Recruiting 2007 -- The Titan Class of 2011
Randy Reinhardt stories courtesy of the Bloomington Pantagraph
Student/Athlete Commitments to IWU:
Johnson, Sean (6-1 G, Washington)
Lawson, Duncan (6-8 F, Glenbard West)
O'Callaghan, Edmond (6-7 F/C, St. Patrick H.S., Chicago)
Rosenkranz, Travis (5-11 G, Macon Meridian)
Schouten, Dan (6-5 F, Downers Grove South)
Sexauer, Doug (6-7 C, Lockport)
Stamas, Chris (6-2 G, Glenbrook North)
Recruiting Archives:
Sean Johnson (6-1 G, Washington)
Titan Tidbits blog entry (4/10/07)
Pantagraph article:
Washington HS basketball player commits to IWU
By Randy Reinhardt
rreinhardt@pantagraph.com
April 11, 2007
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BLOOMINGTON - Sean Johnson, the No. 2 scorer on a Washington High School basketball team that spent much of the season state ranked in Class AA, has committed to play college basketball at Illinois Wesleyan.
A 6-foot-1 guard, Johnson averaged 18.3 points for a Panthers' team that also featured junior Division I prospect Matt Roth.
"Wesleyan is one of the best educational schools around, and that's really important to me," Johnson said. "Coach (Ron) Rose told me I would have a chance to play right away, and that really tempted me. I really liked the way coach Rose said I fit into their system."
Johnson is the first player in Rose's initial recruiting class. The Titans were 11-14 this past season and lose their No. 1 (Zach Freeman) and No. 3 (Andrew Freeman) scorer to graduation.
"We're excited to have Sean join the program. He comes from a great program so we know coming in he's well coached," Rose said. "This past season he proved he can do a lot of different things on the floor to help a team win."
A third team Illinois Basketball Coaches Association all-state selection and part of the Peoria Journal Star's Class AA all-area team, Johnson hit 75 3-pointers during his senior season and was a 45 percent shooter from 3-point range. He also averaged 3.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.0 steals.
"My junior year I was really just a strict spot shooter," Johnson said. "I worked hard in the offseason to gain foot speed and quickness, and I was able to get to the basket a lot more."
Playing his college basketball less than an hour from home was important to Johnson.
"My grandparents (Gerry and Roxan Johnson) have come to every one of my high school games home and away, and my parents (Kirk and Ruth) have been nothing but supportive in every thing I've done," he said. "My dad has coached me since I was a little kid. I can't imagine playing in a gym that they weren't there.
"My older brother (Andy) is a sophomore at U of I (Illinois), and he would like to see me play more, and my younger brother (Grant) is in seventh grade. So playing close to home is perfect for me."
Johnson, who scored 35 points (20 in the fourth quarter) in Washington's sectional loss to Peoria Richwoods, saw three IWU games last season at Shirk Center. He said the atmosphere was similar to the one he enjoyed at Washington.
"Going to Wesleyan, I'm going to play in front of the same type of crowds," he said. "It's a great environment. I knew this was the place I wanted to end up."
Rose considers Johnson a shooting guard at the college level.
"Probably the talent that stands out the most when you first watch Sean is his ability to shoot the basketball," said the IWU coach. "He's a two guard who handles the ball well enough he could play the point."
Rose is optimistic Johnson will be followed by several more recruits.
"Recruiting is going well," he said. "We've got some great relationships with some talented players. We're excited Sean is the first to commit. Hopefully, in the next couple weeks we'll add some very talented players to that list."
Washington coach Kevin Brown, whose team was 27-2 last season, believes Johnson has the talent and desire to succeed at Wesleyan.
"Sean was a great shooter as a junior. He turned himself into a complete player as a senior," said the former Central Catholic coach.
"He has an incredible work ethic. He will work until he's a top player in the program.
"He's a complete player offensively. He's very effective getting to the basket. As he gets stronger, he will continue to get better defensively. I definitely feel Sean can play at that level."
