MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Titan Q]

Augustana
* Jordan Hathorn, 5-9 PG (Maynard Evans H.S., FL, 2011) - 12 ppg
* Joe Ranallo, 6-0 PG/SG (Conant H.S.) - 16 ppg, 5 apg
* Brandon Schattner, 6-1 PG/SG (Wilmot Union H.S., WI) - 16.4 ppg, 3.5 apg
* Dylan Sortillo, 6-2 PG/SG (Bettendorf H.S., IA) - 12.1 ppg
* Tanner Logan, 6-8 F/C (Moline H.S.) - 5.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg

Carthage
* Brad Kruse, 6-4 SG (Lake Zurich H.S.) - 12 ppg, 6 rpg

Elmhurst
* Brandon Auker, 6-0 PG (Evansville Memorial H.S.) - 12.2 ppg, 4.5 apg, 2.4 rpg
* Matt Brachman, 6-3 SF/PF (Montini Catholic H.S.) - 17.1 ppg, 8.9 rpg
* Matt McLaughlin, 6-2 G (Xaver H.S., IA/D1 Drake U)
* Morton Mueller, 6-9 F/C (Cologne, Germany)
* Chris Parrilli, 6-2 SG (Geneva H.S.) - 11.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.1 apg
* Michael Plunk, 6-4 PG/SG (Blue Ridge H.S.) - 18.7 ppg, 5.0 apg
* Brandon Schwebke, 6-3 F (Belvedere North H.S./Rock Valley JC) - 16.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg at Rock Valley JC in 2012-13

Illinois Wesleyan
* Jaylen Beasley, 6-6 SF (Bloomington H.S.) - 15.0 ppg, 11.2 rpg
* John Carroll, 6-5 G/F (Ottawa H.S.) - 20.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.7 apg
* Kevin Connelly, 6-5 SG (Nazareth Academy) - 11.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg
* Corey Dullard, 6-4 G/F (Morton H.S.) - 17 ppg, 5 rpg, 84% FT
* Drew Jones, 6-5 PF (Larkin H.S.) - 11.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.9 apg
* Isaac Roethemeyer, 6-7 F/C (Edinburg H.S.) - 18.5 ppg, 11.2 rpg
* Brady Rose, 6-2 PG/SG (Bloomington H.S.) - 16.7 ppg, 3.3 apg, 82 3-pointers
* Derrick Streety, 5-10 PG (Larkin H.S.) - 10.5 ppg, 2.7 apg

Millikin
* Garrett Anderson, 5-11 G (Fort Zumwalt South H.S., MO) - 2.6 ppg
* Nathan Biggs, 6-6 F (Parkway Central H.S., MO) - 15.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg
* D.J. Heinrichs, 6-5 G (Franklin Central H.S., IN) - 4.1 ppg, 2.0 apg
* Nick Novak, 6-1 SG (Plainfield East H.S.)
* Chase Smith, 6-2 G (Mooresville H.S., IN)
* Brent Schluter, 6-4 G/F (St. Joseph-Ogden H.S.)
* T.J. Sims, 5-10 PG (Bloomington H.S.) - 14.6 ppg
* Donte Stephenson, 5-9 PG (Notre Dame Prep '13)

North Central
* Cam Cook, 5-10 PG (Geneva H.S.)
* Corey Friel, 6-0 G (Marmion H.S.)
* Jeremy Ireland, 6-5 F (Fenwick H.S.)
* Charlie Rosenberg, 6-6 PF (D2 Minnesota State) - 4.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg at North Central in 2012-13
* Hayden Witt, 6-5 SF (Lincoln-Way West H.S.) - 21.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.1 apg

North Park
* Drago Azanjac, 6-0 PG (Loyola Academy)
* Colin Lake, 5-7 PG (Whiteford H.S., MI) - 31.8 ppg
* Grant Sinn, 6-2 SG (Canterbury H.S., IN) - 13 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg
* Drew Swanson, 6-5 G/F (Clarkston H.S., MI)

Wheaton
* Mark Champion, 6-7 SF (Hargrave Military Academy, VA/Lambert H.S., GA) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duU6DpOCEg4
* Murad Dillard, 6-5 G/F (Decatur H.S., GA)
* Ricky Samuelson, 6-3 SG (New Trier H.S.)
* Trevor Shipes, 6-6 PF (Lambert H.S., GA) - 11.7 ppg, 10.8 rpg
* Caleb Sprenger, 6-5 SF/PF (Edina H.S., MN)
* Eric Weimar, 6-1 SG (Hill-Murray H.S., MN) - 15.3 ppg

[bbfan44]

Anyone have a feel for which kids might be good enough to start as freshmen?

