2006 Daily Herald Team Preview

Wheaton Academy

Coach: Paul Ferguson (first year)

Last year: 16-12, 7-2 (tied for second) in the Private School League. Lost 75-65 to Kaneland in the Class AA Geneva Regional quarterfinals.

Top Players: G John Albaugh, sr.; F Jared Cochrum, jr.; G Ben Euler, jr.; F Matt Jones, sr.; F Mike Lindstedt, sr.; F Joel Malmquist, sr.; F-C Tim Rusthoven, fr.; G Paul Werkema, jr.

Outlook: The area lost a good man when 12-year Warriors coach Andy Euler went to Covenant College, clearing the way for Ferguson's return to a program he assisted from 1995-2000. But Euler's son, Ben, a sixth man last year, didn't like the academics and hoops at the new locale. So he's back, living at the home of Principal Jon Keith, and was cleared by the IHSA after a month of ineligibility that has now been satisfied. As Timothy Christian coach Jeff Powers said, "If Euler's back, they're going to be good." That remains to be seen since the Warriors return no starters and Euler -- 7.2 points per game bolstered by 42 percent shooting from the arc -- is the only one of last year's top six scorers to return. Nos. 7-9 return too, in Malmquist, Jones and Albaugh. This midsized group plus the 6-foot-4 werkema will do the initial heavy lifting in Ferguson's man-to-man defense and motion offense, until the taller players get up to varsity speed. Wheaton Academy always plays a tough, unique schedule. This year it goes to Texas for two games. "We don't necessarily have a lot of superstars," Ferguson said, "but if we learn to play as a team we could be pretty good."