Trio of ‘super subs’ always at ready for boys hoops
HUNTLEY — Huntley’s contender status in the Fox Valley Conference boys basketball race is due to starters introduced to the crowd before each game.
But the 16-9 HHS season (8-4 FVC) has also been made possible by a senior trio many may not notice.
The trio of Carter Schapp, Matt Krueger and Jacob Pociecha’s efforts have impressed head coach Colin Kalamatas and their teammates.
“Krueger, Schapp and Pociecha are incredible,” Kalamatas said. “This year, we adopted the name ‘the darkside’ for our reserves. During practice, they play the role of our upcoming opponents. We went with the ‘darkside’ because we wanted them to embrace their role and have some fun with it. So far, it’s been awesome for our guys. They have really taken their role to heart.”
Krueger, Schapp and Pochecha are leaders of the moniker.
“Pociecha is more vocal, while Schapp and Krueger lead by example. Their selfishness and ability to put the team’s needs before their own is something our coaches really admire about those three,” the coach said.
Schapp said Crystal Lake South, who leads the FVC at 12-0, is the toughest to emulate. He is coming off one of his top games in terms of playing time and scoring five points.
“The coaches told me I would get some time in the first half, so I was prepared,” Schapp said.
All three said they have had fun playing hoops over the years. They have their favorite NBA players they follow. But they also know their time on the court is short this senior year. Senior night is fast approaching for the huge nine-member Class of 2024, on Feb. 6 against league leading Crystal Lake South. Regular starters Omare Segara, Bryce Walker, Lucas Crosby, Jeff Cruickshank, Ethan Blackmore and Ryan Sweeney will also be honored.
Schapp ran track and field earlier and Pociecha played football.
“I started as a guard in eighth grade at Marlowe (Middle School),” Krueger said. “We have nice traditions, (at HHS) like a handshake line at practice.”
“I hope our younger guys see that and appreciate those seniors for what they do,” Kalamatas said.
Cruickshank’s slam
Another member of the Class of 2024, Jeff Cruickshank, gave a small crowd at Crystal Lake Central a thrill early in the fourth quarter of a 63-40 Huntley win Jan. 30. He took a pass after a steal by senior Omare Segarra (whose steal led to a game-winner he made against Jacobs the game before), and put home a thunderous slam dunk.
“With Cruickshank’s ability to jump, I thought he had initially he had a chance to throw it down. As the play was developing you could sense he was going to do something special,” Kalamatas said. “He dunks quite a bit in practice, but this was his first in-game dunk. Our guys were really excited and it helped spark us to finish the game on a high note – a very exciting play.”
Kalamatas praised Cruickshank’s play this season. He had transferred from Hampshire this past summer.
“Jeff has been a great addition to our group this year,” the coach said. “We didn’t see him play until this fall at open gyms, but he was a welcome addition to this group. He gets along great with the guys, has a high basketball IQ, and overall is just a great kid.”
