MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Gregory Sager]

That's like having Johnny Wockenfuss be your favorite 1984 Tiger.

No, mine was Alan Trammel.

Nonsense - it was Rusty Kuntz!

Greg - wasn't Rusty Kuntz a North Park student at one time (he didn't play baseball at NPC)?

Kuntz batted cleanup for Cal State Stanislaus.  Here is the boxscore from Stanislaus' win over Montclair State in the 1976 D3 World Series: http://www.odaconline.com/div3base/1976/boxscores/76box04.htm

I have no record of Kuntz ever playing for the Vikings.

http://www.cadillac76.com/baseball/history/archives.html

Mr. B - i knew he never played for North Park - but wasn't he a batting practice pitcher for the Cubs for a while - or am I getting him confused with someone else who attended North Park and pitched BP for the Cubs.

MW

Maybe it was Rusty Greer. Or Cal Koonce.

[Titan Q]

A WEEK TV story on incoming IWU freshmen Jordan Zimmer and Dexter Walker.  Both kids and Ron Rose are interviewed in the piece...

http://www.week.com/sports/22841014.html

[AndOne]

Nice diversionary chats re baseball, soccer, and hockey.

Now back to basketball, and some RECRUITING NEWS.

North Central has pulled off a nice coup, and is announcing they have received a commitment from 6'3" guard Mark Adams of Aurora Central Catholic HS. While at ACC, Mark was All Suburban Catholic Conference in 06-07, and was the Conference POY this past season.

Among his accomplishments:

*Scored over 1600 points.
*All tourney team at both the 06 and 07 Sandwich T'Giving Tourneys.
*All tourney at Waubonsie Valley X-Mas Tourney in 06, and WV Tourney MVP in 07.
*Aurora Beacon News area player of the year for 07-08.
*Kane County Chronicle player of the year for 07-08.
*Averaged 19.1 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg, 2 steals, and 2 blocks last season.
*Shot 59 percent on 2 pointers, 38 percent on threes, and 79 percent on FTs
*Scored 34 points on a dazzling combination of inside and outside moves against eventual state champion Marshall in a sectional semifinal loss in his final game.

Mark was widely considered to have some D1 skills, but was overlooked, most likely due to his (lack of) height. He was one of the primary targets of the North Central recruiting efforts this year.
The following article appeared today in the Kane County Chronicle. Please note I deleted the end of the article which for some reason talked about the Batavia HS alumni baseball game.

Prep Zone: D-I schools were foolish to pass on Adams


If Mark Adams had his way, he might have never pulled the trigger on a college.

Finally, his father intervened, giving Adams the nudge he needed last weekend to commit to play basketball at North Central College.

The decision came none too early – by the time June turns to July, most college students-to-be are picking out furniture for their dorm rooms, not their actual schools.

"I still think in his mind he wasn't ready to commit anywhere ... It was just enough's enough," his father, also named Mark, said. "This went on long enough."

Adams' reluctance to decide was understandable. He badly wanted to play Division I basketball, and has the ability to do so.

The offers never came, and it's a shame. Some D-I schools missed the boat on the Aurora Central Catholic star, plain and simple.

The Chronicle Player of the Year fashioned a superb senior season, averaging 19.1 points and 5.2 rebounds a game in leading the Chargers to conference and regional championships. His final impression was a breathtaking 34-point outburst against eventual state champion Marshall in a surprisingly close-fought sectional semifinal.

"I thought for sure when we played Marshall and he scored 34 points and [Marshall] went on to win state, it would open some doors, but it just didn't happen," his father said.

Instead, more recruiting frustration followed, culminating in aip to Western Illinois in which miscommunication resulted in no basketball coaches around to greet the Adams after their 210-mile trek. It's a shame for the downtrodden Leathernecks, a perfect example of the level of Division I program foolish not to find a place for Adams.

There are several theories on why Adams was overlooked by the big boys. ACC plays in a low-profile hoops conference. Adams did not play AAU basketball, electing instead to spend his high school days as a three-sport standout for the Chargers. Chargers coach Nate Drye thinks his size – Adams was listed at 6-3, but is probably closer to 6-2 – was the biggest obstacle to a D-I scholarship.

