A group of talented freshmen and sophomores are posting big numbers and attracting fans and college coaches to the Mid-Suburban League, a conference that has struggled to remain relevant in the area’s basketball scene over the past decade.
Two of those young stars, Rolling Meadows sophomore Max Christie and Buffalo Grove freshman Kam Craft, squared off on Friday. Both had big games, but junior Nate Cole and senior Tom Trieb tipped things the Bisons’ way in a 67-54 road win.
Christie had 30 points and 10 rebounds. He was a freshman sensation last season and wowed recruiting analysts over the summer. He’s now considered the state’s top prospect.
“Our whole game plan was to force him into tough shots,” Trieb said. “Obviously he broke lose on a couple, he’s one of the best in the nation in his class.”
Craft finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds. He’s been posting huge scoring numbers early in the season. He scored 31 in his varsity debut.
“I don’t think anyone was expecting a freshman to come in and put up these numbers,” Cole said. “We knew he could shoot. He is pretty calm and collected. He’s a lot like Christie. When he’s on he’s really on, it is something to see.”
Buffalo Grove (4-3, 2-0 MSL East) led by 13 after three quarters. The Mustangs (4-3, 1-1) cut the lead to four midway through the fourth quarter on a 16-2 run in which Christie scored nine.
Cole scored three buckets in a row to end the threat.
“Nate was in the right spot and made some big shots,” Bison coach Keith Peterson said. “Nate has worked hard to be aggressive around the rim. Last year he was just a three-point shooter. Now he’s taking the ball hard to the rim.”
Cole scored 20 points and grabbed six rebounds. Trieb added 13 points and 13 rebounds.
“This was a really key win for us, our biggest game of the year to this point,” Cole said. “Being able to pick up this road win showed us we can try and win the conference.”
Cole and Trieb said they’ve known Craft since he was in seventh grade, but it is always unexpected when a freshman emerges as such a confident, smooth varsity player.
“Early in the season I’ve been learning the system and getting along with the guys,” Craft said. “I’ve stayed under control pretty well.”
Chris Hodges, a sophomore at Schaumburg, is another burgeoning star in the MSL. There are also some talented underclassmen at Barrington.
“The MSL is on the rise right now,” Craft said. “We have a lot of good freshmen and sophomores it should be good the next couple years.”
Veterans like Trieb, a football player committed to NIU, are enjoying the glimpse into big-time basketball.
“It’s really nice to be able to play with major recruits like that,” Trieb said. “It’s fun to compete against these guys and see what D1 talent is like.”
