller said. “Keon and Daniel are both high-IQ kids who make plays on both ends and know what it takes to take the next step. With the additions of Adam Flowers, Wyatt Wawro and Sean Day, these are dynamic playmakers and scorers who will make their presence felt immediately. With the combination of length, quickness, and depth, we will get out and pressure teams in a variety of ways.
“We want to get out to a fast start but realize that our best basketball could be a few weeks away, as we establish who we are and continue building chemistry on the floor. We loaded up our schedule to be battle tested early and often, in hopes of making a run in March.”
Fenton
Coach: Chaz Taft (eighth season).
Last season’s record: 28-5 overall, 17-1 in the Upstate Eight (1st place).
Top returners: Eddie Lira, sr., F; Josiah Rodriguez, sr., G; Michael Sanchez, sr., F.
Key newcomers: Jack Tinajero, sr., G; Armany Sutton, soph., G; Ivan Medrano, jr., G; Isaiah Ibarra, jr., G; Curtis Ellis, sr., G.
Worth noting: Fenton enjoyed a memorable season a year ago, capturing its first Upstate Eight Conference (by 3 games) with a 17-1 record and recording a school-record 28 victories before losing a tough 37-29 decision to Notre Dame in the Class 3A regional finals. Taft’s squad has recorded back-to-back 20-win seasons. “We lost all five seniors from last year’s team, who won 52 games in two years,” said the coach. “Our sophomores were 24-5 last year. We don’t have a lot of varsity playing experience coming back, but I am excited about the talent we have in the program for the years to come.” The Bison begin their season at their own 36th annual Chuck Mitchell Tournament against Montini on Nov. 25, then open UEC play against Ridgewood on Dec. 3. Fenton will return to the Marengo Holiday Tournament Dec. 21, 23, 27-28.
Glenbard East
Coach: Eric Kelly (third season).
Last season’s record: 14-18 overall, 12-6 in the Upstate Eight (tied for 3rd place).
Top returners: Michael Nee, jr., G; Danny Snyder, jr., G; Devin Kraft, jr., G; Norman Loechel, jr., G.
Key newcomers: Donovan Cobbs, jr., F.
Worth noting: Nee, who quarterbacked the Rams’ football team to a 9-2 record and second-round Class 8A playoff appearance this past season, returns to bolster the backcourt. The 6-foot-2 junior should reach the 1,000-point mark for his varsity career before January and has a shot at becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer. Kelly, who guided the Rams to their most wins (14) since 2019-2020 last season, believes the 6-1 Snyder has the potential to be an all-conference player. The Rams expect to contend in the newly revamped Upstate Eight along with West Aurora and Riverside-Brookfield. Glenbard East begins its season against Glenbard North on Nov. 25 at the District 87 Tournament in Glen Ellyn.
Glenbard North
Coach: Kevin Tonn (fourth season).
Last season’s record: 22-12 overall, 8-6 in the DuKane (3rd place).
Top returners: Jack Schager, sr., G; Maharri Thatch, jr., G; Ryan Bledsoe, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Lamari Carpenter, soph., G; Oturo Redento, soph., F; Matt Welch, jr., F.
Worth noting: Following an 8-6 DuKane Conference regular season that included a pair of losses to Lake Park, the Panthers earned a measure of revenge with their 37-36 overtime victory over the Lancers in the Class 4A sectional semifinals last year on JJ Hernandez’ buzzer-beater. The 4th-seeded Panthers followed that with a 44-43 sectional championship win over York on Schager’s 3-point buzzer beater before falling to New Trier in the supersectional. It marked the Panthers’ first regional and sectional titles since 2014. The 6-foot-1 Schager and 6-1 point guard Thatch are 3-year starters for the Panthers, who lost 6-6 junior Josh Abushanab to Glenbard West (transfer). “Schager shot 51% from 3 last year and has expanded his game for a larger role this season,” said Tonn, who also expects strong varsity contributions from Bledsoe and Welch. Carpenter and Redento should see plenty of opportunities for playing time. “We have a nice mix of youth and experience,” said the coach. The Panthers open their season on Nov. 25 against Glenbard East at the District 87 Invite.
