By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Cody Calhoun

7th year

46-89 career record

THE TEAM

League: Suburban League American Conference.

Coaching Staff: Austin Nupp, Tim Keyes, Adam Whitcare.

2023-24 Record: 12-11 overall, 6-8 Suburban League.

Returning Lettermen (6): Brock Habbyshaw, sr.; Zach Pannetti, sr.; Ben Lukasik, sr.; Josh Harrell, jr.; Johnny Trivisonno, jr.

Lettermen Lost (2): Cooper Carnahan, Logan Thomas.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Aurora’s offensive approach will change this season. After playing through Cooper Carnahan in the post a year ago, this year’s team will have the ability to spread the ball out on the perimeter, while trying to play at a faster pace.

“We will likely still start four guards and one post player,” Calhoun said. “We could have a different leading scorer every game.”

According to Calhoun, the team’s goal will be to use their speed at the guard position to attack teams that are often going to be bigger in size.

“We feel we have more depth than last season and want to use that to our advantage. We also need our post guys to step up as a group.”

GUARDS

Three All-Suburban League performers return to the backcourt.

Habbyshaw (7 ppg, 3 apg) and Pannetti (9.8 ppg, 2.5 apg) earned Second Team honors last year, while Lukasik (6.3 ppg), who is an elite defender, was an Honorable Mention selection.

Meanwhile, Harrell averaged 8 points per game as a sophomore a year ago and Calhoun said he “looks for him to take a big step forward this year.”

Trivisonno is the team’s best athlete and best defender.

“He worked very hard on his offensive game in the off-season and improved his jump shot.”

Max Anzells and Luke Hilditch bring depth.

“Max’s confidence continues to grow. He can help handle the ball and shoot it from the perimeter. Luke, last year as a freshman, was on the verge of cracking the varsity rotation toward the end of December before a wrist injury sidelined him. He is one of the most skilled offensive players in our program.”

FORWARDS

Luke Bonnette was the first post player off the bench last year and his role continued to expand throughout the 2023-24 season.

“He is our most physical player and is a good rebounder.”

Ryan Dwyer, who has missed the previous two seasons recovering from shoulder injuries, returns for his senior season.

“He brings versatility, because he can handle the ball, shoot from the perimeter, rebound and guard multiple positions.”

Joe Janzig, a 6-foot-5 senior, provides depth and length, while Gui Goedert is described by Calhoun as a “very skilled sophomore post player who can play inside or on the perimeter.”

Nate Davis, a junior, is a good catch-and-shoot option and will push for varsity minutes.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Luke Hilditch, soph.; Gui Goedert, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Similar to last season, we will likely be smaller than the other team often. We often play four guys under 6-foot. We have to be willing to play bigger than our size and rebound over bigger players.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“The Suburban League’s American Conference should be very competitive this year, where anyone can beat anyone on a given night if you don’t come ready to play.”