Experience a big asset for Hampshire

Senior Will Bush is one of many returnees who the Hampshire Whip-Purs are counting on this season.
MARINA MAKROPOULOS | Staff Photographer

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Add boys basketball as the next sport to make the transition to the new Hampshire High School as well as a bump up from Class 2A to 3A.

With the step up in class in mind, the Whip-Purs have beefed up their schedule to include games against Kaneland and South Elgin, and will partake in the Sycamore Thanksgiving Tournament.

But with seven of eight players returning from a team that went 14-13 last year, look for the Whips to be competitive against whomever they play. Hampshire has the pieces in place to make a run at the Big Northern Conference East Division crown and hopes to bring home a regional title for the first time since 2005.

Junior Justin Bieber (6-foot-2) is the Whips' top 3-point shooter, having knocked down 49 treys last year to go along with his 10.4 points per game. He will be running things at point guard along with Shyler Ralphs (6-2, G). Ralphs, another junior, comes over from Jacobs thanks to the new school boundaries and looks to make an immediate impact.

"We're a lot different than Jacobs," said Whips' seventh-year coach Bob Barnett. "Jacobs is more of a flex-set offense and we run a five-out and a motion, so it's a lot of reading the defenses and he's adapted to that. He's doing well and he's a good ballhandler."

Seniors James Goebbert (6-3), Will Bush (6-3), Mike Kozenczak (6-3), and junior Ryan Burke (6-2) all return from last year's team and figure to have prominent roles. However, senior Evan Brenner (5-8) tore a meniscus in his left knee in an injury sustained during the football season and will be out anywhere from one-to-two months. Brenner (5-8, G) started for the Whips last year and will be heavily involved with the team while recovering.

"Evan's a leader, a calming influence," Barnett said. "He's very intelligent and knows the difference between quick and fast and understands time and circumstance."

Entering his third season on varsity, Bush is the Whips' most experienced player and will be relied upon both offensively and on the boards.

"I expect big things from Will," Barnett said. "He's gonna have to front a big load on the glass both offensively and defensively."

Down low, freshman Tyler Watzlawick (6-6) and junior Ryan DeChant (6-3) look to solidify the Whips' post presence. Watzlawick has the tools to contribute right away and figures to only get better as the season progresses.

"He's coming around. Offensively, we know he can do stuff," Barnett said. "He's not used to the speed yet so we're doing a lot of five on six, five on seven, trying to get him accustomed to the speed."