"I think it was the height thing," Drye said. "People couldn't get past the mental block on that."

Despite the D-I snubs, Adams has lots to look forward to at North Central, where he can play a competitive brand of Division III basketball near family and friends. Adams, a physical guard with a versatile offensive game, is talented enough to make a major impact at the Naperville school.

The chance to show a few other coaches they miscalculated should only help his cause.

"I think he's got kind of an ax to grind, and I think it's going to work out in his favor," his father said.

[petemcb]

Nice diversionary chats re baseball, soccer, and hockey.

Now back to basketball, and some RECRUITING NEWS.

North Central has pulled off a nice coup, and is announcing they have received a commitment from 6'3" guard Mark Adams of Aurora Central Catholic HS. While at ACC, Mark was All Suburban Catholic Conference in 06-07, and was the Conference POY this past season.

Among his accomplishments:

*Scored over 1600 points.
*All tourney team at both the 06 and 07 Sandwich T'Giving Tourneys.
*All tourney at Waubonsie Valley X-Mas Tourney in 06, and WV Tourney MVP in 07.
*Aurora Beacon News area player of the year for 07-08.
*Kane County Chronicle player of the year for 07-08.
*Averaged 19.1 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg, 2 steals, and 2 blocks last season.
*Shot 59 percent on 2 pointers, 38 percent on threes, and 79 percent on FTs
*Scored 34 points on a dazzling combination of inside and outside moves against eventual state champion Marshall in a sectional semifinal loss in his final game.

Mark was widely considered to have some D1 skills, but was overlooked, most likely due to his (lack of) height. He was one of the primary targets of the North Central recruiting efforts this year.
The following article appeared today in the Kane County Chronicle. Please note I deleted the end of the article which for some reason talked about the Batavia HS alumni baseball game.

Prep Zone: D-I schools were foolish to pass on Adams


If Mark Adams had his way, he might have never pulled the trigger on a college.

Finally, his father intervened, giving Adams the nudge he needed last weekend to commit to play basketball at North Central College.

The decision came none too early – by the time June turns to July, most college students-to-be are picking out furniture for their dorm rooms, not their actual schools.

"I still think in his mind he wasn't ready to commit anywhere ... It was just enough's enough," his father, also named Mark, said. "This went on long enough."

Adams' reluctance to decide was understandable. He badly wanted to play Division I basketball, and has the ability to do so.

The offers never came, and it's a shame. Some D-I schools missed the boat on the Aurora Central Catholic star, plain and simple.

The Chronicle Player of the Year fashioned a superb senior season, averaging 19.1 points and 5.2 rebounds a game in leading the Chargers to conference and regional championships. His final impression was a breathtaking 34-point outburst against eventual state champion Marshall in a surprisingly close-fought sectional semifinal.

"I thought for sure when we played Marshall and he scored 34 points and [Marshall] went on to win state, it would open some doors, but it just didn't happen," his father said.

Instead, more recruiting frustration followed, culminating in aip to Western Illinois in which miscommunication resulted in no basketball coaches around to greet the Adams after their 210-mile trek. It's a shame for the downtrodden Leathernecks, a perfect example of the level of Division I program foolish not to find a place for Adams.

There are several theories on why Adams was overlooked by the big boys. ACC plays in a low-profile hoops conference. Adams did not play AAU basketball, electing instead to spend his high school days as a three-sport standout for the Chargers. Chargers coach Nate Drye thinks his size – Adams was listed at 6-3, but is probably closer to 6-2 – was the biggest obstacle to a D-I scholarship.

"I think it was the height thing," Drye said. "People couldn't get past the mental block on that."

Despite the D-I snubs, Adams has lots to look forward to at North Central, where he can play a competitive brand of Division III basketball near family and friends. Adams, a physical guard with a versatile offensive game, is talented enough to make a major impact at the Naperville school.

The chance to show a few other coaches they miscalculated should only help his cause.

"I think he's got kind of an ax to grind, and I think it's going to work out in his favor," his father said.

