Guard Eric Porter
Porter started the previous two seasons on Deerfield’s varsity team. He’s also its top returning scorer at nearly 12.5 points per game. Deerfield coach Dan McKendrick said his returning All-CSL point guard — a tremendous shooter — will again be the team’s go-to guy, a role that is helped by Porter’s high basketball IQ and solid ball handling.
Porter said the experience he gained last year should help him this season.
“I think I’ve really matured since last season,” he said. “This will be my third year on varsity and I’m a lot calmer. I’m going to try and be a leader on and off the court.”
Forward Michael Alfieri
McKendrick described Alfieri as a good inside-out post player who has the potential to frustrate defenses.
“He posts up really well but can also stretch the floor,” McKendrick said. “He [can] knock down a 3-point shot and really make the defenses work.”
Porter added that from what he’s seen, Alfieri has looked stronger than he did last season, the result of some offseason work in the weight room. With a bigger presence down low and the ability to hit outside shots, Alfieri could be a dangerous offensive threat this year.
Forward Stefanos Fasianos
Fasianos is a transfer from a high school in Florida, and McKendrick said he is excited to see what Fasianos can do at Deerfield. The senior is described by his coach and Porter as being extremely athletic with good ball-handling skills.
“He’s working really hard to learn the plays and the system,” Porter said. “He’s a big body that’s a good defender and he should be able to guard the big guys and spread offenses.”
McKendrick said he’s been impressed with Fasianos’ moves and how smoothly he’s transitioned to Deerfield’s system. Porter said it’s helped that the senior has been willing to work with his teammates after school and on weekends to continue developing chemistry.
Deerfield has a great mix of youth and experience. They can score in a lot of different ways and are going to be a tough matchup defensively. Their depth is going to be a big strength this year.
2012-13 record: 11-17
2013 playoffs: Lost a Class 4A regional semifinal to Zion-Benton
Head coach: Dan McKendrick, second season
Projected starting five: sr. PG Eric Porter, sr. F Michael Alfieri, so. G Jordan Baum, sr. G/F Patrick Burns, sr. F Stefanos Fasianos.
Game to watch: Deerfield at Niles North, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13. If Deerfield wants to show off the strides it has made since last season, there’s no better time than on the road against the CSL North’s top team last year.
