Boys Basketball: Jump Shots with Tim Tierney

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Plainfield Central's #4 Curtis Harrington drives to the basket around Romeoville's #1 Donald Miller in tonights game at Romeoville and Plainfield Central won 58-47 on Friday, February 25, 2011. | Larry Kane~For Sun-Times Media

Updated: December 22, 2011 8:08AM

ONE TO WATCH: Minooka (10-20) has a lot of experience coming back with forwards Adam Reynolds and Lavell Dean and guards Ben Heide and Jake Hogen, who all averaged around 10 points per game. Reynolds led statistical categories and Hogen captained the team as a sophomore last season.

ON THE RADAR: Lincoln-Way East. With standout swingman Jay Yancy back, as well as 6-foot-6 Joel Magrum and 6-5 T.J. Anstett, East could build on 2010-11’s 16-12 record. Guards Ryan Hayes and Mike Martin should be big contributors. Plainfield North. Guards Jeremy Bert, Marcus Fair and Kurt Palandech return from 16-14 squad with key newcomers Kendall Interial and freshmen Jake Nowak and Trevor Stumpe.

REPEAT OR REBUILD: Plainfield Central graduated Derrick Marks (Boise State) from back-to-back 20-win teams. Center Andre Norris (11 ppg, 10 rpg) and point guard Curtis Harrington return and Zach Warner can shoot. Morris (21-9) has Jake Olson and Danny Friend up front and point guard Austin Feeney from regional title team. Guards Will Terry and Jake Hogan will play key roles. Dwight (25-4) has to replace points from Jens Kennedy (Quincy) and Cal Vigna. Guards Troy Hogan and Jack Steichen and forward Matt Hooker are returning starters. Peotone returns Nick Ahlborn, Joe Normoyle and point guard Gino Fanello from a 14-16 team that won the regional title. Coach Scott Maupin is counting on 6-5 Miles McBride inside and Tony Gill as a 3-point threat.

RISE AND SHINE: Providence will rely on Kevin Kozan, Brian Oddo and Mike Marietti to help get Celtics back above .500. Joliet Central returns guards Curtis Parker and Kenneth Carpenter. Sophomore Jonah Coble also will be a factor. Romeoville looks to rebound from 7-19 season led by Devin Purnell, Nate Washington and Jaylen Nunn. Lincoln-Way West’s Gino Manzella, Cody James, Brian Skowronski and Ryan Novak bring experience to growing program.

NAMES TO REMEMBER: Lincoln-Way Central center Brad Foster (14 ppg, 7 rpg) and guard Johnny Finnin. Coal City forward Matt Halloran, a standout wide receiver for a 4A playoff team. Peyton Schrag and Conlan Callahan have the most experience back for Seneca. Joe O’Brien and Matt Lipowski are key returnees for Lemont. Center Lee Oehmen and Trent Howard are back for Wilmington. Point guard Shakar Washington and forward Ryan Peter lead a Joliet Catholic team hit hard by graduation. Jake Benson and Tyler Schoonover return for Reed-Custer.

THEY SAID IT: “If we stay with our mantra of team first every day, this team will have potential to do special things in March.” Joliet West coach Luke Yaklich

THEY SAID IT II: “We’ll be just as good as last year, if not better.” Lockport guard Kyle Ward