This sounds like a great pickup for NCC.  He sounds like a kid who woulda, shoulda, coulda gotten some attention from D2 Lewis/Scott Trost, not very far from home.  Do you know if he had any contact there, AndOne?
Aurora. 

[Titan Q]

Augustana
Chris Anderson (6-4 SF/PF, West Carroll) - 17.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.7 apg
Max Artis (6-3 SF/PF, Kirkwood, Mo.) - 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, .592 FG, .674 FT
Brian DeSimone (6-1 PG/SG, Buffalo Grove) - 16.0 ppg
Griffin Dwyer (6-1 SG, Hersey H.S.) - 14.3 ppg
Josh Evans (6-4 SF/PF, Niles North) - 13.2 ppg
Troy Rorer (6-2 G/F, Bettendorf) - 9.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.5 apg
Eric Safranski (6-0 PG/SG, Putnam County) - 12.9 ppg
Peter Wessels (6-3 SG, Bettendorf) - 10.7 ppg

Carthage
Pace Bennett (6-2 G, Rock Island Alleman) - 11 ppg, 4 apg
Jake Hasse (6-1 G, Naperville North) - 11.1 ppg

Elmhurst
Zack Boyd (6-2 G/F, Warrensburg-Latham) -  23.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.4 apg, .560 FG, .422 3-pt, .836 FT
Wes Dukeman (6-8/180 C, Arthur) - 16.0 ppg
David Lopez (6-1 G, Luther North)
Mike McCurdy (6-0 PG, Burlington Central) - 24.5 ppg, 6.0 apg, 4.0 rpg
A.J. Sutherlin (6-5 SF, North Montgomery H.S., Crawfordsville, IN) - 18.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg, .547 FG, .392 3-pt, .758 FT
Nathan Swarts (6-5/215 F/C, Monticello) - 12.5 ppg

Illinois Wesleyan
Ryan Connolly (6-8/255 C, Springfield Lanphier) - 16.2 ppg, 9.9 rpg
Eliud Gonzalez (5-10 PG, Richards H.S.) - 7.4 ppg, 6.2 apg (203 total assists)
John Koschnitzky (6-6/205 SF/PF, Air Force Prep, Oak Forest H.S.) - 20.7 ppg, 9.4 rpg ('06-07, Oak Forest)
Eric McCullough (6-9/220 C, Normal U High) - 13.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.4 bpg, .540 FG
Steve Rudnicki (6-4/165 PG/SG, Evanston) - 9.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 4.3 apg
Sean Seibring (6-2 SG, Normal West) - 12.0 ppg
Dexter Walker (6-6/215 SF/PF, Morton) - 18.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg
Jordan Zimmer (6-4 G/F, Delavan) - 23.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.1 apg, 123-293 3-pt (.420), .913 FT

North Central
(new) Mark Adams (6-3 SG, Aurora Central Catholic) - 19.1 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg
Kenny Branch (6-3 G/F, Mundelein)
Kevin Gillespie (5-10 PG, Geneseo) -  12.2 ppg, 3.8 apg, 66 3-pointers made
Josh Glenn (6-2 G, South Elgin) - 10.0 ppg
Lee Piccinelli (5-11 PG/SG, Henry) - 26.8 ppg
Tyler Ruschmeyer (6-5 F, Pekin) - 11.6 ppg

North Park
Joel Benson (6-5/225 F/C, Westminster Christian) - 18.3 ppg, 10.8 rpg
Dawon Mitchell (6-5/190 F, St. Joseph's)

Wheaton
Phil Carr (6-5 F, Southgate Anderson, MI) - 13.6 ppg, 11.4 rpg, .438 FG, .624 FT
Drake Diamond (6-8/225 F/C, Centreville, VA) - 4.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 38-76 FG (.500), 29-45 FT (.644)
Tim McCrary (6-6 F, New Trier) - 10 ppg, 7 rpg
Jeremy Pflederer (6-0 PG, Tremont) - 25.7 ppg, 8.8 rpg, .544 FG, .813 FT
Steve Pierotti (6-1 PG, Wheaton North) - 5.2 ppg
Spencer Schultze (6-6 C, Grand Rapids Christian, MI) - 13.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, .530 FT, .650 FT

[Pat Coleman]

Trost is absolutely loaded right now...I doubt he was on this kid.

