Boys Basketball: Bar is set high, but Grayslake Central should clear it

Potential, as defined by Webster’s dictionary, is the possibility that something will develop or happen in a particular way.

That is exactly the word that best describes the 2011-12 Grayslake Central Rams.

Brian Moe, beginning his fourth year at the helm, likes what he has but is cautious in not getting too ahead of himself.

“This season is a little exciting but there is a little pressure too because of our expectations,” he said. “We have a lot of pieces to the puzzle but it’s going to come down to what we’re going to do with it.”

Returning from last year’s 17-13 team is lightning-quick point guard Jordan Taylor. The 5-foot-8 senior will run coach Moe’s up-tempo style, and Taylor’s skill set fits the offensive set perfectly.

“Taylor’s a great ball-handler and has really improved his passing and decision-making,” Moe said.”The game has just slowed down for him, and he’s got a better knowledge of when and where to dish the ball.”

Joining Taylor at guard will be senior Sayvonte McWilliams who, along with 6-3 forward Tyler Smith are developing into go-to players.

“The light bulb just seemed to have gone off for both of them over the summer. They just get it now,” said Moe. “We’re looking for big things from both of them.”

The man in the middle will once again be Casey Boyle, a 6-9 senior whose work in the weight room means he’s now a tower of power.

“Casey is so much stronger then last year and that has given him a lot more confidence,” said Moe. “He got pushed around a little last year underneath, but that added strength has made him tougher and hopefully a better rebounder and scorer.”

Junior Danny Reed is back, as are seniors Kurt Anderson and Sean Geary. Juniors Connor Daily and Matt Spalding also will be earning minutes.

The Rams finished strong last season after a slow start and won a Class 3A regional championship before being eliminated by North Chicago in the sectional.

This year, the Rams appear capable of representing the area in Peoria.

“We have a very tough schedule, and hopefully that will help us in March,” said Moe. “But we know we have a lot of work to do before we can even think of that.”

Non-conference foes include big-school powers Waukegan, Zion-Benton and Glenbrook South.

According to their coach, the Rams needed to improve in a couple of areas in order to reach their goals.

“We know we have to do a better job rebounding,” said Moe. “We have to make it a team effort night in and night out. On offense, we want to play quick, but not necessarily fast.

“Jordan (Taylor) has to do a better job not turning the ball over by making smarter decisions with the basketball.”

In the Fox Valley Fox, Moe lists Grayslake North and Crystal Lake Central as likely contenders in their division. Those were the teams that battled it out for the division last year. And this year, there will be a Championship Game between the division winners in the Fox Valley Conference.

“We definitely want to compete for the conference championship,” said Moe. “We will be disappointed, if we don’t win it.”

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