Coming off of a disappointing 5-26 season last year, the Cougars’ boys basketball team looks to capitalize off their experienced roster and rebound in the 2017-18 season.

“Last year we ran into a really, really good St. Viator team in the second round [of the sectional tournament],” Mr. McCarty, boys basketball head coach, said. “If we can find a way to do well in conference and take care of our non-conference games, to get a higher seed than we were last year, that would be beneficial to us.”

Vernon Hills started off the season hot, with a 56-31 victory against Holy Trinity on opening night in the Battle at the ‘Ridge Thanksgiving tournament.

“We played really well,” McCarty said. “Everyone contributed, as a sub or as a starter, so I think we’re really striving just to have the team members find joy in their teammates being successful.”

The Cougars team, which only graduated two seniors last season, now has more experience on their side, with a varsity squad of 11 seniors.

“Having 11 seniors on the team is really helpful because the majority of us seniors were here last year, and we all dealt with [last season] together, which has made us stronger,” Derrick Jones (12), a captain for the team, said.  

Jones recognizes that, while there are juniors playing at key positions, the senior depth the Cougars squad has gives them a huge advantage.

“The one thing that helps having so many seniors is that our bench is deep. For example, we have five point guards that could all play and contribute something to the team.”

While Jones does feel confident, he is aware of the pressure being a senior leader and captain of the team can bring.

“Since I have been on varsity since I was a sophomore, and having the most experience, I have more insight on how to play at the varsity level,” Jones said. “I try to communicate that to the younger players. Not only do I tell them how they should play, but I also show them. I tend to lead by example more than lead with my words.”

Guard Tony Brown (11) that the basketball team is going to be a true competitor this upcoming season.

“We will definitely compete more than we did last year, and with the addition of many juniors to the squad, I believe we will have many opportunities to make some noise,” Brown said. “A lot of energy will be brought to the team from these new guys, and I do not see anyone stopping us this year if we play our hardest every game.”

McCarty shared Brown’s sentiments about the influence of juniors on the current squad, expressing that his squad has “got some good young juniors, especially at positions like the point guard position, that are good at being the quarterbacks of the team.”

McCarty mentioned specifically juniors Tony Brown and Joey Levitan, two point guards fighting for the highly competitive point guard role.      

“Tony wasn’t with us over the summer, because he was playing baseball, and Joey broke his thumb over the summer, so we really haven’t had those two full time,” McCarty stated. “So, it’s great to have those two full time, and they really compete and push each other.”

While the disappointing season from last season is fresh on their minds, the team is optimistic about their chances to be successful this season.

“I think this is the best varsity team I have been a part of,” said Jones about this year’s Cougars squad. “I am expecting this season to be an overall successful season, and I think the majority of our games will be competitive.”