By Joe Henricksen
Last December at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament, a rail-thin sophomore with floppy hair opened some eyes,
including those of the City/Suburban Hoops Report. After scoring 16 points in a loss to Curie and averaging 17
points and hitting 12 three-pointers in four games at Pontiac, the Hoops Report left with the thought that this kid has
a chance. Now Lake Forest junior Matt Vogrich, who doesn’t exactly look the part of a Division I 2-guard, is a
wanted man and heads the list of soon-to-be breakout juniors in Illinois this winter.
Vogrich, who was recently offered a scholarship by coach Rick Majerus and Saint Louis, can easily get lost in the
shuffle in the guard-heavy class of 2009 that features as many as eight or nine high-major Division I guards. The 6-
3, 175-pound shooting specialist is probably right now the most overlooked junior in Illinois. In addition to the offer
from SLU, Dayton, Wisconsin, Northwestern, St. Joseph and Davidson have all shown different variations of
interest.
The one aspect that has really improved is Vogrich’s ballhandling and assertiveness throughout the summer and
fall. He is now far from a one-dimensional player–the hired gunner from the perimeter. As is the case with many
young players who gain maturity, Vogrich is moving better without the ball and is a little more athletic than people
give him credit for. And of course, he’s one of the top two or three shooters in the junior class. After quietly
averaging 15 points a game for a 14-13 Lake Forest team last season, look for a big year for Vogrich both on the
court and off the court in recruiting.
A few other juniors who the Hoops Report feels will have breakout years, grab the attention of fans and college
coaches alike, are Morgan Park’s Marcus Rodgers, who definitely passes the look test with his height, body and
athleticism, guard Terrence Johnson, who has transferred to St. Rita, underrated guard Drew Crawford of
Naperville Central, Proviso East guard Tramel Owens and tiny 5-7 Lawrence Thomas of Springfield Southeast, who
can really play.
To subscribe to the City/Suburban Hoops Report publication, which is now in its 13th year, call the Hoops Report at (630)-408-6709 or e-mail at hoopsreport@yahoo.com. The first issue of the year is due out in late November.
