(From left to right) Parker Nichols, Matt Johnson, Jalen Brunson and Connor Cashaw aim to lead Stevenson to its first basketball state title.
Photo by John Rowland
Pat Ambrose (302-134 career record, 16th year)
2013-14 record: 32-2, Illinois Class 4A semifinalist
KEY RETURNERSJalen Brunson (6-1, Sr., G) – Villanova verbal commitment
Connor Cashaw (6-4, Sr., G) – Rice verbal commitment
Nick Dillon (6-2, Sr., F)
Cameron Green (6-3, Sr., F)
Justin Hill (6-5, So., F)
Matt Johnson (5-11, Sr., G)
Parker Nichols (6-5, Sr., F)
Ryan Rosenbaum (6-3, Sr., G/F)
Justin Smith (6-6, So., F)
PATRIOT STORYLINES* Stevenson doesn't have the top to bottom Division I talent of other preseason ranked teams, but the dynamic duo of Brunson and Cashaw along with a veteran supporting cast should go a long way. Brunson, a Top 25 senior prospect, erupted for 56 points in last year's Illinois 4A state semifinals against eventual state champ Whitney Young and averaged over 25 points per game on the season.
* Cashaw leads the list of eight other veterans back from 2013-14. A big time talent in his own right, the Rice pledge is a versatile guard/wing that averaged 17.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game as a junior.
* Along with a nationally ranked basketball team, Stevenson is home to a powerhouse football team. In fact, both Dillon and Green will likely be playing college football at this time next year. "It's an exciting time," Ambrose said of athletics at Stevenson. "We are riding a little bubble, an upswing. We have had very good teams in both sports over the years but the current group of athletes here has been tremendous."
KEY DATESDec. 22-27 – Proviso West Tournament
Jan. 2 – vs.
Chaminade (St. Louis) at Cancer Research Classic
Jan. 3 – vs.
Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) at Cancer Research Classic
Jan. 17 – vs.
Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) at Spalding Hoophall Classic
Feb. 21 – vs.
Simeon (Chicago) at City-Suburban Shootout
