Guard Isaiah Foust
Foust, a transfer from Brooklyn, N.Y., has proved to be a quick study. In fact, Lake Forest Academy coach Matt Vaughn marveled at how fast Foust has picked up the offense. “It’s been remarkable,” Vaughn said. “He’s a good, strong leader and brings that New York [confident] mentality. He can do a little bit of everything.”
Foust said Lake Forest Academy is the right place for him on and off the court. “I’ve met a lot of new people and I like my new teammates,” he said.
Foust already has earned the respect of those new teammates. “He’ll make all of us better,” Clamage said.
Forward Dejon Brissett
Brissett was a highlight reel at times as a sophomore — look for more of the same this season. “He’s one of the more exciting players in the area,” Vaughn said.
Brissett averaged 15 points per game over the final two months of the season. “He’s really developed his shot and can shoot it from the 3-point line,” Vaughn said.
Added Clamage: “He can jump out of the gym. He’s much stronger now and his game is more consistent.”
Guard Ryan Clamage
Clamage’s role last year was to come off the bench and provide a spark, usually with his outside shooting. Since then, he’s grown about 4 inches to 6-foot-2 and he can contribute in more areas.
“The rest of his game has developed,” Vaughn said. Clamage and Foust found near-instant chemistry in the backcourt. “He can knock down the big shots,” Foust said.
Clamage’s younger brother, Austin, will play on the junior varsity and is a freshman to watch.
They always have a nice mix of size, athleticism and shooters. You have to ‘pick your poison’ so to speak, because it’s difficult to take away everything. Matt does a great job of getting new faces to blend together and play as a team. You have to be ready for anything because they’re not afraid to change defenses or take a risk.
2012-13 record: 13-10
2013 playoffs: N/A
Head coach: Matt Vaughn, 17th season
Projected starting five: jr. PG Isaiah Foust, jr. G Ryan Clamage, jr. F Dejon Brissett, so. F Daniel Joseph, jr. C Diago Quinn.
Game to watch: Zion-Benton at Lake Forest Academy, 6 p.m. Jan. 14. Expect Lake Forest Academy’s gym to be full and rocking for this January showdown. This is just one example of a schedule that Vaughn said was “toughened up a lot.”
