Naperville North sophomore Bryce Welch enjoys being in familiar surroundings.
Playing with Luke Williams and Cole Arl ultimately solves a bunch of problems. The three close friends have been virtually inseparable since the third grade.
“Playing with them and knowing them for so long, everything is second nature,” Welch said. “I know where everyone is going to be on the floor at all times.
“I don’t even have to think about it. I already know what they’re thinking. It makes the game super easy on me.”
Arl is more of a traditional point guard for Naperville North (12-13, 3-4), which plays host at 7 p.m. Friday to DuPage Valley Conference leader Naperville Central (17-6, 5-2).
Williams is at his best as a cutter and scorer off the ball. The ease and camaraderie with close friends opens up the possibilities for Welch.
“We have all played together for so long, we have great chemistry,” Arl said. “We know how to play to each other’s strengths.”
The three played together at Washington Junior High and were part of the same travel programs.
“They’re super smart players and we have played together for a super long time,” Welch said. “It keeps everything stress-free and lets us go out there and perform at a high level.
“We know what we’re going to get out of each other.”
Williams has the extra year of experience, having played last season on the varsity as a freshman.
“I like to tell Cole and Bryce this is what I saw last year, so maybe do this a little better or be more patient in this way,” Williams said. “We have always hung out together, so we have always had that chemistry.”
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A 5-foot-10 combo guard, Welch shows quickness off the dribble and the ability to create his own shot. His signature move is getting to the lane for a floater.
Welch also displays an intuitive ability to find his spots on the floor as a 3-point outlet.
“I like to play fast and I like to get my teammates involved,” he said. “The team is at our best when we defend and get out in transition and run.
“Everyone’s getting touches with the ball. It’s the most fun way to play.”
Welch has been thrust into multiple roles and opportunities in his first season on the varsity.
He has been an offensive spark off the bench. Other times, he has been inserted into the starting lineup. His long arms make him a disruptive figure on defense.
“Coming off the bench or starting doesn’t really matter to me,” he said. “I am always going to play the same. I am willing to do whatever my coaches ask or whatever the team needs me to do.”
Zeke Williams, Luke’s older brother, is the Huskies’ stabilizing force. As a four-year starter, he is the central force the rest of the team orbits.
“Being a guy who’s been here four years and played with a lot of different teams, I know what people’s roles are,” Zeke said. “Bryce is really growing into his role and learning how to play with the rest of our team.”
Welch also isn’t the same player he was at the start of the season.
Feeding off the tutelage of Zeke Williams and the natural flow with Luke Williams and Arl, Welch feels empowered on the floor.
“I think the biggest adjustment I had to make was to pace and speed of the game,” Welch said. “Now, I think I have definitely settled in and made the adjustments. I am playing more freely.
“When you feel that trust around, it definitely makes the game a whole lot better.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.