Rugged Start Awaits STC Basketball Teams

The opening week of the 2010-11 boys basketball season figures to be a challenging one for St. Charles East and St. Charles North.

That's because both teams are participating in the 52nd annual Ron Johnson Thanksgiving Tournament at St. Charles East, where the rugged eight-team field includes state-ranked Hales Franciscan, Proviso East, East Aurora and St. Joseph.

Believe it or not, both teams are actually looking forward to the early season obstacle course.

"Your weaknesses get exposed quickly," said St. Charles East coach Brian Clodi, whose Saints begin Tuesday night against Proviso East. "But we're not afraid of these teams. We're hoping we can earn some respect and get a few victories."

"There are some things you have to do to try and survive at St. Charles East (tournament)," said St. Charles North coach Tom Poulin, whose North Stars open their season Monday night against defending tourney champion Hales Franciscan. "You have to take care of the basketball. You need to limit your turnovers."

returns several players from last year's team that finished 12-15, including senior guards Spencer Motley, Matt Ray, Dan Ditusa, Zach Zajicek, junior guard Charlie Fisher, and sophomore guard/forward Kendall Stephens.

Stephens, the son of former Purdue star and NBA player Everette Stephens, is back after averaging six points per game as a freshman competing against older players.

The 6-3 ½ Stephens should be a much-improved, all-around player this season.

"You won't believe the growth of his game," said Clodi. "His game has gone to another level. He worked hard in the weight room and improved his vertical leap to 30 inches. Everyone is coming to see him‑Purdue, Michigan, Illinois, Southern Illinois, Butler, Northwestern. We're lucky to have him not only this year but for the next couple years."

Clodi also has high expectations for Motley, who saw valuable playing time a year ago.

"Spencer was our best player all summer," said Clodi. "He's explosive."

Other players who should contribute are 6-3 senior Robert Chinn, 6-4 senior center Imran Hasan, 6-2 senior center Andrew Carrano, 6-5 junior forward/center Johnny Hondlik, 6-4 junior forward Luke Ludke, and 6-2 sophomore guard Mike Woods.

"Johnny can shoot the lights out," said Clodi. "He reminds me of (former STC East standout) Kevin Senechalle with his play around the basket."

Clodi is looking forward playing alongside Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles North in the new Upstate Eight Conference River Division.

"I like the home-and-away aspect," said Clodi. "It should be great for our area."

A strong nucleus of returning talent and the presence of a top-notch sophomore transfer has Poulin itching to start the season at  .

The North Stars' starting five includes third-year varsity veteran Josh Mikes, senior guard Chris Conrad, senior forward Sean Donlevy, 6-7 junior center Kyle Nelson, and sophomore guard Quinten Payne, a 6-3 transfer from Ft. Myers, Fla.

"Josh is the most consistent player I've ever coached," said Poulin, whose team finished 16-12 last season. "And now he's a man. He has already become more of a leader on a daily basis."

"Kyle is going to turn some heads this season," Poulin said of Nelson, who started as a sophomore last season. "He's much-improved. And Quinten (Payne) is mature beyond his years."

Adding depth will be senior forward Zach King, 6-6 senior center Pat Smith, junior guards Jason Weinzirl, Alec Eickert, and sophomore guard Tony Neari.

"We have great versatility in that we've got a lot of guys who can play two or three different positions," said Poulin. "And we've got nice depth. I honestly believe I've got eight or nine starters."