Zach Hoffman showed his value to the Glenbrook North boys basketball team in last week’s Class 4A Evanston Regional semifinals.
The junior guard came off the bench and was the defensive spark the Spartans needed in their 47-28 loss to Maine South, according to Glenbrook North coach Dave Weber.
After allowing 20 points in the first quarter, Glenbrook North surrendered only five in the second and went into intermission trailing 25-14. Hoffman had two of his four steals in the second quarter.
“Zach got us going,” Weber said. “That’s the kind of player he’s been for us.”
The 6-foot Hoffman was a starter at the beginning of the season, but he missed most of January with sesamoiditis in his right foot. It’s an injury that affects the bones on the bottom of the foot behind the big toe and is common among active people.
His first game back was Feb. 6 against Niles North, but he said the March 2 playoff opener against Mather was the first time he felt comfortable on the court. Glenbrook North’s season ended the next day with the loss to Maine South.
“It took me awhile to get back into basketball shape,” he said. “I wish we could keep playing. I was just getting into it again.”
Weber said he expects Hoffman to be a major contributor next season, joining junior forward Michael Stachnik and sophomore guard James Karis as the core varsity veterans. With seniors Pat Hamilton and Jan Siegien having concluded their high school careers, Weber said he wants Hoffman to pick up his point production.
More Top Picks Ratings
“My offense comes from my energy, getting easy buckets,” said Hoffman, who had four points in the season-ending loss. “I don’t think we will have one primary scorer next season.”
But Hoffman first must stay healthy. Before hurting his foot during the winter, which he said might require a cast this spring, he sprained the ACL in his left knee last summer. He still wears a brace when he plays.
“My biggest thing is I need to get into the weight room and get stronger,” Hoffman said. “But I feel really good about next year. I have confidence that we will be able to compete.”
Twitter: @harnesspreps