Top20 continued Scott Wilkes. They may lack one big man from becoming a super club, but with speed, quickness and outstanding shooting ability, plus almost a dozen players up from a 20-4 JV club, it looks like Deland Senior is the cream of the Florida Crop. They have had only three losing seasons in the past 16 years, and are considered one of the finest high school basketball schools in this part of the country. They may be stronger than ever in 1976-77.
15. Buffalo Grove ILLINOIS "If we have a weakness, it may be a lack of quickness," warns Paul Grady at Buffalo Grove, Illinois. If that indeed becomes a weakness, it looks like the only one they have. Experience, offensive scoring power at all positions, depth (8 lettermen from a 21-5 team and a junior varsity which finished 14-0) and rebounding make Buffalo Grove one of the strongest teams in all of Illinois. Three years ago the school opened its doors to only three classes (frosh through juniors) and was asked to compete at the varsity level. Starting one junior, two sophomores and two freshmen, Coach Grady's young crew compiled a 3-19 record. Those two freshmen are now seniors and have helped to make Buffalo Grove a powerhouse in a state of powerhouses. Two young men in their fourth year of varsity experience are Brian Allsmiller, a 6-8 forward who has scored 1506 points in his varsity career and is rated as one of the top players in the state and Mike Ledna, a 5-10 all-conference playmaker, the team's floor general and one of the top guards in the circuit. Six other lettermen return from last year's Mid-Suburban League and state regional championship team: 6-5 senior Fred Heesch, 6-5 senior Phil Czosnyka, 6-0 senior Scott Groot, 6-2 senior Wayne Eischen, 6-4 junior Mike Marshall and 6-3 junior Fred Kruse. In addition to these eight returning lettermen, the Bison will have added depth from an unbeaten JV squad, including 6-3 Mike Valentine, 6-2 Brian Monson and 6-0 Greg Snelton. "We're also fortunate to have a 6-8 sophomore move in from Ohio, Chris Molerau, who figures to play a prominent role on this year's varsity," adds Grady. "We hope to achieve many goals that were
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PREP I DECEMBER-JANUARY 1977
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