McHenry means business, even in summer

McHenry's Brian Madson dribbles past Crystal Lake South's Josh Walker during the Gary Collins Shootout on Friday at Crystal Lake South High School. McHenry went on to beat the Gators' second team, 52-25. (Lauren M. Anderson - landerson@nwherald.com) (Lauren M. Anderson ())

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CRYSTAL LAKE – Coming off its first regional title since 1978, the attitude around the McHenry boys basketball team has changed.

The confidence level is up, and the Warriors expect to build on their success last season.

On Friday the Warriors defeated Crystal Lake South’s second team, 52-25, in the Gary Collins Shootout at Crystal Lake South High School. McHenry advances to play DeKalb today. DeKalb beat Woodstock, 46-38, on Friday.

“The team’s confidence level has never been higher,” Warriors coach Tim Paddock said. “We’re expecting to have a good year with some key players returning.

“All of our players have gotten better and expect to win this year. They’re still hungry and didn’t get enough of the smorgasbord last year.”

McHenry was scheduled to play Harper of the Chicago Public League. However, on Wednesday, Harper pulled out of the tournament because one of its players’ father died and the team was attending the funeral.

To fill the void, the Gators put together a second team with most of its junior varsity players.

McHenry held South scoreless for the game’s first eight minutes and built an 18-0
lead. The Warriors pulled ahead, 36-8, at halftime.

“It doesn’t matter who we play,” McHenry’s Jimmy Preston said. “We have to play every game like it’s the regular season and not take anyone lightly.”

Junior forwards Brian Madson (10 points) and Preston (12) led the Warriors inside. Senior Josh McNaughton scored 16 points, and Jimmy Bellich knocked in three three-pointers.

During the off-season the Warriors’ players have continued to stay active.

“We work out at the school, go to parks in McHenry to shoot around on our own and go running with weight jackets,” said McHenry senior guard Ryan Terrill, who grabbed
three steals in the first half. “A lot of the guys are in other sports, too.”

The team practices together with open gym sessions and weight training. Some players, such as Preston, play on AAU teams.

McHenry is using the Gary Collins Shootout to work as a complete team and test itself against some of Illinois’ toughest competition.

“This tournament is always fun. Crystal Lake South does a great job of putting it together, and it is a good barometer for our team,” Paddock said. “In the offseason the players have to get better individually then play together in the tournament.”

“Our expectations are pretty high,” Terrill said. “Our goal is to get back (to the regional) and go beyond that.”