Glenbard South
Coach: Jason Mead (second season).
Last season’s record: 18-14 overall, 12-6 in the Upstate Eight (tied for 3rd place).
Top returners: Mitchell Erickson, sr., G; PJ Lehr, jr., G; Joey Villa, sr., F; Ryan Hopkins, sr., G; Evan Bogue, sr., G; Dayvion York, sr., F; Parker Langreder, sr., F.
Key newcomers: Sean Reese, soph., G; Cooper Langreder, soph., F; Will Sieck, soph., G; Hamza Siddiqui, frosh., G; Saif Kokoszka, sr., C; Gavin Bustos, jr., G; Hunter Fort, jr., F; Jude Sbeih, jr., G; Sam Rickert, jr., G.
Worth noting: The Raiders are coming off a successful 18-win campaign in Mead’s first season as head coach at the Glen Ellyn school. Mead, who previously served as head coach at Dixon and Waubonsie Valley, owns a 186-130 overall record. The Raiders welcome the return of guards Erickson (6-1), Lehr (5-8), Hopkins (5-7), Bogue (5-11), and forwards Villa (6-3), York (6-3), and Parker Langreder (6-2). “We will have a mix of experience and youth in the rotation, with several returning starters surrounded by underclassmen,” said the coach. “In order to compete this year, we will have to play very hard and execute well.” The Raiders open their season on Nov. 26 against Glenbard North at the District 87 Invite before beginning conference action at South Elgin on Dec. 6. Glenbard South competes in Marengo’s EC Nichols Holiday Tournament in December.
Glenbard West
Coach: Jason Opoka
Last season: 16-16 (5-7 West Suburban Silver)
Top returners: TJ Williams, junior, guard; Dom Seaney, senior, forward; Mike O’Connell, senior, forward; Bryce Huff, senior, forward.
Top newcomers: Josh Abushanab, junior, forward.
Worth noting: Williams is set to take an even bigger step forward in his development this season after averaging 10.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists last season. Seaney is a three-year varsity player and O’Connell, a Northwestern football recruit, joins Huff to give the Hilltoppers size. Abushanab is a transfer from Glenbard North.
“We have good senior depth with junior athleticism,” Opoka said. “We will play a fun style in transition and disrupt teams in our 1-3-1.”
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Nick Latorre
Last season: 15-16 (7-5 West Suburban Silver)
Top returners: Vince Buzelis, senior, guard; Tyler Thick, senior, forward; Dillon Dell, senior, forward,
Top newcomers: None listed.
Worth noting: The Red Devils return some firepower, with six of their seven top scorers from last season and will have 62% of their offense from last year back. Senior guard Vince Buzelis is a returning All-West Suburban Conference selection. Buzelis, who has committed to South Dakota, led the Red Devils in rebounding in 27 of their 31 games last year. Vince is the younger brother of Chicago Bulls first-round draft choice, and Hinsdale Central alumnus, Matas Buzelis. Six-foot-8 Tyler Thick returns for his third season on the varsity. Dillon Dell established the Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic single game three-point shooting record last year, going six-for-six from outside the arc against Schaumburg. Seniors Eric Kozys, Michael Howell and Dillon Orozco all possess starting experience from last year’s varsity team. The Red Devils should also excel in team depth, mainly due to a highly successful run by the lower level teams.
Hinsdale South
Coach: Scott Tanaka
Last season: 15-17 (8-4 West Suburban Gold)
Top returners: Ayden Farrare, Gemarion Alexander, Rohan Tvelil, Nick Ockrim, Fuad Alsoubani, Micholas Boyd, Grant Diedrich, Christian Hardrick, Michael Lofton, Jad Kawass.
