By Dennis Bowling

Illinois Lutheran Boys Coach Nathan Hinz has a very close-knit team, so look for the Chargers to have a great season this year.

“They all get along really well and play well together, too” he said. “It will be an interesting season.” (They were 8-20 last year.)

Hinz will be counting on seniors Camden Matthias, a 6’-5” forward, Xavier Ojeda, a 5’-9” guard, and sophomore Kobe Johnson, a 6’-2” guard.

“Camden provides solid leadership on the floor,” said Hinz. “He plays with confidence, plus he can make the right decision with the ball.”

“Xavier’s leadership and ball handling have really improved, and he can score, too. He is a good player, who’ll provide leadership for us.”

“No one can out work Kobe,” he continued. “He plays the game with boundless energy, and his scoring ability has improved. He has strong leadership skills, and his teammates listen to him.”

Matthias gave his general overview about the upcoming season, by saying, “We have a young core group of players. We also have a lot of three-point shooters. Play making is my forte. We, hopefully, should do better than last year. We also had a good junior varsity team. That should help us to do well.”

Ojeda pointed out the strong points of his game, including good defense, by saying, “I enjoy getting my teammates involved in the game. Camden has good fundamentals and is a good play maker, too. He is strong around the basket.”

“We’re playing as a team and have everyone involved in the game,” he continued. “We should have a good season, as we’ve been working hard in the off season.”

The Chargers will open their season playing at Kankakee Trinity on November 21, at 7 p.m.