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High school boys basketball 2018-19: The Twitter preview

Here are capsule previews of high school boys basketball teams for the 2018-19 season with last year’s records in parentheses.

Coaches may email preseason information about their teams to mclark@tribpub.com.

Ag. Science (10-16): Cyclones are aiming to win the White South. Coach Shawn Finnin is bullish on 6-0 senior G Kyle Rowan: “Kyle is the real deal. Come on out and watch this young man put a show on.”

Argo (4-23): Argonauts have three three-year varsity players: G Quincy Cobbs, G. Mustafa Oweisi, G Arturo Marquez. G Cincere Colbert also a returning starter. Football QB Alex Harris to step in at PG. Coach Pat Maietta says 6-4 Shallah Davis is best freshman he’s had in 14 years.

Baker (7-15): New coach Romel Bryant Sr. is looking for the program’s first-ever conference title. Keep an eye on 5-9 PG Katom Naylor, G Bernard Byrd and 6-4 soph Don Williams.

Bishop McNamara (8-21): Move to Metro Suburban has Irish upbeat. 3 senior starters back: 6-4 CJ Link (6 ppg, 4 rpg), 6-2 Payton Gerberding (15 ppg), 6-0 Wilson Netherton (8 ppg, 2 apg, 2 spg). 6-2 senior Broghan O’Connor (10 ppg, 7 rpg in 7 games) coming off torn ACL.

Carmel (19-12): Corsairs have been a program on the rise and are deeper than last year’s 3A regional champs. 6-5 G/F Johnny Roeser is a four-year starter, PG Kimahri Wilson is a soph to watch. Also back: 6-4 F Damone Williams-Gray, 6-3 F Jalen Snell, 6-4 F Lukas Galdoni.

Clemente (12-12): Coach Adam Hoover calls 5-9 soph G Trey Spires (8 ppg, 3 apg) “the quickest player in the city.” Others to watch: G Terrell Taylor; 6-0 F Giovanni Giles, a talented shot blocker; G Robert Dunum; G Daeshaun Adams. Wildcats hoping to be near top of White West.

Collins (14-10): White West runner-up has eyes on bigger things, with senior guards Jaquan Embrey (21 ppg, 6 apg) and Demarcus Williams (17 ppg, 5 apg) leading the way.

Crane (17-10): White West and 3A regional champs move up to Red North/West. Three starters back: 6-6 wing Jimarius Sneed, 6-4 wing/F Robert Hobbs, PG Jalen Stanford. Expect a boost from Simeon transfer Ken Sallee, a 6-4 junior G.

De La Salle (10-15): Three starters back in 6-3 Alex Raiford, 6-5 Clyde Benton, 5-11 Abnar Muhammad. Two more to watch: 6-2 SG Kalyl Paylor (led soph team in scoring), 6-3 junior Josh Holmes, a transfer from Jones. Promising freshman group.

DePaul Prep (24-7): Expect big things. Back from 3A Sweet 16 team: 6-4 Brown commit Perry Cowan (18.6 ppg, 6 rpg, 2.2 spg), 6-3 Raheem Anthony (13.8 ppg, 5.6 apg), 6-6 Pavle Pantovic (Loyola preferred walk-on), 6-3 Lance Mosley. 6-9 Brian Matthews, Tyler Johnson sophs to watch.

Downers Grove North (13-13): With plenty of experience and depth, Trojans expect a big jump. Back are 6-2 Eddie Boston, 6-3 Connor Ilyavi, 6-2 Sema’j Henderson, 6-6 Scott Jakobsze, 6-9 Noah May. 6-4 senior Colin Reed transferred from Plainfield East.

Dunbar (11-14): Mighty Men drop down from Red South/Central, hope to double their win total and win White Central. Four starters return: 6-6 F Tyrese Scurlock (18.4 ppg, 10.5 rpg), 6-4 SG Gavin Alston (14.9 ppg, 7.8 rpg), PG Laron Owens (9.7 ppg, 5.2 apg), G Jaquan Jones.