Top newcomers: Maurice Oglesby Jr., Colton Lin, Chase Edwards, Niko Therapos, Noah Therapos, Hamza Truttling, Nas Yaqub.
Worth noting: After enduring a season full of headlines in 2023-24, the Hornets will be glad to focus on just basketball. Tanaka, who coached the Hinsdale South girls basketball team to a state appearance last season, takes over as boys coach.
“Ayden Farrare is one of the most underrated players in the state,” Tanaka said. “Our team will take great pride in getting better every single day and giving all that we have, all of the time.”
IC Catholic Prep
Coach: T.J. Tyrrell
Last season: 19-14 (5-3 Catholic League White)
Top returners: Andrew Hill, senior, guard; Danny Fromelt, senior, guard; Matt Sloan, senior, guard; Luke Wojcik, senior, forward; Jordan Hall, senior, guard.
Top newcomers: Makai Mandley, senior, guard.
Worth noting: The Knights bring back seven seniors from last year’s 19-win team, fueling high expectations for the upcoming season. Facing a challenging CCL schedule, the squad will be battle-tested, led by standout 6-foot- 6 Andrew Hill, who averaged 14 points per game last season and earned CCL honorable mention honors.
Lake Park
Coach: Billy Pitcher (seventh season).
Last season’s record: 29-4 overall, 14-0 in the DuKane (1st place).
Top returners: Robert Munaco, sr., G; TyShon Smith, jr., F; Freddy Battaglia, jr., G/F.
Key newcomers: Luca Stella, jr., G/F; Max Alvarado, jr., G; Brennan Shannon, frosh., F.
Worth noting: Last season was a memorable one for the Lancers, who tied a school record with 29 victories and captured the rugged DuKane Conference title with a perfect 14-0 mark. Lake Park, which earned its second straight Class 4A regional title last season, enjoyed its fifth consecutive 20-plus win campaign. Pitcher, who owns a 129-49 record in 6 seasons, lost the bulk of last year’s squad to graduation, including Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area Captain Cam Cerese (now playing at D-II Saint Leo in Florida). “We graduated 50 of 53 points per game from last year,” said the coach. Munaco, a 5-foot-9 point guard, Smith (5-10), and Battaglia (6-4) head the list of returners, while 6-3 Stella and 6-4 Shannon add some frontcourt height. The Lancers begin their season on Nov. 25 against Stevenson at Palatine’s Ed Molitor Thanksgiving Tournament, and open DuKane action at Batavia on Dec. 6. The Lancers will compete in the Pekin Tournament Dec. 26-28 and host the DuKane-MSL Invite on Jan. 11.
Lisle
Coach: Andrew Weber (third season).
Last season’s record: 15-17 overall, 8-6 in the Illinois Central Eight (3rd place).
Top returners: James Saxman, sr., F; Nico Bundschuh, sr., F; Dillon Roehn, sr., G; Myloe Thordson, jr., F; Asher Carson, jr., G; Nick Senese, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Hunter McGrath, soph., G; Justas Dobilas, soph., G; Simas Dobilas, frosh., G.
Worth noting: The Lions return plenty of experience, led by 6-foot-4 Bundschuh, 6-2 Saxman, 6-foot Roehn, and 6-5 Thordson, along with several newcomers. “Our goals and expectations are the same for our program every year,” said Weber. “We have a young, talented team that has put in the work in the offseason. Now, it is time for it to pay off.” Lisle is coming off a solid season that included an upper-half finish in the Illinois Central Eight. The Lions open their season on Nov. 26 against West Chicago at their own Thanksgiving Tournament before beginning conference play on Dec. 6 against Coal City.
Metea Valley
Coach: Isaiah Davis (sixth season).
Last season’s record: 19-11 overall, 6-4 in the DuPage Valley (tied for 2nd place).
