High School Deep Dive: Lake View Wildcats

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023-2024 season was a milestone for the Lake View Wildcats, finishing with a stellar 21-9 record—the second most wins in the program's history. With only two seniors graduating, the Wildcats return a strong core of players, eager to build on last year's success. Although their playoff run ended with a tough loss to Ridgewood, preventing them from securing their first-ever Regional Championship, the team is more determined than ever. As they gear up for the 2024-2025 season, the Wildcats are focused on making a deeper playoff push.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head Coach Todd Patterson is highly optimistic about their chances, especially with a more challenging schedule designed to prepare the team for postseason competition. He has set his sights on winning the White North Conference. In this series, we'll explore key returning players, those poised for breakout seasons, and must-watch matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we shine the spotlight on the Lake View Wildcats!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Instant Highlights </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>21-9 record last season</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>3rd place finish in CP-White North Conference (7-2)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Made it to 3rd round in 3A Playoffs </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Returners</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1598681"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ea7e7c640aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top distance shooters in the state, Loza returns as a senior leader for the Wildcats, ready to make an even bigger impact. Last season, he ranked as the #3 three-point shooter in the Chicago Public League, and he's poised to be even more lethal from beyond the arc this year. However, defenders can't afford to focus solely on his outside shooting—Loza is a versatile scorer who can hit from all three levels. With his scoring ability, he's also on track to break the coveted 1,000-point milestone this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Frank Fregoso","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lake View ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ea7e7c6415e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last season, Fregoso led the state in steals with an impressive 168. As he faces tougher competition this year, he's focused on transferring his standout defensive skills to the next level. Known for his pressure on ball-handlers and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, Fregoso consistently makes his mark on the defensive end. Offensively, he's a pass-first player, prioritizing involving his teammates while taking on a secondary scoring role, further showcasing his unselfish approach to the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players Looking To Make An Impact</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A handful of 2026 prospects are poised to make an impact this season. <strong>Javaris Allen</strong>, a 5'9" guard, brings agility and quickness to the perimeter. His ability to break down defenses off the dribble and create scoring opportunities will be crucial in stretching opposing defenses. <strong>Anthony Williams</strong>, a 6'1" shooting guard, complements this with his scoring ability from beyond the arc and his knack for driving to the rim offer versatility. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the frontcourt, <strong>Scottie Hightower</strong> at 6'1" and <strong>Dyami Rolon</strong> at 6'3" offer interior scoring and physicality on the boards. Hightower's hustle and grit around the rim will give the team second-chance opportunities, while Rolon's size and length give him an advantage in rebounding battles. Both players will need to develop more consistency in their offensive repertoire but are positioned well to provide solid contributions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Must-See Matchups</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>@ St. Viator (December 7)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>@ Niles Notre Dame (January 11)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>@ St. Patrick (January 25)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>@ Loyola Academy (February 17)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->