Hard Work Region Preview: 815 Future
Although it is still in the middle of the high school basketball season in Illinois we are already looking ahead to the travel team circuit this spring. We will be previewing the teams participating in the PrepHoops Circuit Hard Work Region over the next few months.
Below is our chat with Jeff Croegaert of 815 Future previewing this upcoming season!
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
I started with this group of boys when they were in 4th Grade. I started the team after having my son play in a different AAU program and I decided after that first season to start my own team and develop the team together as they got older.
What is the goal of your program for 2019?
Our goal for 2019 is to increase the competition level for our team. Also the team is now of the age to get exposure for some of my players. I have 3 very strong players with potential to be big time players as they mature. I also have several kids on the team who will develop into college players at various levels.
What is your program’s mission each year?
Individual player development has always been my focus when coaching club basketball teams. Our mission is to provide training and game situations that will assist each player to reach their maximum potential. Another part of my mission is to coach TEAM focused basketball.
I strongly believe that each player on the team is talented enough to be the leading scorer, rebounder, or assist leader in any given game. WE play team basketball. Pressure man defense, motion offense, I am not a big believer in zone defense or in running full court presses on teams.
My team has developed into a very strong A level team over the past 4 years. Our mission this year is to get the team to play at the upper level tournaments over the next few years.
Do you know of any players that will be back in your program this year? Who should we have our eye on?
I have 3 players who are very long and athletic. Each boy is 6 foot 2 or taller. Elijah Richmond is a very athletic wing player. Handles the ball like a guard.
Ray Maurchie is another player to keep and eye on. He is more of a 4 or 5 but he has worked so hard on his game over the past 2 years he now brings the ball up the floor for us when we are being pressed. Shoots the 3 and is very solid on defense.
Mike Jones is a 6 foot 3 center. He plays primarily down in the paint. Mike is only 13 years old and I am projecting him to be well over 6 foot 6 by the time he reaches high school.
I have a point guard, Brennan Horton-Lee who is very strong with the basketball and an excellent shooter.
Jordan Croegaert is a left handed shooter and very good passer.
Korbin Gann is a wing player who also has grown over the past year and is now 6 foot 1. He has really improved over the past year.
Why did you choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
I heard of your circuit from a coach with the Chicago Meanstreets program. He highly recommends your circuit. We are very excited to be a part of the circuit.