Wheaton Academy

Coach: Andy Euler (12th year, 177-121; 16th overall, 242-159).

Last year: 8-18 overall, 3-6 (tied for sixth) in the Private School League. Lost to Montini 51-46 in the Class A Lisle regional quarterfinals.

Top players: G John Albaugh, jr.; G Axel Cerny, sr.; G Benjamin Euler, so.; G/F Matt Jones, jr.; G/F Joel Malmquist, jr.; F Jeremy Parker, sr.; G John Tillery, sr.; G Jason VanderVeen, sr.; C Nate Williams, sr.

Outlook: The Warriors graduated their height aside from 6-5 Nate Williams, who is an inside threat with a good jumper. That’s not necessarily a bad thing because Andy Euler, sounding invigorated, has his usual flock of hustling shooters, a more uptempo look and improved chemistry that make him optimistic for an upper-half finish in the Private School League. “This is back to the old kind of group,” said Euler, whose son Benjamin shot the long ball last season for an 18-2 sophomore team. “These kids tend to have a real seriousness about caring for each other.” Returning starter VanderVeen, who averaged 4.8 assists, suffered a sprained ankle in the Warriors’ soccer run and is about a month away. Parker is the top returning scorer at 9.3 points with 55 3-pointers. Tillery, the point guard, and 8-point scorer Cerny also are back. The Warriors again play a stiff schedule that could pay off down the road — tourneys against Class AA teams at St. Charles East and East Aurora, plus nonconference games with West Chicago and Streamwood. Keys will be “doing the little things,” Euler said, and keeping Williams out of foul trouble because except for 6-4 junior Mike Lindstedt he’s their only big man. “We’re going to be fairly quick, we’ll get out and push the ball a lot,” Andy Euler said. Like old times.