The Fenwick boys basketball team experienced something last year the program has not endured in a long time: A losing season. The sub-.500 performance was the first for John Quinn in his 28 years as head coach. But coaches and players are determined to right the ship this season.
With players like Luke Lattner, Josh Carlisle, Scott Lindsay, Dan Dwyer and Tom Planek, the Friars may have a chance to do more than just wipe out the memory of last year. Lattner averaged just under 14 points per game during Fenwick’s 12-13 season. He scored 25 points in Friars’ 55-44 loss to Riverside-Brookfield in the Class 3A regional semifinal. Lattner returns as the player with the most experience on varsity. Last year’s squad featured just three seniors.
Carlisle, a 6-foot guard who helped lead the Fenwick soccer team to a successful season in the fall, returns as a stalwart defender. The 6-5 Lindsay, a junior, has already entertained several Division I college offers, though Quinn is reluctant to remove the label of “a work in progress.”
The 6-8, 225-pound Dan Dwyer replaces the graduated Sam Ainsworth in the middle. The junior is a potential Division I recruit. Planek, 6-5, who played significantly as a sophomore last season, provides another post-up option. Ben Peterson, also listed at 6-5, is vying for playing time with Dwyer and Planek.
Scott Gruszka, Keshaun Smith, Charlie Wert and freshman Michael Smith provide depth for the Friars. Quinn said he’s eager to insert the speedy 5-8 guard Michael Smith into the mix.
“He’s a special player, and can certainly be a difference maker on the court,” he said of his newbie. “He’s already near the maturity level it takes to play on varsity.”
The Chicago Catholic League (North Division) remains rife with competition. St. Rita and St. Ignatius shared the North Division title last season. Nonetheless, Fenwick shouldn’t be too far removed from the top spot.
“We feel we can be an outstanding team in the North, possibly even the team to beat,” said Quinn. “We have some ways to go, to goals to reach, roles to be defined, but we believe we’re on the right path.”
The Friars begin the season competing in the Lyons Township Thanksgiving Tournament. They play Morton on Nov. 21 and Argo on Nov. 23 (both at 6 p.m.). On Saturday, Nov. 24, Fenwick takes on the host for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.
Following the tournament, Fenwick travels up East Avenue to take on cross-town rival OPRF for what is sure to be an intense matchup. During summer league, the Huskies secured a 55-44 win over the Friars. Tip-off for that game is Saturday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.