I assume you mean his roster is loaded.

[petemcb]

Trost is absolutely loaded right now...I doubt he was on this kid.

I assume you mean his roster is loaded.

+k.

[AndOne]

This sounds like a great pickup for NCC.  He sounds like a kid who woulda, shoulda, coulda gotten some attention from D2 Lewis/Scott Trost, not very far from home.  Do you know if he had any contact there, AndOne?
Aurora. 

Lewis has 4 guards returning from last year's roster plus a new recruit and a transfer  coming in at the guard position, so I tend to concur with TQ's thinking that Trost was not really on this kid.

I saw Mark Adams play a few times this year including the game against Marshall in which he scored 34 points. He is 6'2"-6'3" and about 210. With his combination of outside shooting touch and inside power, I do not believe I saw a guard who displayed a higher level of combined outside-inside play as I saw in Mark this season. Yes, being a NCC backer, I freely admit I am somewhat biased. However, I'm not going solely on his stats, but basing my assessment, in part at least, on personal observation. Marshall had outstanding athleticism and talent, yet Mark. on that night, was the most outstanding player on the floor. 

[Titan Q]

Trost is absolutely loaded right now...I doubt he was on this kid.

I assume you mean his roster is loaded.

Yes, I mean the Lewis roster...although he is known to visit The Lantern and the T-O-D.

[AndOne]

Ah yes--------The Lantern---an infamous Naperville watering hole since 1966. Located right downtown, but still unknown to NCC students.            

[aceon2]

Rumors are that Kyle Jeffery is coming back to team up with Stevie D. 

In his last season in the CCIW, Jeffery averaged 18.3 ppg and 5.7 rpg.   

Does anybody know if there is any truth to this rumor?  And if there is, boy does that shake things up a little bit.

[Titan Q]

Rumors are that Kyle Jeffery is coming back to team up with Stevie D. 

In his last season in the CCIW, Jeffery averaged 18.3 ppg and 5.7 rpg.   

Does anybody know if there is any truth to this rumor?  And if there is, boy does that shake things up a little bit.

So Mercyhurst to Carthage to UW-Parkside and back to Carthage?

[kenoshamark]

I've been waiting to get some better confirmation on the Jeffrey rumor before I posted but yes, I've heard that as well.  I've talked to a few people who seem to think it could happen and I know he has officially left the Parkside program. 

I'm not sure how I feel about this....he certainly was a very good player his sophomore year and I'm pretty confident he would have been a first-team all conference player his next two years but I still can't help but wonder what is going on to make so many changes during ones college career.

He would fill a role that is desperately needed - big strong power forward type.   What I don't know is why Kyle wasn't more successful last year at Parkside.  He had to redshirt for a year and he was supposed to be big part of a very strong Parkside team last year.  They had a core of players back who played together for four years and Kyle should have stepped in perfectly as he had played with a number of their players over the years.  Parkside had a very disappointing year and hard to say what happened but Kyle never made it into the starting lineup.

We'll have to see if this really plays out.

[AndOne]

Mark---

Thanks for the report. I was hoping you or another of the Carthage fans would be able to provide us with an update. His return from a basketball standpoint would certainly cause problems for the rest of us in the CCIW. From a personal standpoint, as you said, you have to wonder why a guy with his talent has had to change schools so often. Maybe he is "hard to coach" for all but Bosko? Whatever the reason, it sure seems weird. Reminds me of the high school kids we see transferring all the time. Pls keep us posted.

Speaking of "old" Redmen, oops Red Men, I see Trey Bowens is playing with the Carthage #2 team in the Deerfield summer league.

[Titan Q]

With one of the best young perimeter players in the country in Steve Djurickovic, it would really shock me if Carthage decides to bring in a one year "rental" (who has transfered 3 times) to play a key role next year.   The Red Men have struggled mightily to build a cohesive unit since McDaniel and Garnes left and I just see more of the same next year if they go this route.

We'll see what happens I guess.