Chesterton Trojans

Last year: 15-7, 9-5 DAC

Head Coach Tom Peller

"The key will be what our supporting cast can do. We need to develop some bench play. They're young and inexperienced."

Inside the Trojans

Leading returning scorer: Zack Novak, 18.5 ppg.

Leading returning rebounder: Novak, 7.5 rpg.

Star quality: Zack Novak, Sr., F. Novak will become the school's career scoring leader sometime around midseason. "You know the rule, give it to Zack and get out of the way," Peller said. "In my opinion, he's the best all-around player in Northwest Indiana. His outside shooting is so much more consistent. He's very, very good inside and he has a tremendous driving game. He's truly the complete package now."

He's got next: Alex Beierwalter, Sr., F. Known for his prolific passing on the football field, Beierwalter goes from spot player to starter for the Trojans. "He's just a good athlete," Peller said. "He'll play inside, but he can play the perimeter if we move Zack inside. He can board, set good screens and he'll score more than people think."

The Times' Breakdown

Novak can do it all, but the Trojans will be at their best if he doesn't have to. Jack Houpt developed into a solid post player last season and Jordan Lewis provides a veteran presence at the point. How well Tommy Peller can fill the void for sharpshooter Austin Bower (knee) will be crucial. Chesterton lacks experienced bench players, so foul trouble will be a problem for starters who will probably have to play a ton of minutes if the Trojans are going to be title contenders. -- Jim Peters

Probable starters

Name Ht. Yr. Pos.

Jordan Lewis 6-0 Sr. G

Tommy Peller 6-1 Jr. G

Jack Houpt 6-7 Sr. F/C

Zack Novak 6-5 Sr. F

Alex Beierwalter 6-3 Sr. F

In reserve

Name Ht. Yr. Pos.

Mitch McGary 6-7 Fr. C

George Sanidas 6-1 Jr. F/G

John Thanos 5-11 Jr. F/G

Assistant coaches: Bob Nemtuda, Mark Andersen, Paul Blosser.