A high-profile team in the middle of a high-profile season can sometimes prove disastrous if the chemistry is off.
Stevenson boys basketball coach Pat Ambrose knows exactly where to look to put this year’s season into perspective. It’s just a short walk down the bench.
The headlines this year have justifiably tended to focus on familiar names such as Jalen Brunson, Connor Cashaw and Matt Johnson. Ambrose is eager to point out seniors Jordan Hodes and Josh McMullen as important cogs in what is looking like a historic season in Lincolnshire.
“Those two guys in particular don’t play a lot, but they’re tremendous kids,” Ambrose said. “We wanted them to be a part of this team, not just because they’re talented, but because they’re selfless, wonderful, hard-working, terrific individuals. It takes a lot of different mixtures to make a team work. And sometimes it’s not just about who can give you the spark of the bench. Sometimes it’s about the guys who keep the team together.”
Ambrose believes the proof is in the results. As the Patriots headed to the Class 4A state semifinals last year, any drama that was associated with the deep run was tempered by a mixture of talent and character on a bench that helped smooth any potential bumps in the road.
“And the players on the floor recognize that,” Ambrose said. “You’ve got to remember, this is a high school team with high school kids with worries like anyone else. They’re worried about grades, about who’s dating who. Even though this is a high-profile, high-pressure season, the bench guys help everyone recognize that sometimes it’s OK to sit and laugh and talk about day-to-day things.”
Two other players, Eastern Michigan-bound football player Nick Dillon and Northwestern football recruit Cameron Green have had injuries slow or halt their senior basketball seasons. They’ve also taken it upon themselves to ensure a mix of talent and character results in a smooth ride to the postseason. And both can speak from experience, having just finished an undefeated run to Stevenson’s first state football championship.
“Those two have been great, full of energy and support,” Ambrose said. “Those two might not play for us the rest of the year. But that also might be the case when they go to college next year. Their time now will help them when they serve their apprenticeships then.”
Others on the bench, including juniors Kevin Yang, Radek Gralak, Ben Rodheim, Jordan Newman and Ryuji Aoki, should work their way into the lineup next year. In the meantime, they’re learning patience and the importance of chemistry from a handful of seniors.
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“Even in a pressure season where there are a lot of people talking about you, it’s still meant to be looked at as a game you play with your friends and work toward a common goal that’s enjoyable,” Ambrose said. “What’s going on in English class or what dance is coming up is important, too.”