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Rolling Meadows Basketball Previews


Rolling Meadows Mustangs (Boys)

Coach: Kevin Katovich (17th year at RM)

Last year’s record: 15-12

Key returnees: Max Christie (So., G, 6-6, 170 lbs.), Javonte Warrener (Jr., G, 5-9, 135), Matt Schoessling (Sr., G, 5-10, 140), Sean Nolan (Jr., F/G, 6-1, 190), Billy Miller (Jr., F, 6-5, 190), T.J. Williams (Sr., G, 5-11, 165)

Key newcomers: Jonah Ogunsanya (Jr., G, 6-0, 160), Jace O’Hara (Sr., F, 5-10, 180), Daniel Sobkowicz (So., G, 6-0, 175)

Rest of the varsity roster: Nife Oseni (Jr., G, 5-9, 170), Jacob Luedloff (Jr., F, 6-1, 195), Danny Fallon (Jr., F, 6-1, 190), Jackson Brigham (Jr., F, 6-2, 170), Jaheem Murray (Jr., G, 5-9, 135), Brandon Zuniga (Jr., F, 6-5, 195)

Coach’s keys to success: “We need to find some balance in our scoring. Rebounding will likewise be a big key to our success as well as our bench play.”

Goals this season: “To continue to improve on a daily basis and focus on the process.”

Key games/tournaments: “Chuck Mitchell Fenton Thanksgiving Tournament and Jack Tosh York Christmas Tournament.”

Max Christie: By the numbers: Max Christie is only a sophomore, but is one of the top prospects in Illinois and the nation. As a freshman, he had 485 points, 217 rebounds, 77 assists and 36 steals. If he keeps his scoring total similar as a sophomore, he could potentially reach 1,000 career points before hitting the court as a junior in 2019-20. So far, only seven players have reached 1,000 career points at Meadows.

Coach’s quote about Christie: “Coaching Max is an absolute pleasure. We know teams will key on him, but the other guys are ready to step it up and will do a nice job around him.”

 

Rolling Meadows Mustangs (Girls)

Coach: Ryan Kirkorsky (10 years overall (204-96 record), six at Rolling Meadows (142-45))

Last year’s record: 21-9, MSL East co-champions (with Hersey), regional champions

Key returnees: Alexa Davis (Sr., PG; honorable mention All-State last year), Lily Greifenstein (Sr., G), Susanna Holifield (Jr., F), Bridget Rolla (Jr., G; honorable mention All-State last year; injured-out for season), Mallory Brand (Sr., F), Elise Kowalski (Sr., F), Kristin Dillon (Sr., G), Kat Maltese (Sr., G)

Key newcomers: Kelsie Campbell (Jr., G), Samantha Elenz (So., G), Moira Hickey (Fr., G), Alison Sellergren (Fr., G)

Rest of the varsity roster: Kelly Boyle (Jr., G), Madison Aiello (Jr., G), Colleen Cox (Jr., F), Sarah Igemunson (Jr., F)

Meadows by the numbers: Greifenstein led the Mustangs with 381 points last year, while also contributing with 75 rebounds, 47 steals and 39 assists. Rolla, who is out for the year, scored 326 points last season along with a team-high 189 rebounds. Davis had 303 points, 111 rebounds, 113 assists, 100 steals, 114 deflections and 6 blocks. Hollifield had 147 points (5th most on team) with 152 rebounds, 33 steals, 29 assists and 16 blocks.

Coach’s keys to success: “Develop a great culture. Play at a unique pace on both ends of the floor and rebound.”

Goals this season: “We want our kids to be tremendous teammates and improve each day. We always strive to play as late in the season as possible.”

Key games/tournaments: “All MSL East games, LZ Turkey Thriller, Libertyville Holiday Tourney, Exam Jamm vs. Lake Park; nonconference games vs. Glenbard West and Batavia.”

Coach’s thoughts: “We’re excited to start this journey and focus on what we can control each day. We bring back two of the best guards in the area in Alexa Davis and Lily Greifenstein. As two of our captains, they will be asked to lead us on and off the court. Losing Bridget Rolla to injury is obviously a big loss, but she will work her way back to being one of the top players in the conference. Susannah Holifield is a versatile returning starter and we’re looking forward to her asserting herself even more. We have a tremendous group of seniors (Brand, Dillon, Kowalski, Maltese). Mallory Brand and Elise Kowalski played important minutes for us last year. In addition, we have a hungry group of young players who are ready to make an impact. Our conference and nonconference schedule will challenge us each night, and we’re excited to prepare for those challenges.”

 

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