[augiefan]

I do not know much about any of these players, other than several of the IWU recruits and few of the other Chicago suburban kids. Not too many freshmen start in the CCIW, so I would say none other than perhaps at NPU. which pretty has to try most anything to improve.

Suffice it to say the IWU has again got the top recruiting class based on high school performance. All Area players Jones and Streety were 3 and 4 year starters respectively on a very good Upstate 8 Larkin team. We also know Coach Rose's son is an elite DIII recruit.

It looks like Millikin is starting to land some good players as well. We seldom know anything about the Wheaton recruits, but they nearly always get a good class.

Augie's 5 member class is puzzling as it includes 4 PGs. I know Augie guard play is a weak point but 4 PGS and no quality big men? A good thing Augie has a lot of returning talent, because this class at first blush is not impressive.

[augiefan]

Joe Ranallo may be the best basketball player of the Augie recruits, but his good qualities extend beyond the BB court. He was the primary organizer for the campaign at Conant High that raised $15,000.00 to benefit tornado ravaged Washington High School near Peoria, IL. Proud to have him going to Augie regardless of his BB success there.

[Gregory Sager]

I do not know much about any of these players, other than several of the IWU recruits and few of the other Chicago suburban kids. Not too many freshmen start in the CCIW, so I would say none other than perhaps at NPU. which pretty has to try most anything to improve.

Suffice it to say the IWU has again got the top recruiting class based on high school performance. All Area players Jones and Streety were 3 and 4 year starters respectively on a very good Upstate 8 Larkin team. We also know Coach Rose's son is an elite DIII recruit.

It looks like Millikin is starting to land some good players as well. We seldom know anything about the Wheaton recruits, but they nearly always get a good class.

Augie's 5 member class is puzzling as it includes 4 PGs. I know Augie guard play is a weak point but 4 PGS and no quality big men? A good thing Augie has a lot of returning talent, because this class at first blush is not impressive.

Keep in mind that there are still high school seniors out there that are making their decisions, so any pronouncement as to which team has the best recruiting class is premature.

[Titan Q]

Anyone have a feel for which kids might be good enough to start as freshmen?

It probably comes down to opportunity as much as it does talent.  Here is a look at 2013-14 CCIW rotations and returning players...

Illinois Wesleyan (27-5, 12-2)
G - Dylan Overstreet, 6-3/180 Jr   2nd Team All-CCIW       
G - Pat Sodemann, 6-3/195 Jr
F - Andrew Ziemnik, 6-5/220 Sr   1st Team All-CCIW      
F - Victor Davis, 6-5/235 Sr   1st Team All-CCIW
C - Mike Marietti, 6-8/245 So

G - Jordan Nelson, 6-1/170 Jr
F - Mike Mayberger, 6-6/205 Sr
G - Bryce Dolan, 6-0/160 So
F - Eric Dortch, 6-4/210 Sr
G - Brady Zimmer, 6-4/180 Sr
C - Nick Anderson, 6-10/230 Sr

Wheaton (21-9, 10-4)
G - Tyler Peters, 6-4/205 Sr    1st Team All-CCIW/Most Outstanding Player
G - Caleb MeMoss, 6-0/165 Jr
G - Brayden Teuscher, 6-3/205 Jr   2nd Team All-CCIW
F - Peter Smith, 6-6/190 Jr
F - Nate Haynes, 6-6/218 Sr    3rd Team All-CCIW

G - Tad Fisher, 6-0/185 Sr
F - Michael Berg, 6-6/210 So
F - Joel Smith, 6-6/235 So

Augustana (20-8, 9-5)
G - Hunter Hill, 5-9/160 So   2nd Team All-CCIW
G - Dan Jurgutis, 6-0/197 Jr
F - Tayvian Johnson, 6-6/197 So  3rd Team All-CCIW
F - Ben Ryan, 6-5/207 So
F - Brandon Motzel, 6-7/208 So

G - Jawan Straughter, 6-1/177 So 
C - Kevin Schlitter, 6-8/282 Jr
F - Nic Hoepfner, 6-6/220 Jr
G - Mark Roth, 6-1/167 Jr
G - Griffin Pils, 6-4/204 So
G - Jake Norcia, 6-0/168 So