Dwight (3-26): Trojans expect to rebound with 90 pct. of scoring back, led by 6-3 F/C Dakota Wahl (12.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg), 5-8 G Cal Schultz (6.0 ppg, 4.2 apg). Senior 5-10 G/F Logan Graham, who averaged 5.8 ppg as soph but didn’t play last season, returns this year.

Eisenhower (7-20): Cards aim to move up in SSC Red with three top players back: 6-3 F Daylen Wilson, 6-1 F Shamar Fuller, 6-2 PG Eddie Moore. Also in the mix: 6-1 G Jemel Jones, 6-4 soph C Deontae Sutton. Not a lot of size, but good offensive potential.

Elgin (11-18): Maroons are young, but aim to move up in UEC. Trey Yarber, a 6-4 senior G, has grown 3 inches since last season. Junior G Xavier Bonds also back. Three sophs will help: G Darien Jackson, 6-4 F Jeffrey Lomax, G Giovanni Griffin.

Elk Grove (2-26): After sharing MSL East title three years ago, Grenadiers have gone 3-50. New coach Nick Oraham expects growing pains early, improvement later. Look for 6-3 Ryley Rathman, 6-0 Michael Achanzar, 6-2 soph Brandon Burns to lead the way.

Elmwood Park (8-20): Tigers expect to rebound in Metro Suburban Red behind 3 returning starters: 6-0 PG Jordan Diaz (12 ppg), 6-1 SF Kris Amon, 6-2 PF Michael Stranski. More experience, depth and athleticism than last season, but size a concern.

Fenwick (20-8): Friars are young, but aiming for top half of Catholic Blue under new coach Staunton Peck. 6-5 soph G/F Bryce Hopkins has D-I offers from Loyola, Nebraska, 2 others. Two more vets: 6-2 G Solomon Oraegbu, 6-2 F Lucas Kolovitz. Watch 6-1 frosh G Trey Pettigrew.

Foreman (15-12): Three all-conference vets lead way for team that tied for second in White North: G Ashaad Stephans (15 ppg), G Bobby Hughes (13 ppg), F Darrian Austin (9 rpg). Also watch 6-5 F Damari Hendrix and juniors Delmarion Williams, Jashawn Covington.

Geneva (19-13): Vikings head into DuKane debut loaded with experience. Two seniors, 6-4 Mitch Mascari and 5-11 Jack McDonald, are three-year starters and capable scorers. Also contributing will be 6-5 Kross Garth and 6-4 Josh Preston.

Hales: No 2017-18 record for Spartans because both program and school had closed down. But Hales is back with new coach Chris Lawson and a bunch of frosh and sophs inc. 6-4 freshman wing Malik Johnson. Spartans aim to make immediate splash in 1A.

Hersey (9-19): New coach Austin Scott has seven seniors back who started at one time or another: 5-9 PG Matt Hanushewsky, 6-2 wing Rocco Ronzio, 6-1 wing Davis Belford, 6-3 wing Ryan Verhulst, 6-4 post Jacob Kluczewski, 6-2 wing Jason Coffaro, 6-1 wing Jason Schmidt.

IC Catholic (20-10): Nine seniors gone from 2A sectional finalist. Strength inside w/ 6-4 C Ryan Wojtalewicz and 6-4 PF Khali Saunders, a Purdue football commit. Soph PG Chauncey Lee a good one. 6-2 SF Dom Gaudio, 5-8 SG Zach Jordan will contribute too.

Jacobs (25-4): Golden Eagles dominated Fox Valley to the tune of 51-1 last four years. All five starters graduated, but Gs Jaden Henderson and Matt McCoy saw significant action. Losing 6-8 Joey Price (ACL) for year a tough blow. Six sophs will be on varsity but hopes remain high.

Johnsburg (19-13): 6-0 senior G Zach Toussaint is 100 pts from school career record, about 500 from McHenry Co. mark. Also back for 3A regional champs: 6-0 Gs Jonny Preston & Alec Smith, 6-3 F Gibson Groves, 6-0 F Jake Gutierrez, 6-4 F Garrett Straulin, 6-5 F Kyle Muehlfelder.