Duncan Lawson (6-8 F, Glenbard West)
Titan Tidbits blog entry (4/22/07)
Pantagraph article:
Rose, IWU net two big men
By Randy Reinhardt
rreinhardt@pantagraph.com
April 24, 2007
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BLOOMINGTON – Rebounding was an unquestioned strength of the Illinois Wesleyan basketball team last season. In order to sustain that success into next season despite the graduation of top rebounders Zach Freeman and Andrew Freeman, Titans’ coach Ron Rose desperately needed to add some height.
That process has begun with the commitments of 6-foot-7 Edmond O’Callaghan of Chicago St. Patrick High School and 6-8 Duncan Lawson of Glenbard West to attend Wesleyan.
The 205-pound O’Callaghan helped St. Patrick to a 20-6 record by averaging 10.1 points and 8.3 rebounds. Among his teammates was Bradley recruit Sam Maniscalco.
“I really loved the tradition there. Coach (Ron) Rose seems like a great coach to play for,” O’Callaghan said. “With the other kids coming in, I think we will be a really good class.”
“Edmond brings real toughness to our team,” said Rose. “He’s an athletic, big kid who also has the ability to pass and catch and step out on the floor a little bit as well. He’s going to give us a great presence inside immediately. He has great timing on both rebounding and blocking shots. He runs the floor exceptionally well for a big kid.”
O’Callaghan, who also considered Augustana and North Central, believes he can play either inside or outside at the college level and has a shooting range of about 15 feet.
“I’m interchangeable pretty much,” he said. “I can play in or out.”
Lawson averaged 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists for a Glenbard West team that had a 22-8 record and advanced to the super-sectional round.
“Pretty much everything fits with me (about Wesleyan),” Lawson said. “The way the team plays and the personality of the guys is perfect.”
The 220-pound Lawson played primarily on the perimeter for Glenbard West, shooting 40 percent from 3-point range and leading his team in assists.
“Duncan is really a unique talent in the fact he’s so versatile,” said Rose. “There were times he was the point guard on his high school team at 6-8. He can shoot the three and he can go inside. His best skills are his ability to see the floor and his passing ability. He’s so intriguing because there are not many 6-8 perimeter kids. That’s a difficult matchup for people in the CCIW.”
Lawson has experience bringing the ball up the floor against pressure.
“One of the assets I can bring to the team is my ability to play anything from two guard to four (power forward) or five (center),” he said. “I can bang with the big guys and run and shoot with the little guys.”
O’Callaghan and Lawson boost IWU’s recruiting class to five. They join guard-forward Matt Schick of Lincoln and guards Travis Rosenkranz of Macon Meridian and Sean Johnson of Washington.
“All five kids come from winning programs, and they are all very skilled players,” Rose said. “They are also very versatile players. I’m really excited about this class so far. I would certainly like to find another post player to bring in.”
Edmond O'Callaghan (6-7 F/C, St. Patrick H.S., Chicago)
Titan Tidbits blog entry (4/13/07)
Pantagraph article:
Rose, IWU net two big men
By Randy Reinhardt
rreinhardt@pantagraph.com
April 24, 2007
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BLOOMINGTON – Rebounding was an unquestioned strength of the Illinois Wesleyan basketball team last season. In order to sustain that success into next season despite the graduation of top rebounders Zach Freeman and Andrew Freeman, Titans’ coach Ron Rose desperately needed to add some height.
That process has begun with the commitments of 6-foot-7 Edmond O’Callaghan of Chicago St. Patrick High School and 6-8 Duncan Lawson of Glenbard West to attend Wesleyan.
The 205-pound O’Callaghan helped St. Patrick to a 20-6 record by averaging 10.1 points and 8.3 rebounds. Among his teammates was Bradley recruit Sam Maniscalco.
“I really loved the tradition there. Coach (Ron) Rose seems like a great coach to play for,” O’Callaghan said. “With the other kids coming in, I think we will be a really good class.”
“Edmond brings real toughness to our team,” said Rose. “He’s an athletic, big kid who also has the ability to pass and catch and step out on the floor a little bit as well. He’s going to give us a great presence inside immediately. He has great timing on both rebounding and blocking shots. He runs the floor exceptionally well for a big kid.”
