By Chris Parker
Wheaton boys basketball won just seven games last season. The Bulldogs had many new players in new places which led to some struggles.
Wheaton head coach Seth Lash hopes those struggles have led to some lessons for his returning players.
“Last season we had a lot of players thrust into new roles and trying to learn a new style of play/philosophies on offense and defense,” Wheaton head coach Seth Lash said. “That can be a lot for a team to handle. We only graduated one senior last season. We are returning seven guys who played solid minutes last year and our top five players. I believe this season having some continuity from last season is going to greatly help us. Everyone knows the expectations for the program and how we want to approach our business. I have high expectations for this group and I think they can reach them.”
The seven players returning for Wheaton include Blake Morgan (senior), Devin Bateman (senior), Fernando Gonzalez (senior), Houston Roller (junior), Michael Hang (senior), Payton Pyle (senior) and Zander Dutra (senior). They all averaged between 1.8 and 8.4 points per game.
Morgan was the leading scorer in the group at 8.4 points per game.
“Blake is a returning all-conference player for us,” Lash said. “He was our leading scorer last season. He greatly improved last season at getting to the free throw line and attacking and finishing at the basket. This offseason he has worked to be stronger and try to improve upon that even further.”
Bateman added in 3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
“Last season was Devin’s first season as a varsity player. As the season progressed, he earned minutes by being a tough defender and rebounder for us. He was always willing to do the dirty work that goes unnoticed.”
Gonzalez was strong defensively with 2.6 steals per game to go with 5.2 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.
“Fernando is a high energy player and one of the toughest defenders I’ve got to coach,” Lash said. “He drew 24 charges last year in 23 games and the majority of those were being an on-ball defender. He led us in steals as well. Very coachable and always willing to do whatever it takes to help the team.”
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Roller Contributed 8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.
“Houston finished last season as our second leading scorer and highest field goal percentage,” Lash said. “When the season started, he was inconsistent at first but as the season progressed the stronger he got. After a bright sophomore season, we have big expectations to build upon for his junior season.”
Hang was effective in all facets of the game with 7.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.9 steals per game.
“Michael is a returning all-conference player for us,” Lash said. “No one increased their scoring output like he did from the previous season. He did it while also increasing his shooting splits from the previous year. He led us in assists last season. Very capable defender as well.”
Pyle had 1.8 points and 1.2 rebounds per game.
“Last season was Payton’s first season as a varsity player,” Lash said. “He was a guy who we could bring in to help us press. He has a knack for getting deflections and has quick hands. We look for him to keep progressing and contribute this season.”
Dutra scored 5.5 points with 3.7 rebounds per game.
“Zander had an injury shortened sophomore season,” Lash said. “Last season was good for him to be out there for us the majority of the games. He is a great teammate. He was one of our more efficient scorers from last season. He had a strong summer, and we have high expectations for him this upcoming season.”
Freshman Brody Bateman along with senior Lance Greenwell will be newcomers on the varsity squad.
Lash on Bateman: “Brody is a strong kid that plays with an edge. He will take some lumps and have some growing pains I’m sure but he’s a hard worker and should be a contributor for us this season when he gets time on the floor.”
Lash on Greenwell: “Lance is a good kid who played for us this summer. We were a team that didn’t have a lot of depth last season. He should be able to help remedy that situation for us. He is a guy that plays hard and has good energy that should be able to help us when things aren’t going well for us.”
Wheaton opens the regular season Nov. 18-22 at the Verona Tip-Off Classic.
“I hope that we are a team that is known for its defensive toughness and patience/execution on offense,” Lash said. “I believe those are two important qualities for a team to be successful and I hope that we show that this season.”