Kankakee (21-7): Kays were good last year, reaching 3A Sweet 16, and could be better this year with seven vets. Top returnees: PG Jacquan Binion, 6-9 F TJ Wicks, 6-0 G Darion Binion. Newcomers to watch: 6-2 G Deylon Johnson, 6-5 F Joeron Hill, 6-3 F Lavell McIntosh.

Kenwood (12-12): Broncos hung tough in rugged Red South-Central and aim to move up this season with PG Artese Stapleton and PF Seryee Lewis leading the way. Also keep an eye on seniors LaMond Johnson and Nuri Knighton and junior Rowland McCoy.

Lake Park (6-21): New coach Billy Pitcher averaged 18.5 wins in eight years at Lake Zurich. Will build around two varsity vets: 6-6 Max Ellenbecker and 6-2 Tommy Zakic. Others to watch: 6-0 Luke Sgarbosa, 6-4 Trevor Montiel, speedy G Montrell Perry, 6-1 G Joey Czaja.

Lakes (12-18): 6-2 senior G Brad Cherry and 5-11 junior PG Leighsean Triplett lead a young team. Two more seniors expected to contribute are 6-4 F Brad Bies and 5-10 PG Matt Ott.

Lake Zurich (26-8): Bears have a new coach in Terry Coughlin and a lot of new players. But Gs J.R. Cison and Will Tucker (49 pct. 3-pt) are a good pair to build around. Also keep an eye on 6-2 wing Bryan Sanborn, 6-3 F Dante Lococo, 6-1 G Joey Lococo, 6-7 Adam Hagen.

Legal Prep (16-10): Seven seniors among 11 back for Blue West champs, who move up to White West. Watch 6-3 SF Raymond Dampier (16.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.4 spg), 6-2 SG Darrell Williams, 6-7 junior PF/SF Johnathan Oden. Deundra Gardner is a 6-5 junior transfer from North Chicago.

Lindblom (14-15): With 7 of top 8 players returning, Eagles expect to win White Central. PG Shumar Pumphrey leads the way. Other starters back are 6-4 wing Marshun Williams, 6-2 G Myles Twyman, 6-2 wing Isaiah Bowie.

Libertyville (19-10): Drew Peterson is gone to Rice after helping Wildcats win first NSC title since ’90, first regional since ’04. But there’s talent back, including 5-10 PG Josh Steinhaus (50 pct. 3-pt), 6-4 F Travis Clark, 6-2 G Brian Wilterdink.

Lockport (9-18): Porters aim to make big leap w/ 70 pct of scoring back. Watch 6-0 G Jacob Karli (8.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.6 spg), 6-7 C Tommy Halatek, 6-0 G Matt Hatzopoulos (13.7 ppg, 49 pct. 3-pt), 6-0 G Quinn Gardner (45 pct. 3-pt post-holidays), 6-4 G/F Tommy Ferriter.

Longwood (13-15): Goal is the White South title. G Nurell Lacey is a capable scorer who will lead the way. Also watch junior G Damari Fonza and four-year varsity vet Patrick Ben.

Loyola (24-7): Ramblers eyeing another regional title, among other goals. Will build around 6-4 Connor Barrett (40 pct. 3-pt, 90 total 3s), 6-8 twins Bennett and Jordan Kwiecinski, 6-1 PG Quinn Pemberton, 6-3 Matty Enghauser.

Maine South (22-8): Hawks helped make CSL South one of state’s deepest leagues. Two of top three scorers back: 6-2 G Essam Hamwi (14.8 ppg, 2.9 apg, 4th team all-state), Fil Bulatovic (10.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg). 6-4 F Dan Crane, 6-5 F John Gardiner, 6-5 F Jon Ryser provide size.

Marist (27-5): Ex-Providence coach Tim Trendel replaces Gene Nolan, now at Naperville North. RedHawks are small but quick. Top vets: 6-2 SF Dorian Pendleton, 6-2 SG Trey Affolter, PG Nile Hill. Also watch PG Alex Knight, 6-2 SF Josh Williams, 6-3 PF Jabari Hill.