Carthage (16-10, 9-5)
G - Donte Logan, 5-11/160 Jr
G - Malcom Kelly, 6-0/185 Sr    1st Team All-CCIW
G - Kevin Sykes Jr, 6-3/160 Sr
F - Marlon Senior, 6-5/195 Sr    2nd Team All-CCIW
C - Mike Kastel, 6-7/235 Jr

F - Cameron Van Wyk, 6-6/185 Jr
G - Reese Herth, 6-2/170 Jr
G - Myles Olsen, 6-1/195 So
F - Sean Valentine, 6-4/200, Jr

North Central (14-11, 7-7)
G - Brandon Williams, 6-1/170 Sr
G - Pat Rourke, 6-3/170 Sr
G - Vince Kmiec, 6-4/185 Sr   2nd Team All-CCIW
F - Jack Burchett, 6-6/215 Jr
C - Landon Gamble, 6-6/240 Sr    1st Team All-CCIW

G - Tyler Sutton, 6-1/160 So
F - Kevin Honn, 6-4/180 So
F - David Robinson, 6-5/200 Fr

Elmhurst (14-11, 6-8)
G - Pat Coleman, 6-2/190 So
G - Kyle Wuest, 6-1/180 So
G - Taylor Baxter, 6-5/205 Sr
F - Nick Sanford, 6-5/210 Sr    3rd Team All-CCIW
F - Will Nixon, 6-7/210 So

F - Erick Crittenden, 6-7/200 So
G - Bryant Ackerman, 6-2/195 So
F - Kenny Payonk, 6-6/220 So
G - Nathan Rogers, 6-1/185 Fr
G - Peyton Wyatt, 5-11/195 So

Millikin (8-17, 2-12)
G - TJ Griffin, 5-9/185 So
G - Tives Gardner, 6-0/165 So
F - Jacob Kueker, 6-5/175 So
F - Deavis Johnson, 6-7/210 So   3rd Team All-CCIW
F - Bryn Agnew, 6-8/200 Fr

G - Parker Day, 6-0/190 So
F - Elijah Kinmon, 6-5/190 So
G - Brennan Coltrane, 5-11/160 So

North Park (4-21, 1-13)
G - Juwan Henry, 5-10/155, Fr   3rd Team All-CCIW/Freshman of the Year
G - Garrett Gatz, 5-10/160 Jr
G - Jayquan Lee, 6-0/160 Fr
F - Joe Biko, 6-6/240 Fr
C - Nate Rummel, 6-7/245 Jr

F - Michael Hutchinson, 6-4/210 So
G - Ryan Hyrn, 5-11/175 So
G - Reggie MgGee, 6-3/175 Jr
F - Matt McNamara, 6-6/250 Fr

[Titan Q]

Suffice it to say the IWU has again got the top recruiting class based on high school performance. All Area players Jones and Streety were 3 and 4 year starters respectively on a very good Upstate 8 Larkin team. We also know Coach Rose's son is an elite DIII recruit.

I'm not sure where IWU's class stacks up at this point, but I do think Ron Rose has done another really nice job in recruiting.  Rose is a relentless recruiter who continues to add quality players who fit his style in every class.  He's added several players with All-CCIW potential in this class.

The Titans lost some low post recruits to scholarships (D1, D2, NAIA).  It seems like it's getting harder and harder for D3 teams to land the stud back-to-the-basket guy.  As I look at the CCIW recruiting list so far, I don't see a lot of these guys.  Landing a 6-7, skilled low post player is gold nowadays.

It looks like several CCIW schools have done well so far in recruiting.  That Millikin class, very quietly, is good - heard good things about Biggs and a couple of those guards.  Wheaton seems to have added perimeter studs in Champion and Dillard...still questions in the low post though.  Maybe Mike Schauer has someone coming we're not familiar with yet.  Elmhurst added some really impressive perimeter talent.  The little guard going to North Park looks awesome on video.  Augustana's class is not great...but it didn't need to be.  Coach G's roster is loaded the next two years.  Sounds like Hayden Witt will be a great player at NCC.  Biggest question right now is Carthage - wonder who else they are getting?