Top returners: Jake Nosek, sr., F; Tre Watkins, jr., G; Dom Smith, sr., F.
Key newcomers: Khalil Jones, sr., G.
Worth noting: Jones, a 3-year varsity starter at St. Laurence, transferred to Metea Valley for his senior season. The speedy 5-foot-11 Jones figures to play point guard for the Mustangs. Nosek, a small forward, averaged 10 points and 4 rebounds per game last season. “We are excited for the season,” said Davis, who has guided Metea to 40 wins (against 21 losses) the last 2 seasons. “They are a hard-working group with talent. I’m excited to see how we do this season. The conference is very good this year, so that will also be a great challenge.” The Mustangs, whose last Class 4A regional title came in 2015, open their season against Richards on Nov. 25 at the Downers Grove North Thanksgiving Tournament prior to their conference debut against defending champion Waubonsie Valley on Dec. 6.
Montini
Coach: Adam DeMong
Last season: 15-19 (3-11 in Chicago Catholic League)
Top Returners: Dillon Bagley, senior, guard; Jack Barrett, senior, guard; Maxwell Bell, senior, guard; Drew Church, senior, forward; Colt Ashton, junior, center.
Top newcomers: Robert Sansone, junior, guard; Henry Herold, junior forward.
Worth noting: After winning a Class 2A regional championship last season, the Broncos will be undergoing a construction process this season. The positives, though, is a strong group of returnees, including several guards.
“We will be a much different team than last year, with more size and less returning scoring but this group has proven to be hard working, tough and connected,” DeMong said. “Always a difficult regular season schedule in the Chicago Catholic League which should prepare the team well for the 2A playoffs. Guards Bell, Barrett and Bagley are three-year varsity players, while Church and Ashton contributed last season off-the-bench. Sansone is a wild card, a savvy scorer who adds firepower. Montini football is playing for 3A State Championship in Football on Friday, so the season might start slow, but once the football players work their way into the rotation, it will be a booster to the depth.”
Naperville Central
Coach: Michael Wilson (first season).
Last season’s record: 10-23 overall, 0-10 in the DuPage Valley (6th place).
Top returners: TJ Hillman, jr., G; Ryder Erdman, sr., C; Alex Liabo, sr., G; Connor Sands, sr., F.
Key newcomers: Evan Moss, jr., G; Nate Abrahamson, jr., G.
Worth noting: Wilson is the Redhawks’ third varsity basketball coach since 1979 and played for the other two – the late Bob Sterr and Pete Kramer, who retired last spring following a 33-year coaching run at Naperville Central, including the past 21 as head coach. He inherits a team returning just 1 starter – 5-foot-10 point guard Hillman. Erdman and Liabo are looking to step into new leadership roles and receive more playing time while setting the example for the younger players. Moss, a 6-5 guard, is new to Naperville Central and looking to make an impact. The Redhawks open their season on Nov. 25 against Hinsdale Central at Oswego’s Hoops 4 Healing Tournament. “We have a new coaching staff, new head coach, and a lot of guys looking to bounce back from a difficult last few years,” said Wilson.
Naperville North
Coach: Gene Nolan (seventh season).
Last season’s record: 13-17 overall, 3-7 in the DuPage Valley (5th place).
Top returners: Max Steele, jr., G; Rizwan Zubair, sr., G; Ashton Hartmann, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Carson Loughlin, jr., G/F; Will Harvey, jr., F; Miles Okyne, jr., G/F; Jack Zitko, jr., G.
Worth noting: The Huskies graduated 12 seniors from last year’s team. “We’ll miss coaching them – they were great kids, but we have a good core of players who have a great work ethic and are fun to coach, just like last year’s team,” said Nolan. Steele, a 5-foot-10 guard, played on varsity as a sophomore, gaining some starts along the way, averaging 5 points per game while shooting 50% on 2-point attempts and 34.3% on 3s. “We will also get contributions and leadership from Zubair and Hartmann, and a host of players from the sophomore team,” added the coach. Naperville North begins its season against Maine East on Nov. 25 at the Ridgewood Thanksgiving Tournament before opening DVC action on Dec. 6 at DeKalb.