O’Callaghan, who also considered Augustana and North Central, believes he can play either inside or outside at the college level and has a shooting range of about 15 feet.
“I’m interchangeable pretty much,” he said. “I can play in or out.”
Lawson averaged 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists for a Glenbard West team that had a 22-8 record and advanced to the super-sectional round.
“Pretty much everything fits with me (about Wesleyan),” Lawson said. “The way the team plays and the personality of the guys is perfect.”
The 220-pound Lawson played primarily on the perimeter for Glenbard West, shooting 40 percent from 3-point range and leading his team in assists.
“Duncan is really a unique talent in the fact he’s so versatile,” said Rose. “There were times he was the point guard on his high school team at 6-8. He can shoot the three and he can go inside. His best skills are his ability to see the floor and his passing ability. He’s so intriguing because there are not many 6-8 perimeter kids. That’s a difficult matchup for people in the CCIW.”
Lawson has experience bringing the ball up the floor against pressure.
“One of the assets I can bring to the team is my ability to play anything from two guard to four (power forward) or five (center),” he said. “I can bang with the big guys and run and shoot with the little guys.”
O’Callaghan and Lawson boost IWU’s recruiting class to five. They join guard-forward Matt Schick of Lincoln and guards Travis Rosenkranz of Macon Meridian and Sean Johnson of Washington.
“All five kids come from winning programs, and they are all very skilled players,” Rose said. “They are also very versatile players. I’m really excited about this class so far. I would certainly like to find another post player to bring in.”
Travis Rosenkranz (5-11 Point-guard, Macon Meridian)
Titan Tidbits blog entry (4/11/07)
Pantagraph article:
IWU lands Macon Meridian basketball star
By Randy Reinhardt
rreinhardt@pantagraph.com
April 12, 2007
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BLOOMINGTON -- Travis Rosenkranz already has had one spectacular game at Shirk Center.
After committing to play his college basketball at Illinois Wesleyan, the Macon Meridian High School guard hopes to have many more.
The 6-foot Rosenkranz scored 36 points — including a 3-pointer at the regulation buzzer to force overtime — in a 72-70 loss to Central Catholic in the Class A championship game of the State Farm Holiday Classic on Dec. 30.
“That night was packed, people standing around the railing,” Rosenkranz said. “The whole weekend playing in Shirk was great. I hope to have that feeling when I’m playing here.”
After witnessing the 36-point outburst, recruiting analyst Joe Henricksen of City/Suburban Hoops Report, called Rosenkranz “‘the most underrated player in Illinois. He can play at a low-Division I school.”
A second-team Associated Press Class A all-stater, Rosenkranz averaged 24.9 points, 5.8 assists and 4.4 steals as a senior.
He ended his prep career ranked fifth in state history in assists and sixth in steals.
“I consider myself a pure point guard, a pass-first guy who likes to get everyone involved,” he said. “I like being in control. I like having it on my shoulders. I had to boost my ability to score this year. We lost four starters from the year before, and my scoring production had to go up.”
Meridian coach Jack Blickensderfer believes Division I coaches missed out by not offering Rosenkranz a scholarship.
“That’s why those guys (change jobs) a lot,” Blickensderfer said. “He can score, but his strong point is he makes everyone around him a better player. He sees the court so well. He’s so intelligent as a basketball player. I think he’ll make a great player at Wesleyan.”
Rosenkranz, who shot 42 percent from 3-point range, 57 percent from the field and 84 percent at the free throw line, mentioned the “dedication of the coaching staff” in his recruitment as a big factor in picking IWU.
“I fell in love with the coaching staff. They made almost all my games,” he said. “They made me feel like I was their No. 1 priority.”
Wesleyan coach Ron Rose said NCAA rules prohibit him from commenting on recruits until “the admissions process is completed.”
Rosenkranz has been accepted at IWU, but his deposit has not been received by the school’s admissions office.
A triplet along with sister Trisha and brother Trent, Rosenkranz plans to major in pre-med. He also considered the University of Chicago.
