Boys Basketball: Lake Zurich’s second season starts against Barrington
BY TIM FROEHLIG Contributor February 17, 2012 11:32PM
Ryan Roach (No. 44) of the Bears looks for an opening against a couple of Lake Forest defenders in Friday's game. | Ruthie Hauge ~ Sun-Times Media
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Updated: March 24, 2012 8:14AM
For Lake Zurich, the 2011-12 boys basketball season has been one to remember.
The Bears were set to wrap up their regular-season schedule against Vernon Hills on Tuesday, and as LZ heads to the playoffs, there are a number of things that will be key if it hopes to make a run.
One of those keys will be the play of 6-foot-2 senior forward Doug Murphy, who constantly finds himself playing against other teams’ taller and bigger players in the paint. Murphy has been able to hold his own recently against the likes of NCAA Division I recruits like Warren’s Nathan Boothe, and he was strong earlier in the year against Stevenson’s Colby Cashaw and others.
Murphy will need to be at his best in the playoffs. But what’s been his secret to success?
“Doug’s one of our hardest working players, and he brings a toughness to the team that’s really helped us, especially defensively,” said Lake Zurich coach Billy Pitcher.
Murphy also holds the school record for the most charges drawn, with 36.
“When I was younger, my AAU coach was always telling me to try and draw charging fouls,” Murphy said. “I guess that’s where I first picked it up from.”
Lake Zurich is the No. 11 seed in the IHSA Class 4A Barrington Sectional, and will face Barrington — a No. 5 seed — in the semifinals of the Zion-Benton Regional at 8:10 p.m. Feb. 28.
The Bears beat Barrington 55-51 in overtime on Dec. 23. The next meeting may be more difficult, especially since the game is on the Broncos’ home court. Plus, both teams were missing key players the first time around.
Numbers game: Senior guard J.D. Parcheta also has been a key part of the LZ’s success.
In addition to being Lake Zurich’s top free-throw shooter (74 percent), Parcheta boasts a team-best 31-inch vertical jump. Not bad for someone who’s listed at just 5-foot-11.
“Growing up, I did a lot of (exercises called) jumping shoes,” Parcheta said. “A lot of it’s just hard work, and putting time into getting stronger. But I also think some of it might be genetics, too.”
Despite his height, Parcheta has also played all five positions at one point or another this season, providing flexibility on the court most coaches would love to have.
“I think shooting guard is probably where I’m most comfortable,” Parcheta said. “But I also like rebounding and being able to play physical inside.”
Pitcher perfect: Whether he agrees it or not, one of the biggest reasons for the Bears’ turnaround this season has been the guidance provided by Pitcher and his coaching staff.
Two seasons ago, before he took over, the Bears won just three games. In his first season, they finished with a 7-20 overall record. This season, LZ is guaranteed to at least double that total.
Lake Zurich had 14 wins, which included victories over Stevenson, Libertyville (where Pitcher was previously an assistant coach) — and three wins over Zion-Benton. Not bad, considering the North Suburban Conference’s Lake Division is among the state’s best.
That mark includes a 4-1 record in overtime games. Last season, the Bears lost seven games by a combined total of just 21 points.
Call for help: Pitcher made it clear that he thinks the team needs additional scoring help in the playoffs, if LZ hopes to win. That’s especially true, as Mirko Grcic — who leads the team with just under 18 points per game and scored a game-high 12 against Lake Forest — is being keyed on so heavily each night.
“If we want to be successful, we’re gonna have to get more balanced scoring out there,” Pitcher said. “We need some other guys to step up and try to create a little bit more when they have the ball. I also think we have to keep being aggressive and attack the basket as much as possible.”
That aggressiveness was the only reason the Bears were able to stay close in a 40-34 loss to Lake Forest in LZ’s regular-season home finale on Friday, as they went over 10 minutes without a field goal. Lake Zurich was in the bonus the entire fourth quarter, and double-bonus for nearly the final six minutes, because they kept attacking the hoop.
But win or lose, Pitcher said he couldn’t be more proud of the effort his players have given him.
“I’m really lucky,” Pitcher said. “They’re such a great group of kids. They lay it all on the line.”
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