Montini (17-11): The Broncos endured tragedy last spring when coach Daryl Thomas died of a heart attack. New coach Bob Lozano is bullish on 6-2 Kai Evans, 6-2 Luke Morrill, 5-11 Julian Gatewood. Some reinforcements will be coming from the highly successful football team, too.

Morgan Park (25-9): Player of Year candidate SG Adam Miller is No. 33 nationally per Rivals, has 13 offers. Also back for 2-time defending 3A champs: PG Marcus Watson, 6-7 F Deshawnde Washington, 6-9 C Karl Jones. Two more to watch: G Christian Roberts, 6-4 F Isaiah Burrell.

Naperville North (26-3): A season of change for defending DVC champs, who have a new coach (Gene Nolan, ex-Marist) and just one of top 10 back. But he’s a good one: 6-8 Tom Welch (13.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.4 spg). Seniors 6-4 Netzah Aldana, 5-11 Braxton Mills two to watch.

Niles West (12-14): Wolves will be toughened by CSL South sked. Gs Kevin Guillaume (11.3 ppg) and Richie Noparstak (8.0 ppg) are returning starters. Also watch 6-7 F Adnan Seferovic, 6-2 F Haris Mackic, both juniors.

Northridge (22-6): Unbeaten ISL champs have experience, depth with 6-2 G Brendan Conroy (11.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg), 6-4 G/F Ryan Menocal (10 ppg, 4.6 rpg), 6-2 F Sean Holohan (6.2 ppg, 41 pct. 3-pt), 5-9 G Dan Kane. Also watch 6-0 Gs Temi Creppy, Patrick Nwankpa.

Notre Dame (14-16): Dons are young and experienced too: sophs Anthony Sayles (6-2 QB of 6A football semifinalist) and Troy D’Amico (6-6) and junior Jason Bergstrom (6-3) are returning starters. Also watch seniors Tim Mundt, Cory Henderson, Aidan Heraty.

Oak Forest (14-13): Bengals will build around three returning starters: 6-2 G Ethan Balinao, 6-4 Jayson Kent, 6-3 G Juan Avila. Keep an eye on 6-5 freshman F Robbie Avila, who’s expected to make an immediate impact.

Oak Lawn (19-8): Guard play a strength, led by 6-3 junior SG Sami Osmani (14 ppg) and junior SG Trey Ward (6.5 ppg, 41 pct 3-pt). 6-7 senior center Bryan Beattie provides size. Four juniors projected to start, so the future looks bright.

Oak Park-River Forest (23-6): This is an elite team with four starters back from unbeaten WSC Silver champs: 6-0 PG/SG Dashon Enoch, 6-1 PG/SG Chase Robinson, 6-6 wing Charlie Hoehne, 6-4 wing Anthony Roberts. 6-6 soph wing Isaiah Barnes has five D-I offers.

Perspectives MSA/Joslin (8-18): Wolves aim for first 20-win season, White West title despite tough sked featuring Hyde Park, trips to Milwaukee, E. Moline. Backcourt a strength w/ speedy 5-6 PG Jarvin Graham, 6-0 Elijah Harris, 5-9 Lafayette Johnson.

Phoenix (9-11): Firebirds aim to contend in Blue West, 2A playoffs behind 6-5 G/F Khalid Herron (25 ppg, 12 rpg, 3 bpg, 2 apg), G Eddie Fox (10 ppg, 5 rpg, 8 apg, 3 spg), G/F VinQuan Randle (14 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 spg), 6-2 G/F Kenny Wilkerson (10 ppg, 10 rpg).

Riverside-Brookfield (19-11): Three senior starters back plus top two off bench. PG Zach Vaia (14 ppg, 5 apg, 4 rpg) was conference POY, 6-6 Andrew Veon was all-conf, G Patrick Hanley averaged 9 ppg. G Nate Schoditsch transferred from Lyons. Sophs were 21-3 last season.

St. Edward (20-9): After 3 years at Westminster Christian, Andy Zielinski takes over. Only starter back is PG Danny Parks, coming off torn ACL in spring. Gs Sebastian Oquendo, David Hill add experience. Gia Gonella, a 6-2 senior G, transferred from Schaumburg.