“That was a huge part of it,” said Rosenkranz, whose parents are Roger and Pam. “They did a great job setting me up with pre-med advisors and finding the people I needed to talk to. I liked the overall feel of Wesleyan. I was really attracted to the people and the basketball environment.”
Rosenkranz joins Washington shooting guard Sean Johnson as the first two in Rose’s initial recruiting class.
“Sean and I hit if off right off the bat. In our first open gym, we were working well together,” he said. “I think in a couple of years hopefully we can make some noise. I’m not looking to come in and change the whole program around. I want to fill a role, and do what the coaches want me to do.”
Johnson is enthusiastic about the prospect of playing with Rosenkranz.
“We played open gym together. He put on quite a show,” Johnson said. “He’s a heck of an athlete and one of the quickest kids I’ve ever seen.”
Titan Tidbits blog entry (4/16/07)
Pantagraph article:
Lincoln's Schick says academics, basketball a 'good fit' at IWU
By Randy Reinhardt
rreinhardt@pantagraph.com
April 23, 2007
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BLOOMINGTON - It's hard to argue with the success Matt Schick helped make happen in four years on the Lincoln High School basketball team.
Illinois Wesleyan coach Ron Rose is pleased to be adding that background of success to his team.
Schick, a four-year starter at Lincoln who was part of two Class AA State Tournament teams, has decided to attend IWU and play for the Titans.
"It's just the best fit for me all around," Schick said Monday. "No. 1 is academics. You get a degree from there, you're going to be set. Coach Rose is real personable and easy to talk to.
"And the fan support of the basketball program is unparalleled at Division III, Division II and NAIA, which was pretty much what my options where."
Schick averaged 13.3 points and 4.7 rebounds as a senior. Lincoln set a school record for wins in a 33-3 season that ended with a state quarterfinal loss to Chicago Marshall.
The Railers also advanced to state in 2005 and boast a 109-26 record over the past four seasons.
"The thing that stands out about Matt most is he's a winner," Rose said. "He has a willingness to do whatever is asked of him to help a team win whether it's score, rebound or making the extra pass. He makes people around him better."
A Pantagraph All-Area selection, Schick also contributed 4.3 assists and 2.4 steals per game as a senior.
"With my passing, shooting and knowledge of the game, I think I can contribute," Schick said. "I've got to work on my strength. I'll be hitting the weight room this summer."
Schick is a childhood friend of IWU junior-to-be Andrew Gilmore, who lived in Lincoln before moving to Minnesota.
"He lived a block away from me," Schick said. "It will be nice. He was pushing me to go there."
Schick played both on the perimeter and on the inside for Lincoln.
"Coach Rose said he saw me as more of a three (small forward)," said Schick.
Schick continues a string of former Railers to play at Wesleyan that includes Adam Osborn, Jason Osborn, Mike Thomas, Jason Jones and Larry Lessen.
Prospect names Camardella
Former IWU standout John Camardella has been named head varsity basketball coach at Prospect High School in Mount Prospect.
Camardella played at Wesleyan from 1999 to 2003 and helped the Titans claim third place in the 2001 NCAA Division III Tournament.
Camardella has been a junior varsity and freshman coach at Prospect the past four seasons. He replaces Dominic Cannon, who was let go in early March after seven years as coach.
"I am prepared to use the lessons learned during my collegiate career, in addition to those here at Prospect, to build a program through personal commitment and professional integrity," Camardella said in a school news release.
Dan Schouten (6-5 F, Downers Grove South)
Titan Tidbits blog entry (5/2/07)
Pantagraph article:
Lincoln basketball star among those heading to IWU
By Randy Reinhardt
rreinhardt@pantagraph.com
May 4, 2007
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BLOOMINGTON -- Josh Sutton became accustomed to playing before a passionate fan base as a basketball player at Lincoln High School.
That’s part of the reason Sutton will continue his athletic and academic careers at Illinois Wesleyan.
