Prairie Ridge Hoops to Stress Defense First

On the basketball courts at , boys head coach Corky Card is used to waiting.

And he'll have to wait for those football players to finish their season so they can put on a basketball outfit. And by now he knows the likes of Luke Lamar, Nick Margiatta and Sean Valentine will be too busy to try on their gym shoes.

"They won't be ready for a month,'' Card said. "And those three could be starters.''

This doesn't mean Card won't root for the Wolves football team when they play Rockford Boylan in the Class 6A IHSA semifinals this Saturday. Instead, he will try and get his remaining players to look inside to the tall guys named James Stawarz (6-foot-8) and Shane Cuillian (6-5).

"James had  a good summer,'' Card said. "He's always been a good shooter. He can also score on the drive.''

In Cuillian, the Wolves have an athlete who can run all night.

Of course Prairie Ridge needs some ballhandlers. Card is confident Mac Curtis can bring the ball down.

"He's very quick and athletic,'' he said.

Card has been impressed with the work ethic of junior Connor Perry.

"He's the hardest-working kid I've had here in 10 years,'' Card said. "He never takes anything off. He's also quick and athletic.''

Card's early season plan is to have his team play aggressive defense.

"We will have to score off of our defense,'' he said.

A year ago, the Wolves (12-16) reached the regional title game against Marian Central. Card won't soon forget that clash. His team's season ended with an overtime loss.

"We had 48 fouls,'' he said. "By the time it went to overtime, I had four starters gone."

The Fox Valley Conference should have a good race for the title. Card expects Crystal Lake Central to be the early season favorite.

The new season kicks off at the Crystal Lake Central Tournament. The Wolves will be at home on Nov. 22 to open the tourney. The guest will be Belvidere North.