07-08 Daily Herald Season Preview

Wheaton Academy
Coach: Paul Ferguson (second year, 12-14).

Last year: 12-14, 7-1 (tied for first) in the Private School League. Lost to Wheaton Warrenville South 61-42 in the Class AA Glenbard East regional quarterfinals.

Top players: G Eric Albaugh, jr.; F Jared Cochrum, sr.; G Ben Euler, sr.; F Marc Fernandez, jr.; G Quinn Gorski, so.; G Jason Roy, sr.; C Tim Rusthoven, so.; G Tim Streets, jr.; F Paul Werkema, sr.

Outlook: The Warriors may take their lumps in nonconference, but it usually pays off as it did last year in the PSL co-championship with Chicago Christian. All-conference bomber Euler and the 6-foot-8 Rusthoven, with a year under his belt, give Wheaton Academy a good chance to battle Walther Lutheran and Timothy Christian for a repeat. Euler, a three-year starter, played a lot of point guard last year. It's hoped returnee Albaugh or newcomer Gorski will run the offense and let Euler do what he does best -- shoot. Last year he averaged 14.9 points, hitting nearly as many 3-pointers (76) as he attempted 2-pointers. Rusthoven, who averaged 8.3 points and 4.8 rebounds as a freshman, added confidence, strength and defense, buffers against foul trouble that plagued him last season. Roy, Cochrum and the 6-4 Werkema all played in at least 18 games last season and should provide shooting, rebounding and leadership. "We've got enough talent to win, but really our hard work and chemistry is what will make or break us," Ferguson said.