Maine South boys basketball preview

Guard Caleb deMarigny

The junior is one of three players who is in his third varsity season. But coach Tony Lavorato said deMarigny was somewhat sheltered on the 2012-13 team that included standouts Frank Dounis, John Solari and Danny Quinn, all of whom graduated.

Lavorato said deMarigny must do more this winter.

“He’s grown a bit and gotten stronger,” Lavorato said of deMarigny, who has grown an inch since last season and is now 6-foot-2. “He’s become more of an offensive threat after mostly distributing the ball last year. He’s got to be one of our top scorers and rebounders this season. He also has to give us leadership.”

Guard Andrew Palucki

Another three-year varsity veteran, the senior is primed for a breakout season, according to Lavorato.

“We are expecting big things,” Lavorato said.

Palucki’s older brother, Matt, led the Hawks in scoring during the 2010-11 season and Andrew Palucki is likely to do the same thing this season. Lavorato said Andrew Palucki beefed up his body in the offseason — he weighed 175 pounds last season and now weighs 185 — enabling him to absorb blows in the lane and finish around the rim.

“He should be one of the strongest guards around,” Lavorato said.

Forward George Sargeant

The junior is the other player who is beginning his third varsity season. At 6-7, Sargeant is the tallest of the team’s six top players. He has big shoes to fill after the loss of Solari and Quinn.

“I like how he’s progressed,” Lavorato said of Sargeant, who was a starting receiver for the football team. “He’s not just going to be a role player this year. He’s going to have an impact. We are going to need him to control the middle.”

They are stubborn, in a good way. That’s meant to be complimentary. They are so disciplined at what they do that it’s hard to get them out of it. That zone they play is tough, and they box out so well. Offensively, they can beat you with one screen and a layup or take two minutes off the clock and score. It’s always a fun challenge to prepare for them and play against them.

2012-13 record: 28-4 overall, 9-1 CSL South

2013 playoffs: Lost in sectional semifinals of Class 4A to Niles North

Head coach: Tony Lavorato, 11th season

Projected starting five: jr. G Caleb deMarigny, sr. G Andrew Palucki, sr. G Sean Maloney, sr. F Jake Pedrelli, jr. F George Sargeant.

Game to watch: New Trier at Maine South, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13. The Hawks beat the Trevians 49-46 in OT last season to capture their first conference championship since 1999.