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Todd Sutton (27th season).
Last season’s record: 23-10 overall, 6-4 in the DuPage Valley (tied for 2nd place).
Top returners: Whitman Charboneau, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Mason Martin, soph., G; Cole Kelly, frosh., G, Danny Podpora, sr., G; David Taiwo, sr., G; Andrew Hoffmann, sr., F.
Worth noting: Sutton, one of the deans among area basketball coaches, begins his 27th season at Neuqua Valley, where he has guided the Wildcats to 17 20-win campaigns, including 4 consecutive full seasons. A year ago, the Wildcats accumulated 23 victories and a solid 2nd-place tie in the rugged DuPage Valley before losing to Downers Grove North (54-39) in the Class 4A regional championship. Charboneau, a 6-foot-2 guard, is the only returning experienced player. The Wildcats’ list of newcomers includes 6-foot guard Taiwo (transfer from Metea), 6-foot junior football standout Hoffmann, 6-4 sophomore Martin, and 6-6 freshman Kelly. Sutton calls Martin “a good shooter,” while referring to Kelly, already drawing major interest from high level Division I schools, as a player “good at everything.” Neuqua opens its season against West Aurora on Nov. 25 at Oswego’s Hoops 4 Healing Tournament before beginning DVC play on Dec. 6 at Naperville Central. The Wildcats will play in DeKalb’s Chuck Dayton Tournament Dec. 26-28.
St. Francis
Coach: Erin Dwyer (10th season).
Last season’s record: 18-13 overall, 7-1 in the CCL White (2nd place).
Top returners: Niko Quaranta, sr., G; Mark Balaskovitz, sr., G; Nathan Silagi, jr., G; Owen Gjerde, sr., F; Gavin Mueller, jr., G/F.
Key newcomers: Ben Whorlow, soph., F; Luke Defrense, jr., G; Carter Clark, jr., F.
Worth noting: The Spartans suffered a blow with the loss of 3-year starter, 6-foot-6 Mueller to season-ending shoulder surgery. “We will need some people to step up and help fill his loss with his size (6-6, 250) and production,” said Dwyer, who guided the Spartans to Class 3A regional and sectional titles in 2022. Last season, the Spartans placed second to St. Laurence in the competitive Chicago Catholic League White before losing to Hyde Park (57-53) in the 3A regional finals. With Mueller’s absence, Quaranta returns as the team’s lone starter. “We have a tough and very competitive group of kids eager to prove themselves,” said the coach. “We have a mix of great senior leadership and a talented, young group.” St. Francis begins its season against Downers Grove South on Nov. 26 at Geneva’s Bob Schick Thanksgiving Tournament, and will play in the York/Jack Tosh Holiday Tournament Dec. 26-31.
Timothy Christian
Coach Scott Plaisier (eighth season).
Last season’s record: 13-20 overall, 3-5 in the Chicagoland Christian (6th place).
Top returners: Marc Gamble, jr., F.
Key newcomers: Wes Hueber, jr., G; Charlie Crichton, jr., G; Adam Roland, jr., F; Dylan Drye, soph., G; Charles Reiger, soph., F; Isaac Plaisier, soph., F.
Worth noting: Last season, the Trojans made the most of playing in the rugged Chicagoland Christian Conference, shaking off a sub-.500 regular season to capture their first Class 2A regional title since 2020 with a 48-38 upset of top-seeded IC Catholic Prep before losing to eventual sectional champ Latin in the sectional semifinals (45-36). Timothy Christian may have one of the area’s most underrated players in the 6-foot-7 Gamble. “Marc will be a 3-year varsity starter and one of the most unknown talents in the area,” said Plaisier. Timothy opens its season on Nov. 25 against Morris at the Coal City Thanksgiving Tournament. The Trojans will compete in the York/Jack Tosh Holiday Classic Dec. 26-31.
