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mokenamessengerdaily.com SPORTS the mokena messenger | November 27, 2019 | 37 Junior core gives Knights reasons for optimism STEVE MILLAR, Sports Editor Lincoln-Way Central coach Bob Curran knows there are things to work on, ways for his team to improve and be ready for a big season. But as preseason practices heated up, Curran also saw a talented group that is certainly more in sync than most teams are in November. “We’re so much further along right now than we’ve ever been,” Curran said. “We got, I think, 95 percent of our scoring back from last year. So, that’s a good place to start. “We have weaknesses. They’re juniors, they’re still not as strong as they’ll be when they’re seniors. At the same time, I’ve been in battle with these kids for a long time and I kind of know what they can and can’t do.” The Knights will be built around four junior guards with a ton of varsity experience. The coach’s son, Sean Curran, was the leading scorer last season, when Central went 15-16. Nick Tingley, and twins Matt and Mike Maloney, also also back. All four averaged near or above double-digits in scoring last season. “Most of us have been playing together four or five years, so we know how play off each other and we’re all really competitive,” he said. “It’s super fun. “I think we’re going to be able to spread the floor and shoot the ball, and we’re going to be able to run out in transition. Our main focus in practice has been defense. I think we’re going Lincoln-Way Central guard Nick Tingley looks to make a pass in a recent practice. Tingley is one of several juniors expected to lead the Knights this season. STEVE MILLAR/22nd Century Media to be highly improved on the defensive end.” Sean Curran said his dad has been harping on defense and rebounding in practice, and the Knights know those are their main areas to seek improvement. “We have some guys that can score the ball,” he said. “We’re not physically all there yet. I think defense and rebounding will be the most important things. I don’t think we’re going to have problems scoring.” The Knights have set their first goal at improving on last season. If they can get to that point, Matt Maloney said, they will start thinking about a conference title and beyond. “Last year, was a solid season,” Tingley said. “We played hard, we had good leadership. This year, some new guys have to step up, everyone has to play their role and we should have success.” Central will lean heavily on another junior, 6-foot-7 James Ogrodnik, to be an inside presence. “We’re going to be counting on him a lot,” Bob Curran said. “We really need big things from him.” Sean Michalak and George Burchfield are the only two seniors on the roster and will be looked to for leadership. Junior Ryan Kraft has varsity experience, while juniors Joe Barrett, Richie LaCien and Cam Newkirk 7 could make an impact in their first varsity season. “The big things for us are playing with each other, sharing the ball, and then just growing defensive every day,” Bob Curran said. “We have to keep getting stronger, getting in the weight room. “I think they’re competitive kids, they’re going to battle. We have a tough schedule, so they’re going to be tested.” Tingley knows there is one thing they will be able to count on. “Team chemistry,” he said. “That is definitely there. We can help each other, and push each other to strengthen the aspects we need to strengthen to be successful.” Boys basketball Griffins seek success with size, skill, speed STEVE MILLAR, Sports Editor Excitement bubbles over when Lincoln-Way East junior guard Jhei-R Jones discusses the 2019- 20 Griffins. “I feel like we’re going to be really good this season,” he said. “If everyone plays their role and does their part, and if everyone competes, I feel like we can really go somewhere.” Jones was arguably the Griffins’ best player as a sophomore last season, earning All-SouthWest Suburban Blue honors and getting used to being a goto scorer as East finished 14-17. “[Jones] will have a lot to say about the success of the team,” East coach Rich Kolimas said. “He started as a sophomore, gaining valuable experience at running the team.” Jones agreed that he is more prepared to play his role after last year’s experience. “I feel like I can help others and be a good leader,” he said. Jones will have help in the backcourt from seniors Ty Slager and Matt Wasso, who are strong shooters. Inside, the Griffins boast plenty of experience and size, led by 6-foot-9 senior forward Nate Seputis, 6-foot-8 senior center Sean McLaughlin – a Northwestern football recruit – and 6-foot-5 forward senior Ryan Sierocki. Kolimas, who said Sierocki “had a terrific summer,” hopes that trio can help control the boards for East. 5 Seputis thinks the Griffins will be dangerous because of the different things their big men can do. “I feel like it’ll be a big mismatch for other teams,” he said. “Our bigs can stretch the floor out and shoot it, as well as score on our own in the post. I feel like we can affect the game on many levels. “I don’t think other teams can match up to our versatility. We have so much skill at each position, so I think we can have success if we keep working hard.” Junior guards Ryan Sucha and Cameron Mallory are athletic players who Kolimas said must make major contributions for the Griffins to have success. Jones and Seputis both noted the importance of defense. “We have to stress defense-first,” Seputis said. “Our offense is going to be there, but we need our defense to be there at the start.” Seputis looks to take the reins in that department. “I want to be one of the leaders on defense,” he said. “I’m one of the vocal guys on our defense. I’m talking to everyone, try to direct everyone to where they need to go and just try to help everyone out.” Jones is confident the Griffins will be formidable at the end of the year. “We all want to win a regional, and hopefully go to state,” he said. “It’s going to take hard work and dedication.”
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