“The fan support at Lincoln was incredible. The gym was packed every night, and we have people traveling to our away games,” Sutton said. “From what I hear, it’s the same way at Shirk Center. People come out and support the team. We all compete very hard at our sport. It’s great to have those accolades go along with it.”
The 6-foot-5, 200-pound Sutton joins Downers Grove South forward Dan Schouten and Glenbrook North guard Chris Stamas as recent additions to an impressive recruiting class still being assembled by IWU coach Ron Rose.
Sutton, along with fellow Wesleyan recruit Matt Schick, helped lead Lincoln to a 33-3 record and a Class AA State Tournament quarterfinal berth.
“It’s going to be great,” Sutton said of playing with Schick. “We’ve been talking about being able to play another four years together. We’re both really excited about it.”
Sutton was Lincoln’s top rebounder at 4.9 per game and was third in scoring at 8.4 behind Schick and Brandon Farmer.
“We went to watch Matt play and as the year evolved we noticed how much better Josh continued to get,” Rose said. “I think Josh has tremendous upside, and he’s got tremendous character. Without question, Josh’s best basketball days are ahead of him.”
Sutton shot 53 percent from the field and 75 percent at the free throw line. He was a 37 percent shooter from 3-point range, hitting 28 from beyond the arc.
“First and foremost was the academics. Everyone on campus told me books come first,” Sutton said. “And the way they handle basketball, they take it very seriously. They have that great competitiveness.”
“Josh is a versatile kid. He can play inside and he showed he can play outside and has the ability to hit the three,” said Rose. “He’s just starting to scratch the surface of his potential. He’s a 6-5 mismatch (for opponents) we’ll be able to take advantage of in our motion offense.”
The 6-5, 210-pound Schouten also will shoot the 3-pointer on occasion.
“I’ve been trying to develop that game for college. I figured I could be a threat anywhere on the court,” Schouten said. “I’ve always been the biggest guy on my team so I’ve grown up as a post player. I’m pretty experienced in the post.”
Schouten averaged 17.3 points and 7.5 rebounds for a 17-10 Downers Grove South team. He was named to the Arlington Heights Daily Herald all-area team.
“Dan can really shoot the ball and physically he’s put together. You can tell he’s spent time in the weight room,” said Rose. “He’s competed at a very high level. He’s played with the Chicago Wolves AAU program with a bunch of Division I players. He’s another very intelligent player who makes his teammates better.”
Schouten called IWU the “best overall fit between academics and basketball reputation” among several Division II and III schools that were recruiting him.
Schouten has played against fellow Titan recruit Duncan Lawson since fifth grade at different levels.
The 6-2 Stamas played with current Duke standout Jon Scheyer as a junior at Glenbrook North. When Scheyer left, Stamas became the Spartans’ top threat and averaged 17.4 points as his team finished 18-8.
“Being with Scheyer last year (and the resulting attention), I really liked how Wesleyan has a following. They really draw a lot of fans each game,” said Stamas. “It’s a big basketball town, and that really intrigued me. I visited Shirk and really loved it there. And the campus was awesome.”
Stamas also averaged three rebounds and was a 38 percent 3-point shooter as well as an 87 percent free throw shooter.
“The thing that really stands out about Chris is his ability to shoot the basketball. You can’t leave him open,” Rose said. “Having played alongside Jon Scheyer, you can tell his court savvy. He understands the game.”
Sutton, Schouten and Stamas join Schick, Macon Meridian guard Travis Rosenkranz, Washington guard Sean Johnson, Chicago St. Patrick forward Edmond O’Callaghan and Glenbard West forward Lawson in Rose’s recruiting class.
Doug Sexauer (6-7 C, Lockport)
Titan Tidbits blog entry (5/3/07)
Pantagraph article:
IWU basketball filling holes in program
By Randy Reinhardt
rreinhardt@pantagraph.com
May 10, 2007
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BLOOMINGTON — All of a sudden, the Illinois Wesleyan basketball team’s need for inside players isn’t nearly so glaring.
IWU coach Ron Rose continued to add to his team’s stock of post players with the recent addition of 6-foot-7 Doug Sexauer of Lockport High School to his recruiting class.
