Pleasant Plains- Defending state champions, the Cardinals are
expected to repeat returning four starters and some key ingredients to success off the
bench. Look for 6'5" senior All-State selection Dusty Bensko to have another banner
year. However, the injury of guard Bo Gum, who is not expected back until January, and a
tough schedule early-on could pose problems for the Cardinals out of the gates.
"Sherrard is the dark-horse. They have everyone
back and I think they'll really surprise some people."
Coach Chuck Grant
Monmouth H.S.
Providence St. Mel- Easily the most talented team in Class A,
the Knights will be a force. If lead guard Sam Harris could keep the Knights talented
swingmen, Levar Seals, Darron Evans and Stan Gaines, all happy and they play as a team,
the championship trophy could be making its way to Chicago.
Rock Falls- Coming off of an Elite Eight appearance last year,
Rock Falls is ready to make some noise again this year. The Rockets come back with a solid
assortment of talented young prospects to go along with the senior leadership of Bryan
Boerjan and Jorge Acosta.
Abingdon- Coach Jim Youngmen receives immediate help in the form
of 6'10" Dunlap-transfer Dan Leadbetter. Joining the senior center Leadbetter is
5'10" senior Tyler McCurry and 5'11" sophomore Colt Jones in the backcourt and
senior forwards 6'5" Brad Arthur and 6'4" Derrick Swanson. McCurry has
mega-quicks, Jones and Leadbetter are improving by the day and Arthur can stroke it from
outside.
Monmouth- Holding the key to the Zippers' future is 6'3"
senior All-State selection Jake Sottos. In a supporting role, Richie Logsdon, Preston
Nelson and Josh Jacobs, all supply added senior leadership.
Waterloo Gibault- Nebraska-bound Dan Heimos holds down the
middle for the Hawks who were championship qualifiers two years ago. Along with the
6'10" Heimos, senior guard John Buchmiller provides a solid scoring punch.
Bureau Valley- Opening some eyes last year garnering third place
honors at state, the Storm are ready to show that last year wasn't a fluke led by
6'5" senior Reuben Slock.
Rock Island Alleman- Led by sharp-shooting senior guard Tyler
Ryan, Alleman looks to make it out of a tough sectional. 5'10" senior David Frye and
fellow senior 6'6" Keith Schulte will help contribute.
Westmont-The supporting cast to Iowa-bound Pierre Pierce looks
to be depleted from last year's super sectional qualifiers. Jody Urbas provides stability
in the middle and Brandon Steadman joins Pierce in the backcourt.
Farmington- The loss of point guard Rhet Wierzba to Austin Peay
University will hurt but the Farmers rebuild quickly. Under the guidance of Rhet's father
Tom, a successful season is anticipated. Starting a enormous backcourt with a pair
6'5" players, senior Tim Melz and junior Ryan Welker, the Farmers will have one of
the tallest Class A teams in the state. Ryan's twin, Gavin Welker, and 6'5" junior
Trevor Williams will hold down the middle.
Pana- Justin Shrake and Jake Sinclair search for help on their
quest to the Elite Eight in Peoria.
Breese Mater Dei- Unheralded junior prospect, 6'7" Cole
Grapperhaus leads the Knights into battle. Look for 6'2" sophomore guard Lee Rinella
to also contribute with 6'7" Scott Albers providing senior leadership.
Illini Central- Returning three starters on a sweet 16 team,
All-State nominee Evan Arnold leads the Cougars into battle.
Fulton- Coach Barry Bauer looks for 6'7" combo-forward Eric
Ottens to lead the charge. The Evansville-bound Ottens will need to take much
responsibility if the Steamers are to succeed expectations.
Macomb- The Bombers could surprise some people this year with
super-soph Chad Cox at the point and 6'10" junior Garret Grimm in the middle. Add in
fellow underclassmen, 6'3" Luke Lunt and Coach Sean Taylor has himself a team of the
future trying to make some noise this year.
Leo- The loss of Andre Brown to graduation (Depaul) is a big
hit, but the Lions will try to regroup led by junior forwards Chris Burras and Spencer
Carter.
Sherrard- A team that could surprise some people, according to
Monmouth Coach Chuck Grant. Sherrard is led by senior Kyle Mize.
Nauvoo-Colusa- Hidden gem Kellen Fernetti leads Coach Reno
Pinkston's club into action. Fernetti carries a quick release and accurate shot with him.
Columbia- Senior Reid Jones is a strong guard who can do a lot
for the Eagles. A sharp shooter as well as a fundamental passer, Jones looks to bring
David Touchette's team deep into the playoffs. Solid post play will also contribute.
Pittsfield- Advancing to the Sweet 16 eleven times in the past
20 years the Saukees are no stranger to winning. Coach John Hampton will once again have
his team out to play, looking to improve on last year's 23-3 record.
