After ending the 2025-26 season with 10 consecutive losses, the Fenwick High School boys basketball team is relying on an infusion of talented young players to help turn things around. At the 23rd annual Riverside-Brookfield Summer Shootout, June 13-14, the Friars displayed teamwork and chemistry in winning three of their four games.
“As a team, we played well. We got into a groove and felt good,” said Fenwick rising sophomore Corey Griffin, one of five returning players from last year’s varsity who participated this weekend.
Rising senior Luke Vongluekiat, another returnee, added: “It was pretty good. I feel we could’ve picked up some things better, but as we start to play together more, we’ll jell more as a group and pick things up.”
Fenwick’s first game on Saturday against Peoria Central was tough, especially in the first half as the Friars allowed 41 points in an eventual 64-41 defeat. Incoming freshman Noah Marshall, younger brother of former Fenwick football and basketball standout Nate Marshall, had a team-high eight points. Griffin had seven points, and Vongluekiat and rising sophomore Donnie Rogers each added six points.
Saturday’s nightcap was much better as the Friars pulled away in the second half for a 61-34 victory over Metea Valley. Griffin led with 15 points. Rising senior Ryan Murray scored all 11 of his points in the second half, and rising senior T.J. Cole added eight.
“(Peoria Central) was tough,” said Fenwick coach David Fergerson. “But the guys responded and bounced back. We’re jelling together and growing; that’s what it’s all about.”
On Sunday, Fenwick notched a pair of victories: 46-44 in overtime versus Burlington Central, and 60-56 over Thornwood.
Vongluekiat (13 points) scored the winning basket in overtime in the first game. Marshall had a team-high 17 points and five rebounds, and Rogers added 12 points on 4 three-pointers.
“Donnie played his butt off, and Noah is a phenom. Everyone’s gonna be knowing about him sooner than later so I don’t know how much more I can keep him a secret,” Fergerson said.
In the Thornwood victory, Griffin had a team-high 13 points. Murray had nine points, Vongluekiat and rising junior Danny Lange eight apiece, and Rogers seven.
Fenwick also received solid play this weekend from incoming freshmen Elijah Gordon and Mickey Prah, rising sophomores Isaac Apaza and Major Staley, rising juniors Azael Meza Herra, George Tsitovich, and Luke Walhford, and rising senior Colin Good.
Both Griffin and Vongluekiat like how things are going for the Friars this summer, but they also know there’s more work to be done in preparation for the upcoming season.
“We’ve just got to play calm as a team,” Griffin said. “Individually, I need to understand the situation we’re in, whether we need a bucket or get everybody calmed down. We also need to talk more on defense; we can all guard, but we need to work as a team on defense.”
“We definitely need to get better at communication,” Vongluekiat said. “Individually, I need to stay calm under pressure.”
In addition to providing production during the games, Fergerson is counting on Griffin and Vongluekiat to provide leadership for his young team.
“It’s big. We’re younger, so we’re trying to mix the older guys with the young guys to show them,” Fergerson said. “We’re playing well and doing a solid job, so we’ve just got to continue to grow. That’s all I care about.”
Fenwick continues summer action this weekend at the Romeoville Pre-Live Shootout, June 18-20. The event, which takes place at the Romeoville Athletic and Event Center, has a $10 daily admission fee. More information can be found at romeovillelive.com.
OPRF boys basketball
Also at Romeoville this week will be the Oak Park and River Forest High School boys basketball team. Last weekend, the Huskies went 4-0 at the Midwest Crossroads Showcase in downstate Normal.