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Andrew Schweitzer (fourth season).
Last season’s record: 27-3 overall, 9-1 in the DuPage Valley (1st place).
Top returners: Tyreek Coleman, sr., G; Moses Wilson, sr., G/F; Cade Valek, sr., F; Josh Tinney, sr., G; Donovan Neal, sr., G; Tyus Payne, sr., F.
Key newcomers: Kris Mporokoso, soph., G/F; Kyler Payne, frosh., F.
Worth noting: A year ago, the Warriors won their first 23 games on the way to capturing the DuPage Valley title and their first Class 4A regional title since 2019 with a 48-34 victory over Plainfield North. Coleman, who recently signed to attend Illinois State next fall, is a 6-foot-2, do-it-all type point guard, supported by 6-5 wing Wilson and 6-7 interior player Valek. “Cade is committed to Alabama-Huntsville (D2) for soccer,” said Schweitzer. “He starred on the soccer team and was the kicker/punter for the football team this fall. He will be a huge piece for us this season.” Mporokoso (6-3) and Payne (6-6) are intriguing young players. Waubonsie Valley opens its season against Streamwood on Nov. 26 at Batavia’s Ken Peddy Windmill Classic. “This senior class is as competitive as they come, and we’ve been looking forward to seeing what they can do since they arrived as freshmen,” said the coach. “Overall, we have another athletic group that should be more dynamic offensively than our group last year. The real test will be getting the level of defense we had last year.” Waubonsie’s schedule includes appearances in the WWSouth MLK Tournament (Jan. 18, 20), vs. Marist in the When Sides Collide Tournament (Jan. 25), vs. Mukwonago in the Wisconsin/Illinois Border Battle (Feb. 1), and vs. Warren at the IC Shootout (Feb. 15).
West Chicago
Coach: Ray Ramos (second season).
Last season’s record: 8-24 overall, 6-12 in the Upstate Eight (tied for 7th place).
Top returners: Joseph Trigueros, sr., F; Marcus Brewell, soph., G; Tristan McWilliams, jr., F; Tommy Doyle, sr., F; Ali Kahn, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Oliver Munoz, jr., G; Ryan Slattery, jr., F; AJ Rotger, jr., G.
Worth noting: The Wildcats graduated 4 of their 5 starters from last season, as 6-foot-5 wing Trigueros is the only returning starter. “However, we are very excited about talented group of underclassmen – they have experienced success at the lower levels under Coach Sayner and Coach Pauli,” said Ramos. Munoz and Brewell head the underclass list. “Oliver Munoz is a player to watch in our area,” said the coach. “He will be one of our top scorers and playmakers. Marcus Brewell is one of the top sophomores in the UEC. He will take the reins at point guard and showcase his abilities as a playmaker and floor general.” Ramos has high hopes for Trigueros as well. “Joseph is a versatile, high IQ player who will garner small college interest,” said the coach. “He will be our leader on and off the court.” The Wildcats open their season against Lisle on Nov. 26 at Lisle’s Thanksgiving Tournament before their UEC debut against Ridgewood on Dec. 6. “I believe our players and coaches have made a strong commitment to each other, growth as individuals, as a team, and as a program,” said Ramos. “We are eager to another step forward this season and showcase our players and WEGO basketball.”
Westmont
Coach: Craig Etheridge (26th season).
Last season’s record: 21-11 overall, 3-3 in the Metro Suburban (tied for 2nd place).
Top returners: Alexander Konoff, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Briggs Templeton, sr., G; Stephen Doll, sr., C; Jerry Vasek, sr., C; Luca Valencia, jr., G; Maddux Valencia, frosh., G.
