Local talent, added size boost Spartans' hopes

With the addition of frontcourt JUCO transfers and loads of local talent to go along with strong returnees, Elgin Community College believes it has the right mix to compete in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference this season.

"We addressed our weaknesses from last year both with size and athletic ability," men's coach Reed Nosbisch said. "We've got a group of guys that get along pretty well, gel off the court.

"We had to slow it down last year (finishing with an 8-21 record). We had to play a Northwestern slow-tempo game. With our rebounding (now), we can speed it up."

Headlining the returnees is sophomore point guard Johnny Paden (6-1), who averaged 11.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game on his way to being a unanimous first-team all-conference selection.

"He's a tremendous athlete," Nosbisch said. "One of the most athletic kids I've been around."

Paden is a co-captain along with sophomore David Bernard (6-3, Dundee-Crown graduate). Bernard was named second-team all-conference while tallying 8.9 ppg and 6.6 rpg last year while playing center on an undersized team. In showcasing their added size, Bernard is pegged to start at shooting guard this season.

"He's a tough-nosed kid," Nosbisch said. "He filled the need last year."

That added size comes in the form of four JUCO transfers - Cameron Sanchez (6-6), Martell Hutchinson (6-3), D'Angelo Stewart (6-6, Elgin) and Mike Bertrand (6-5, St. Charles East).

"Last year we had maybe one guy over 200 (pounds) and he was 202," Nosbisch said. "We may exceed our van weight limit now."

Hutchinson is Paden's cousin and comes over as a strong scorer from Bismarck State CC and figures to start at small forward. Stewart returns to the area after spending his freshman year at Sauk Valley and will start at center.

"He's a skilled kid," Nosbisch said. "He passes well, has a wide body, can shoot the 3 and is good down in the post."

Bertrand is likely to play come second semester when has enough credits to qualify.

Among the impact freshmen are Marquis Lobdell (6-5), who will start at power forward, Aaron Reams (6-4, Dundee-Crown), Terell John (6-3, Larkin), Jeff Lewis (6-0, South Elgin) and Marcus Henry (6-0, Dundee-Crown).

"We really tried to hit the local schools hard," Nosbisch said.

John and Henry were both named to The Courier-News All-Area third team and Reams was an honorable mention selection.

"Reams and Henry are two kids that (finished) fourth in state," Nosbisch said. "They understand the work that has to be done."

Sophomore Brett Manning (6-2, St. Edward) compiled 6.3 ppg last year and figures to take on the sixth-man role this season.

Sophomores Tommy Krueger (5-10, Jacobs), John Suire (6-0, Elgin), Eddie Gray (5-10), Andrew Smith (6-0, Elgin Academy) and freshman Mike Kozenczak (6-2, Hampshire) will also figure in for the Spartans.

Early games against College of DuPage, Triton College and Highland CC will pose an early challenge for ECC.

"We have to beat the best to be the best," Nosbisch said.

"We're going to figure out real quick where we're at."