Bolingbrook Bites Off Big Piece of Schedule Pie

After consecutive 20-win seasons as the new Bolingbrook boys basketball coach, Rob Brost did not expect his third year to be so decidedly mediocre.

"Last year was a bit of a—no, make that a disappointing season," Brost said during practice this week.

The Raiders had a promising season derailed at the midpoint.

"We got off to a nice start; we were 9-3 and ranked in the top 15," Brost said. "But then we had some injuries."

As Bolingbrook prepares to usher in a new season, one thing is certain: The Raiders' schedule could not be more exacting.

"We play in what I consider to be the toughest Thanksgiving tournament in the state (at Decatur)," Brost said. "For our (Christmas) holiday tournament, we are in one of the best (the Big Dipper at Rich South) in the state. Then, we are in what I consider to be the toughest boys basketball conference in the state in the Southwest Suburban Blue.

"There are no guaranteed wins on our schedule. But that's what we want. We want to play against the best teams. That's why you play basketball here—to be challenged."

The Raiders enter this season, which begins with a date with historically rich Pekin in Decatur, looking to improve on 13-12 finish from a year ago.

Despite the many minefields lining his path, Brost is confident the Raiders could be a team to watch this year.

"We feel like we're going to be pretty good," the Cedar Falls, Iowa, native said.

LaTre'e Russell and Dan Fisher are the Raiders' known commodities--the senior returning starters will man the power forward and lead guard responsibilities.

Bolingbrook has a strong nucleus of size and athleticism to attack its opponents this winter.

Fellow seniors Kevin Mitchem, Andre Gunn and Jarius Geralds are 6-5, 6-8 and 6-3 to augment the 6-5 frame of Russell.

Brost is equally excited about his junior class, headlined by 6-4 swingman Nick Malonga, who saw considerable varsity action as a sophomore last season.

Among the top players on the sophomore team last season, Chad Cooke, Josh Little and Alec Boyd figure prominently in the Raiders' plans.

Brost promises an exciting type of basketball for the Raider Nation, a fast-paced crew ready to wreak havoc.

"We want to get the ball up (the court) and get easy baskets," Brost said.

The one-time McHenry Community College coach and seven-year veteran with the Bulls' organization is confident last year was an aberration.

"We've made great strides," Brost said.