[AndOne]

Augustana (20-8, 9-5)
G - Hunter Hill, 5-9/160 So   2nd Team All-CCIW
G - Jawan Straughter, 6-1/177 So 
F - Tayvian Johnson, 6-6/197 So  3rd Team All-CCIW
F - Ben Ryan, 6-5/207 So
F - Brandon Motzel, 6-7/208 So

C - Kevin Schlitter, 6-8/282 Jr
F - Nic Hoepfner, 6-6/220 Jr
G - Mark Roth, 6-1/167 Jr
G - Griffin Pils, 6-4/204 So
G - Jake Norcia, 6-0/168 So

Junior Dan Jurgutis played in 22 games last year when he wasn't injured, and started 18 of those 22. Is he not returning?

[Gregory Sager]

North Park (4-21, 1-13)
G - Juwan Henry, 5-10/155, Fr   3rd Team All-CCIW/Freshman of the Year
G - Garrett Gatz, 5-10/160 Jr
G - Jayquan Lee, 6-0/160 Fr
F - Joe Biko, 6-6/240 Fr
C - Nate Rummel, 6-7/245 Jr

F - Michael Hutchinson, 6-4/210 Sr
G - Ryan Hyrn, 5-11/175 So
G - Reggie MgGee, 6-3/175 Jr
F - Matt McNamara, 6-6/250 Fr

This is incorrect. Michael Hutchinson was a sophomore, not a senior. He will be back next season.

[bopol]

Carthage (16-10, 9-5)
G - Donte Logan, 5-11/160 Jr
G - Malcom Kelly, 6-0/185 Sr    1st Team All-CCIW
G - Kevin Sykes Jr, 6-3/160 Jr
F - Marlon Senior, 6-5/195 Sr    2nd Team All-CCIW
C - Mike Kastel, 6-7/235 Jr

F - Cameron Van Wyk, 6-6/185 Jr
G - Reese Herth, 6-2/170 Jr
G - Myles Olsen, 6-1/195 So
F - Sean Valentine, 6-4/200, Jr

A few things here:

1) Kevin Sykes, Jr. was a senior and graduated. 

2) Kiston Lee has a year of eligibility left as he did not play this year because of an injury.  He averaged 9.2 mpg and 2.9 ppg in 2012-3 and probably would be a good backup SF/PF.

3) Jason Scott played 5 games this year as a freshman and then stopped playing, even though I saw him on the bench.  He averaged 16 mpg and 6 ppg, and would likely be a major contributor to next year's team.

I don't know Scott or Lee's status though.  It's Carthage, so we really know nothing until the day before  the season starts.

[AndOne]

I do not know much about any of these players, other than several of the IWU recruits and few of the other Chicago suburban kids. Not too many freshmen start in the CCIW, so I would say none other than perhaps at NPU. which pretty has to try most anything to improve.

Suffice it to say the IWU has again got the top recruiting class based on high school performance. All Area players Jones and Streety were 3 and 4 year starters respectively on a very good Upstate 8 Larkin team. We also know Coach Rose's son is an elite DIII recruit.

It looks like Millikin is starting to land some good players as well. We seldom know anything about the Wheaton recruits, but they nearly always get a good class.

Augie's 5 member class is puzzling as it includes 4 PGs. I know Augie guard play is a weak point but 4 PGS and no quality big men? A good thing Augie has a lot of returning talent, because this class at first blush is not impressive.

Keep in mind that there are still high school seniors out there that are making their decisions, so any pronouncement as to which team has the best recruiting class is premature.

And, also keep in mind that in addition to the HS seniors who are still making their decisions, there are likely both some JUCO players deciding where to continue their college careers as well as some players at 4 year schools who are considering transferring. Its entirely possible that a player from either or both sources could make a major impact upon the conference.

[AndOne]

Augie's 5 member class is puzzling as it includes 4 PGs. I know Augie guard play is a weak point but 4 PGS and no quality big men? A good thing Augie has a lot of returning talent, because this class at first blush is not impressive.

"Puzzling" is a word that is likewise applicable to this year's group of recruits at Elmhurst for exactly the same reason. Here (compliments of TQ) are EC's lists of recruits and returning players.

