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Wildkits to return several experienced players
Evanston junior Jackson Mihevc takes the ball strong to the basket against Lake Forest during the War on the Shore tournament at Loyola on Feb. 2. Mihevc's outside shooting lends optimism for next season. | Michael Jarecki ~ for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: April 8, 2013 7:33AM
WILMETTE — A difficult Evanston boys basketball season came to a conclusion last week in the Loyola Academy Regional against the host Ramblers, so now it’s all about looking forward for the Wildkits.
Evanston finished the 2012-2013 campaign 10-19. Much of that can be attributed to its young roster and five new starters this season.
“Certainly in terms of wins and losses it was not what we expected,” Evanston coach Mike Ellis said. “The most pleasant part of this season is that in spite of the wins and losses, they came to practice willing to make each other better. Willing to help each other out. Making sure they were there for one another.”
All you have to do is take a look at the box score from the 59-46 loss to Loyola on Feb. 27 to see how things might set up for Evanston’s future.
Junior Will Jones scored 10 points. Sophomore Elijah Henry had seven points to go along with eight rebounds and a blocked shot. Junior Jackson Mihevc nailed three 3-pointers for his nine points, while junior point guards Nibra White (seven points) and Demitrius Bogan (four points), helped force 11 second-half turnovers.
“It’s one thing just to play as an underclassman. It’s another thing to get better,” Ellis said. “We’ll be anxious to measure the improvement of the underclassmen that played significant minutes this year.”
Jones has shown on more than one occasion this season that he is a budding star with athletic moves galore.
“Will (has) probably been the best surprise out of all our players this year,” Ellis said. “He’s the guy that’s taken the biggest step forward from the beginning of the year until the end of the year.”
“I’ve improved a lot on my post moves,” Jones said. “I have to make sure I finish and I need to keep working on my jump shot in the offseason.”
If Henry can add some muscle and strength to his 6-foot-4, 185-pound frame, the Wildkits might have an intimidating presence in the paint.
As the season progressed, Henry started to see improvement in himself.
“I had a better mindset. Better defense. Better everything,” Henry said. “I have to get faster and stronger.”
Other players to keep an eye on include 6-6 junior center Jack Kremin and junior guard Dante Henley. As for freshman guard Micquel Roseman, Ellis said, “He’s going to be a good one. We’re going to look forward to coaching Micquel.”