St. Laurence (20-11): Vikings took big step forward last year and lower levels went 43-4, so outlook’s bright. Among the vets: 6-2 G/F Lance Jackson (10 ppg, 6 rpg), 6-4 G Jeremiah Williams (11 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg), G Billy Rappold, 6-4 S. Carolina baseball commit Vytas Valinicius.

St. Viator (24-6): Unbeaten ESCC champs have great G combo in 6-4 Jeremiah Hernandez (Kent St. commit) and 6-1 Treyvon Calvin (Wright St. commit). Also back: 6-3 G Connor Kochera, 6-7 C Michael Huene. Watch 6-3 F Jack Mahoney, 6-2 G Mike Campagna, 6-2 G Owen Hickey.

Sandwich (14-15): Former soph and varsity assistant Jim Braddish takes over an experienced team that graduated just one senior. Top vets include 6-1 G Jimmy Braddish (21 ppg, 41 pct. 3-pt), 6-3 G Mike Frieders, 6-3 F Jimmy Roop, 6-4 G Carter Cech.

Schurz (19-8): Bulldogs are aiming to win White North after tying for fourth last season. Nakyel Shelton, a 5-10 junior G, shot 45 pct. from 3-pt. range and averaged 15 ppg. Also watch 6-3 senior G Elijah Clay.

Solorio (12-15): New coach Justin Rhymes expects to move up in White Central after some down years. Sun Warriors will push the pace. Keep an eye on 6-4 Aubrey Aubon, 6-2 Sincere Key, 5-11 soph Jordan Hill, 6-0 frosh Donovan Jones.

Stevenson (18-10): Two starters back for Patriots, who won share of NSC title and figure to be a a factor again. Players to watch are: 6-0 G Luke Cheing, 6-3 G Matthew Ambrose, 5-9 G Trey Baker, 6-4 Matt Kaznoikov, 6-3 F Kyrie Lewis. Tough sked starts w/ Palatine tourney.

Sullivan (17-11): First-year coach Julian Williams has high hopes: 20+ wins, Blue title, deep run in 3A playoffs. Five seniors lead the way: PG Paris Pope, 6-6 SF Yoshua Jones, 6-3 SG Josh Scott, 6-6 PF Jacob Brown, G Jeremiah Daubon.

Taft (11-14): New coach Jason Tucker comes over from Sullivan. He hopes a challenging nonconference schedule can prepare the Eagles for a run to the White North title. Watch junior Matt Lesch and senior Isaiah Milanovic.

Waubonsie Valley (13-18): Veteran group fuels optimism for Warriors in slimmed-down DVC, which has only five teams. Watch G Eric Cannon, 6-4 F Marcus Skeete, G Derrien Porter, 6-4 G Caymen Woods, 6-2 F Nikhil Khanna.

West Chicago (9-17): A trio of three-year varsity players — Sam Ricci (12.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Isaac Nelson (9.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg), Jordan Wilkins (9.0 ppg, 41 pct. 3-pt.) — aim to help the Wildcats move up in the revamped Upstate Eight.

Wheaton North (16-13): Falcons can score, success will depend on defense and rebounding. Deng Reng, a 6-7 senior F, has D-I and II interest. Others to watch: 6-1 SG Jacob Schauer, 6-0 PG Matthew Brend, 6-2 G/F Garrett Horner. 6-3 F Xander Mueller a D-I prospect as a linebacker.

Wheeling (8-20): Wildcats will build around returning backcourt of 6-2 Michael Best (14.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.6 spg) and 5-9 Jeremy Kim. 6-3 F Joe Jordan started as a freshman last season.

York (17-12): Four experienced seniors back from team that tied for 2nd in WSC Silver: Nick Kosich, John Milling, Sam Walsh, Erik Cohn. Keep an eye on soph Jeff Grace and junior Nate Shockey.

Yorkville (19-9): PG Mason Klaas (6.1 ppg, 2.1 apg) and wing Jake Polowy (7.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.1 spg) are returning starters from conference co-champs who finished strong. Two more to watch: 6-3 win Andy Reichart and SG Jimmy Eberhart.