Worth noting: Etheridge returns for his 26th season – all at Westmont. Last season, he guided the Sentinels to a 21-win campaign – their most since the 2019 squad won a Class 2A regional title with a 25-7 record. Konoff, a 6-foot-2 point guard, is their only returning starter, so the quick development of the supporting cast could be the key to success this season. Westmont is switching to the Chicago Prep Conference this season and will try to unseat defending champion Rochelle Zell. “We are excited for the new challenge and hope to have some success,” said Etheridge. Westmont opens its season against Evergreen Park on Nov. 26 at the Lisle Thanksgiving Tournament. The Sentinels host their own Christmas Classic (with ICCP) Dec. 26-30.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Daniel Smith (third season).
Last season’s record: 18-12 overall, 5-3 in the Chicagoland Christian (tied for 3rd place).
Top returners: Hayden Schroeder, soph., F; Tyler Smith, sr., G; Sam Thomas, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Jackson Snider, soph., F.
Worth noting: The Warriors return one of the area’s brightest young frontcourt stars in 6-foot-8 wing Schroeder, who averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds per game as a freshman last season. Smith (6-3) and Thomas (6-2) also provide some size, along with 6-5 newcomer Snider. “We have a young and hungry group looking to compete every single night,” said Smith, whose team opens its season against Bartlett on Nov. 25 at its own Thanksgiving Tournament. Wheaton Academy will also face Plainfield North and Oak Park-River Forest in the Warrior Dome. In December, the Warriors will participate in the Hinsdale Central Holiday Tournament.
Wheaton North
Coach: Dave Brackmann
Last season: 17-14 (6-8 DuKane Conference)
Top returners: Cal MacKay, senior, guard/forward; Matthew Beamer, senior, forward; Ben Gillmar, sophomore, forward.
Top newcomers: Henry Schlickman, junior, guard; Will Channing, junior, guard/forward; Sean Pedersen, junior, guard; Briggs Barnick, junior, guard/forward.
Worth noting: The Falcons will need some time to build chemistry after losing several key starters and reserves from last season’s winning team.
“After losing 10 seniors we will be less experienced this year, but we are excited to build something new,” Brackmann said. “We’re not an overly big team so rebounding will be key. We have potential on the defensive end and that will be our identity.”
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Mike Healy
Last season: 15-18 (6-8 DuKane Conference).
Top returners: Luca Carbonaro, senior, guard; Brady Goken, senior, forward; Zach Rogers, junior, guard; Sean Doherty, senior, guard; Drew Eger, senior, forward, Quention Oker, senior, guard; Connor Butler, senior, guard; Musa Musa, senior, forward; Braden Trisick, senior, guard;
Top newcomers: Brady McClatchy, junior, guard; Brady Robinson, junior, guard; Hank Burlage, junior, forward; Jay Weber, junior, guard.
Worth noting: Carbonaro is back for his senior season to lead the Tigers. A strong and durable guard, Carbonaro will headline the offense.
“Luca is a two-time returning point guard,” Healy said. “We will need guys to help him with some scoring punch, but I feel like we have some candidates. We will have to be really good at the defensive end. It’s a great group who has worked really hard.”
York
Coach: Mike Dunn
Last season: 26-8 (9-3 West Suburban Silver)
Top returners: Hunter Stepanich, junior, center; Connor Fitzgerald, senior, guard.
Top newcomers: Eddy Sica, senior, guard; James DeCicco, senior, guard; Ethan Lacob, junior, forward; Costa Kampas, junior, forward.
Worth noting: The Dukes will be shorthanded for the first week or so due to the football team’s run to the Class 8A state championship game. Losing eight seniors from last season’s 26-win team is another blow for the Dukes. Stephanich and Fitzgerald are the top two returnees, combining to average 4.0 per game last season.
“We’re looking for the junior group to step up and play major minutes this season after going 24-5 as sophomores,” Dunn said. “The current deep playoff football run will delay the rebuilding process for the Dukes.”
— Bob Narang from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview