Coach Kyle Wilhelm
Now in his third season at Lake Forest, Wilhelm has two post players who have been in the program for three years in 6-foot-2 Kate Arnson and 6-2 Grace Torkelson. Expect much of the Scouts’ offense to run through them. “We plan to utilize them as strengths, getting the ball inside or crashing the offensive boards,” Wilhelm said.
On defense, Wilhelm likes to switch between zone and man-to-man. With two players over 6-foot this year, Wilhelm will design his defense with that in mind. “We are making an emphasis on controlling the pain and the middle,” Wilhelm said. “This allows our guards to do other things.”
Guard Annie Keller
One of the team’s captains, the 5-9 Keller is also the team’s best returning player. She led the team in scoring (9 ppg) and rebounding (9 rpg) last season. A throwback player who prefers to play under the basket, Keller will be asked to do more than score and rebound this year for the Scouts. “Having a lot of young players on our team, she’ll have to be more of a vocal leader and teacher on the court,” Wilhelm said.
Center Kate Arnson
As Lake Forest’s other captain, Arnson is one of the team’s most disciplined players. With so much of the Scouts’ offense starting in the paint this year, Arnson is always in the right spot on the floor. “Defensively, she has long arms and uses that to her advantage,” Wilhelm said. “With the amount of ground she covers, it takes pressure off the other players.” Her 5 rpg was third-best on the team last year.
Although we weren’t having the best season and they weren’t having the best season, we had some great battles last year. They play multiple defenses and play hard. Kyle’s doing a nice job building that program.
2012-13 record: 8-22, 1-11 NSC Lake
2013 playoffs: Lost in Class 4A regional semifinal to Rolling Meadows
Head coach: Kyle Wilhelm, third season
Projected starting five: so. G Laurel Tesar, fr. G Delaney Williams, sr. F Annie Keller, jr. F Grace Torkelson, sr. C Kate Arnson.
Game to Watch: Vernon Hills at Lake Forest, 7 p.m. Jan. 8. The Scouts host the Class 3A runner-up in an NSC crossover matchup.
