This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Sports

Downers North Looks for Ball to Bounce its Way

Trojans count on experience to help them reverse tough-luck trend of a year ago.

You know what they say about numbers lying?

Well, Downers Grove North's  boys basketball record of 10-17 overall and 4-8 in conference play from last season isn't as bad as it seems upon closer inspection. The Trojans suffered several losses by six points or less. If a few shots or moments had gone their way, they might have won 15 games instead of 10.

North coach Jim Thomas returns a senior-laden cast he hopes will learn from their hard-luck experiences.

Find out what's happening in Downers Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We're a more mature team, one of the most mature I've ever had," Thomas said. "If that gives us a few points here and there, then maybe we make up a few of those close games from last year this season."

In a conference that's usually as balanced as the West Suburban Silver, that experience could be vital.

Find out what's happening in Downers Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I expect Lyons Township will be the front-runner," Thomas said. "Proviso West will be real good too, but I wouldn't be surprised if anyone wound up finishing third in the conference, though."

For North, team play will be important. Seniors Tyler Mason, Ross Johnson, and Alex Vogler will be relied on to handle the load. Newcomers like 6-7 Robert Mahlike and Dan Sigrich also will get playing time in key situations.

"I wouldn't be surprised if a different guy led us every night," Thomas said. "It's that kind of team. Very balanced, top to bottom."

Balance, depth and maturity often are the ingredients to a successful season and the Trojans have all three components working for them. They are an athletic, tall team that can run up and down the floor. In a transition offense, the Trojans could give plenty of teams headaches.

North opens in the Wheaton Academy tournament on Monday, Nov. 22. The Trojans face Wheaton-Warrenville South in their first game; they return home after the Thanksgiving tournament to play their home opener on Tuesday, Nov. 30 against Addison Trail.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?