High School Deep Dive: Lane Tech Champions

<p>The 2024-2025 season marks Coach Nick LoGalbo's 20th year leading the Champions. After a successful campaign last winter, this year's team features a strong senior class along with underclassmen poised to make significant contributions. Coach LoGalbo believes this is his most talented roster yet, capable of reaching even greater heights. With multiple college prospects and a well-rounded lineup, the Champions will be tested early and often—starting with the Battle of the Bridge tournament, navigating a competitive Red Northwest conference, and facing some of the city's toughest programs. </p>   <p>Now let's dive deeper into the Champions and highlight the players who continue to be focal points, as well as those who have the opportunity to be difference-makers!</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Instant Highlights</h2>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>20-12 record last season</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>2nd place finish in CP-Red Northwest Conference (7-2)</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>2024-2025 team may be the best in Coach LoGalbo's tenure</li> </ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Returners</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">The recent UPenn commit will play a pivotal role this season, showcasing his senior leadership and versatile skillset. With him healthy and on the court, the team is more confident and well-rounded. Scantlebury handles the ball impressively for a big man and is highly effective from the post, both as a scorer and facilitator. He's a force on the boards, using his size and strength to dominate in the paint. His presence and high basketball IQ, especially in the screen game, are key assets that shouldn't be overlooked. As the main focus for opposing teams, it will be exciting to watch how Scantlebury caps off his high school career before stepping onto the D1 stage at UPenn.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">A high-energy wing who thrives on attacking the rim and making defensive plays. His hustle leads to deflections and steals, making him a disruptive force on the defensive end. With an impressive vertical, he's capable of delivering highlight-reel dunks, which adds an exciting dynamic to his offensive game. His combination of physical traits and developed skills positions him as a player who can compete at the next level.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">As a senior, he brings experience and leadership to a Lane Tech team with high aspirations this season. Recently received an offer from Illinois Wesleyan University. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">A highly skilled and lengthy power forward, Mazanowski is poised for a strong senior season. He excels as a finisher, both off the dribble and above the rim, giving him versatility in scoring around the basket. His quick release from three-point range makes him a threat off the catch, while his ability to hit mid-range shots adds another layer to his offensive game. Mazanowski's height and strength allow him to be effective in the post, providing multiple scoring options.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Defensively, his length is a valuable asset, helping him contest shots at the rim and alter opposing players' attempts. As a perfect complement to Scantlebury in the middle, Mazanowski adds both scoring and defensive balance to the frontcourt.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players Looking To Make An Impact</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">A lengthy wing, Pinto is set to provide a spark for the Champions this season. His versatility on offense allows him to attack aggressively off the dribble while posing a threat from the perimeter. With an impressive vertical, he's capable of energizing the team with explosive dunks. Pinto also excels at sharing the ball, making him a well-rounded offensive contributor.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Defensively, his length disrupts passing lanes and leads to steals, while his strong rebounding ability will help on the boards. Pinto is an under-the-radar prospect whose dynamic skillset should attract more attention.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Szafoni made a strong impression most recently at Illinois's The Expo, establishing himself as a key junior to watch this season. Adding even more height to a towering roster that includes Scantlebury and Mazanowski, Szafoni offers versatility as a well-rounded inside-outside player. He's capable of contributing in the post, making timely cuts, and stretching the floor with his shooting range out to the three-point line.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Defensively, his length plays a crucial role in securing rebounds, deflecting passes, and disrupting opponents' shots. Szafoni's ability to impact both ends of the floor makes him a vital part of his team's success and a player with significant upside moving forward.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">A quick and shifty guard, he will inject an up-tempo pace into the Champions' offense. He excels at attacking off the dribble, blowing by defenders and either finishing at the rim or drawing defensive attention. He also has the ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc, making him a well-rounded offensive threat.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">On defense, his quickness and tenacity allow him to generate steals and immediately push the ball in transition. As a senior, his experience and relentless hustle will be valuable assets to the team, helping to drive their success this season.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">As a senior shooting guard, Rosenkrantz brings a reliable outside shot that will be a key weapon for the Champions' offense. Known for his ability to heat up quickly, he can score in bunches from beyond the arc. In addition to his scoring, Rosenkrantz is an effective distributor, showing unselfishness in creating opportunities for his teammates.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Though he may fly under the radar, his shooting ability and playmaking skills should not be overlooked this season, making him a valuable asset for the team.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Must-See Matchups</h2>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>vs. DePaul Prep (November 27, Battle of the Bridge)</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>@ Curie (December 5)</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>vs. Kenwood (December 19)</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>vs. St. Ignatius (January 3)</li> </ul>

The 2024-2025 season marks Coach Nick LoGalbo's 20th year leading the Champions. After a successful campaign last winter, this year's team features a strong senior class along with underclassmen poised to make significant contributions. Coach LoGalbo believes this is his most talented roster yet, capable of reaching even greater heights. With multiple college prospects and a well-rounded lineup, the Champions will be tested early and often—starting with the Battle of the Bridge tournament, navigating a competitive Red Northwest conference, and facing some of the city's toughest programs.