En route to claiming the fifth highest win total (26 victories) in the program’s storied history last year, the Lyons Township boys basketball won 23 games in a row, its own Thanksgiving tournament, the Jack Tosh Holiday Classic, conference and regional titles, and even a game at the United Center last season. It took Class 4A defending champion Simeon (picked as one of the Top 10 teams in the country this year) to finally derail the Lions’ dream run with a resounding 65-35 win in the LT Sectional semifinals.
The Lions are committed to building on the magical momentum of last season.
“Our players didn’t dwell too long on the [Simeon] loss,” LT coach Tom Sloan said. “Our returning players actually got right back after it. Guys that didn’t play a spring sport started playing club basketball. We’re all excited about this season.”
Although the Lions graduated a stellar class led by Dan Lalonde, Jimmy Stamas, Justin Phipps and Austin Lusson, several prominent players return to headline Sloan’s deep roster.
Illinois State recruit Nick Zeisloft (11.5 points, 4.4 rebounds per game) will be one of the premier players in the West Suburban (Silver) Conference. Six-foot-6 forward Nick Burt, the Lions’ other returning starter, is a highly skilled post player who can score, pass and rebound. Senior forward Eric Powers, who missed half of last season due to a finger injury, 6-4 combo guard Spencer Mahoney and 6-5 senior forward/center Henry Wilson are the Lions’ other slated starters.
“Eric probably would have started [last year] if he didn’t get injured,” Sloan said. “He can flat out shoot and is excellent in transition. Spencer is a selfless, talented player who can do everything on the court. Henry has built himself into a varsity player.”
Seniors Mark Sewall, Dylan Fiedler and Brian Kelley – all key member of the Lions’ historic football team – add toughness and versatility to the LT bench. Junior Kenny Smith, Griffin Allodi and Matt Robare could also see playing time.
“Honestly, I feel like we have eight starters,” Sloan said. “I like our depth and athleticism plus our players can really shoot and pass the basketball.”
The Lions will likely battle Oak Park, York and Proviso West for the conference title. Hinsdale Central, Glenbard West and Downers Grove North also could challenge in a wide open league race this winter.
“Every conference game is going to be a challenge,” Sloan said. “Hopefully, we will be in the mix for the conference championship.”
The Lions open the season with their own tournament, taking on Fenwick, Argo and Chicago Academy over Thanksgiving weekend. Fenwick head coach John Quinn and Argo head coach Pat Maietta were Sloan’s former coach and teammate, respectively, when the LT skipper played high school basketball at Fenwick during the late 1980s.
“It’s a great way to kick off our season,” Sloan said. “Obviously, I know John and Pat well and I have a lot of respect for their programs.”