A year ago, Waubonsie Valley’s Chris Karkazis played alongside his brother, Nick.
He also found himself as the only junior in the starting lineup, playing with seniors Jack Cordes, Jay DeHaan and Matt Gialamas and helping make first-year coach Chaz Taft’s debut season for the Warriors a successful one.
Now, it’s like he’s starting all over in Aurora, while Nick is enjoying college life at Kentucky.
“Honestly, my brother has already given me some tips since I’m taking over the point spot for us,” Karkazis said. “Playing alongside him was great, but I feel like I’m as close to Nick as I now am to (seniors) Logan (Yanisch) and Chris (McGough).
“They may not have played in all the games, but they were at all the practices putting in all the work and team chemistry is everything this year.”
Sophomores Brian Phillips and Scottie Wells and junior Jack Connolly are the team’s most promising newcomers and they’ll be asked to contribute immediately.
“I think these sophomores are going to be phenomenal in the future,” Karkazis said. “And these guys listen to me and the other seniors, and the three of us are a mirror of (Coach) Taft. Whatever he’s saying we’re spitting out on the court to them.”
Taft doesn’t know how the season will unfold, but he knows he’s got a young and hungry group of kids who will battle.
“They just play so hard,” he said. “They sky’s the limit. They’re so eager to learn so I’m not worried about their age or anything, but it’s whether they can handle the long grind over five months.”
The entire roster will have roles, some larger than others. Taft expects each of his kids to star in those spots.
“I want them all to be stars doing exactly what they’re supposed to do without trying to do anything else,” he said. “It’s not about averaging points and all that stuff, but buying into the team concept, and if you don’t want to do your role, then the philosophy isn’t for you.”
More Top Picks Best Digital Alarm Clocks With Dimmable Display
The Warriors will have to defend and rebound well as they try to find new scorers.
“We’ve got to emphasize defense, and not just be worried about your man, but the man next to you,” Karkazis said. “I think everyone is scratching us off, but I think if we play defense we can be a heck of a team.”
Waubonsie opens up during the Thanksgiving week in Palatine’s Ed Molitor Tournament.
In addition to the rugged schedule of the Upstate Eight Valley, the Warriors will play in York’s Jack Tosh Tournament as well as participate in East Aurora’s Ernie Kivisto Hoopfest.