More Top Picks 3d Printer
player ready...Ridgewood senior Kevin Czyzewski has been asked to take on a larger leadership role this season. It’s a common request of basketball seniors, but for Czyzewski, some leadership tasks are easier than others.
A 6-foot-6 forward, Czyzewski presents matchup problems for any opponent. He’s a versatile player who has a strong perimeter game as well as physical skills for playing in the paint.
“Kevin is our main scorer, our main piece of the puzzle,” senior guard Daniel Shabat said. “Whenever he touches the ball, our offense works better.”
One area of focus for Czyzewski is using his left hand. A right-handed player, Czyzewski creates more space to make plays when he’s able to go to his left.
Czyzewski is comfortable leading by scoring points, rebounding and blocking shots. But Ridgewood coach Chris Mroz said he is also asking Czyzewski to be more vocal with his teammates this season.
“He’s very quiet,” Mroz said.
“Coaches tell me a lot to speak up,” Czyzewski added. “I’m trying, but it takes time.”
Czyzewski said he prefers to lead by example, but he understands the vocal component to leadership.
Ridgewood defeated Waukegan 51-44 on Friday at the Wheeling Hardwood Classic. It was an important victory for the Rebels, as they blew a six-point fourth-quarter lead in a 72-64 loss to Wheeling on Thursday.
A four-point halftime lead Friday against the Bulldogs swelled to eight points in the third quarter as Czyzewski took over at both ends of the floor. He scored 10 of the Rebels’ 11 points in the quarter and finished the game with 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting. He also had 10 rebounds and four steals.
“We had a tough time (earlier in the game) getting him the basketball,” Mroz said. “But he continued to play hard and led us to the win.”
Czyzewski does not play AAU basketball in the spring and summer. His basketball development is primarily self-driven.
He first played basketball in alleys near his childhood home in Chicago. He had a basket on his own driveway when his family moved to Norridge, and he often practiced there on his own.
A physical education teacher at Giles Elementary School recommended that Czyzewski join the Rebels feeder program.
“I tried out in fifth grade. Even since then, I’ve played for Ridgewood,” he said.
Improved guard play will likely determine how far Ridgewood (4-8 as of Saturday) can climb in the Metro Suburban Conference standings.
The Rebels have plenty of versatility this season. Shabat is a 5-11 guard who is back with the Rebels after a one-year absence. Junior guard Jaden Williams can handle the basketball and beat defenders off the dribble. Senior guard John Duszynski is a perimeter player with a 6-3 frame.
“Williams has been getting (more playing time) and is giving us a lift,” Mroz said. “With Danny, we’re trying to put a year and a half of basketball into a few months. He is doing a good job.”
Even with improved guard play, the Rebels will rely heavily on Czyzewski this season. He’s comfortable being asked to do more, quietly and effectively.
“We want to have fun and work through these games,” Czyzewski said. “We have a tough schedule, but we just have to push through it and get the work done. Every game makes us better.”
More Top Picks Best Page Magnifiers For Seniors
Jon J. Kerr is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press
Twitter @Pioneer_Press