Elmhurst recruits

* Brandon Auker, 6-0 PG (Evansville Memorial H.S.) - 12.2 ppg, 4.5 apg, 2.4 rpg
* Matt Brachman, 6-3 SF/PF (Montini Catholic H.S.) - 17.1 ppg, 8.9 rpg
* Matt McLaughlin, 6-2 G (Xaver H.S., IA/D1 Drake U)
* Morton Mueller, 6-9 F/C (Cologne, Germany)
* Chris Parrilli, 6-2 SG (Geneva H.S.) - 11.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.1 apg
* Michael Plunk, 6-4 PG/SG (Blue Ridge H.S.) - 18.7 ppg, 5.0 apg
* Brandon Schwebke, 6-3 F (Belvedere North H.S./Rock Valley JC) - 16.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg at Rock Valley JC in 2012-13

Elmhurst (14-11, 6-8) returning players

G - Pat Coleman, 6-2/190 So Starter who averaged 21 minutes a game.
G - Kyle Wuest, 6-1/180 So Starter who averaged 27 minutes a game.
G - Taylor Baxter, 6-5/205 Sr
F - Nick Sanford, 6-5/210 Sr    3rd Team All-CCIW
F - Will Nixon, 6-7/210 So

F - Erick Crittenden, 6-7/200 So
G - Bryant Ackerman, 6-2/195 So Averaged 20 minutes a game in 25 games.
F - Kenny Payonk, 6-6/220 So
G - Nathan Rogers, 6-1/185 Fr Averaged 13 minutes a game in 20 games.
G - Peyton Wyatt, 5-11/195 So Averaged 7 minutes a game in 19 games.
G-Harlan Tucker, 6-2/190 Fr Averaged 15 minutes a game in 17 games. (Not originally listed. Returning?)

The Bluejay starting guards in 2013-14, Coleman and Weust, were both only sophomores. Soph Ackerman was a virtual starter, playing only 1 minute less than Coleman. Wyatt, another soph, averaged 7 minutes a game and freshmen Rogers and Tucker averaged 13 and 15 minutes respectively.

Given the number of players returning at the guard position for Elmhurst, the number of minutes they played, AND their relative youth, the prospect of much, if any, playing time for this year's recruits who play the guard position appears slim. Furthermore, 4 guards who played regularly, will be around for not just one more year, but 2 more years. This doesn't even include the 2 freshmen who saw PT this season.
Additionally, the 2 forward recruits are both listed as being 6'3" which is rather undersized for a forward in the CCIW. It may be that their best spot in college might be at a wing as opposed to a true forward position, or even at a 2 guard. 

Elmhurst lost F Nick Sanford, a 3rd team all-conference player who played at a first team or minimally second team level, and was 3rd team only because of EC's 6th place conference finish. Rather than a large collection of guards, none of who might play much for at least 2 years, it seems EC's most pressing need this year was finding a capable replacement for Mr. Sanford.

[Titan Q]

"Puzzling" is a word that is likewise applicable to this year's group of recruits at Elmhurst for exactly the same reason.

It's important to keep in mind, though, that Division III recruiting is a lot different than Division I.  It's not like Elmhurst had 7 scholarships available and gave 4 to guards.  The reality is most likely that Elmhurst wanted to bring in about 2 really good guards this year, recruited a number of really good guards to accomplish this, and ended up landing 4.

Sometimes in Division III you recruit 5 players at the same position and land none of them...and other times you land 4-5 of them.  Without scholarship limitations, it's just not a very exact science.

These situations usually work themselves out pretty well through competition.

[newCCIWfan]

"Puzzling" is a word that is likewise applicable to this year's group of recruits at Elmhurst for exactly the same reason.

It's important to keep in mind, though, that Division III recruiting is a lot different than Division I.  It's not like Elmhurst had 7 scholarships available and gave 4 to guards.  The reality is most likely that Elmhurst wanted to bring in about 2 really good guards this year, recruited a number of really good guards to accomplish this, and ended up landing 4.

Sometimes in Division III you recruit 5 players at the same position and land none of them...and other times you land 4-5 of them.  Without scholarship limitations, it's just not a very exact science.

These situations usually work themselves out pretty well through competition.

Likewise, Elmhurst probably recruited a number of very good forwards and to this point has landed none of them (at least according to the information that has been posted on this board). The reality is that between NAIA and D2 scholarships, many players CCIW schools target end up accepting scholarship offers. Division III, as Q has indeed said, it's not an exact science.

[AndOne]

NCC RECRUIT:

Joe Kennell, 5'11" PG from Metamora HS. 15.2 ppg, 5.0 apg. 54.5 FG%. IBCA Special Mention All-State.