“Doug is a really crafty, skilled, versatile post player,” Rose said. “He has really good low post moves, and he also has the ability to step out and hit perimeter jump shots.”
The 210-pound Sexauer averaged 10.5 points and a team-high 5.8 rebounds for a Porters team that finished 22-8 and advanced to the Class AA State Tournament.
“I’ve practiced a lot in the post,” Sexauer said. “In college, I’ll be more shooting and dribbling and passing. But it’s good I can still do that (play inside).”
A third-team Illinois Basketball Coaches Association all-state selection, Sexauer shot 54.7 percent from the field and 69.4 percent at the free throw line as a senior.
“The academics (at Wesleyan) are really nice, and I really liked the coaching staff,” Sexauer said. “Their fan support is big. I really like the whole feel of everything.”
Sexauer joins 6-8 Duncan Lawson of Glenbard West and 6-7 Edmond O’Callaghan of Chicago St. Patrick as the tallest players in what currently stands as a 10-player recruiting class.
“All three are very versatile, skilled players,” Rose said. “They will really mesh well together.”
Chris Stamas (6-2 F, Glenbrook North)
Titan Tidbits blog entry (5/2/07)
Pantagraph article:
Lincoln basketball star among those heading to IWU
By Randy Reinhardt
rreinhardt@pantagraph.com
May 4, 2007
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BLOOMINGTON -- Josh Sutton became accustomed to playing before a passionate fan base as a basketball player at Lincoln High School.
That’s part of the reason Sutton will continue his athletic and academic careers at Illinois Wesleyan.
“The fan support at Lincoln was incredible. The gym was packed every night, and we have people traveling to our away games,” Sutton said. “From what I hear, it’s the same way at Shirk Center. People come out and support the team. We all compete very hard at our sport. It’s great to have those accolades go along with it.”
The 6-foot-5, 200-pound Sutton joins Downers Grove South forward Dan Schouten and Glenbrook North guard Chris Stamas as recent additions to an impressive recruiting class still being assembled by IWU coach Ron Rose.
Sutton, along with fellow Wesleyan recruit Matt Schick, helped lead Lincoln to a 33-3 record and a Class AA State Tournament quarterfinal berth.
“It’s going to be great,” Sutton said of playing with Schick. “We’ve been talking about being able to play another four years together. We’re both really excited about it.”
Sutton was Lincoln’s top rebounder at 4.9 per game and was third in scoring at 8.4 behind Schick and Brandon Farmer.
“We went to watch Matt play and as the year evolved we noticed how much better Josh continued to get,” Rose said. “I think Josh has tremendous upside, and he’s got tremendous character. Without question, Josh’s best basketball days are ahead of him.”
Sutton shot 53 percent from the field and 75 percent at the free throw line. He was a 37 percent shooter from 3-point range, hitting 28 from beyond the arc.
“First and foremost was the academics. Everyone on campus told me books come first,” Sutton said. “And the way they handle basketball, they take it very seriously. They have that great competitiveness.”
“Josh is a versatile kid. He can play inside and he showed he can play outside and has the ability to hit the three,” said Rose. “He’s just starting to scratch the surface of his potential. He’s a 6-5 mismatch (for opponents) we’ll be able to take advantage of in our motion offense.”
The 6-5, 210-pound Schouten also will shoot the 3-pointer on occasion.
“I’ve been trying to develop that game for college. I figured I could be a threat anywhere on the court,” Schouten said. “I’ve always been the biggest guy on my team so I’ve grown up as a post player. I’m pretty experienced in the post.”
Schouten averaged 17.3 points and 7.5 rebounds for a 17-10 Downers Grove South team. He was named to the Arlington Heights Daily Herald all-area team.
“Dan can really shoot the ball and physically he’s put together. You can tell he’s spent time in the weight room,” said Rose. “He’s competed at a very high level. He’s played with the Chicago Wolves AAU program with a bunch of Division I players. He’s another very intelligent player who makes his teammates better.”
Schouten called IWU the “best overall fit between academics and basketball reputation” among several Division II and III schools that were recruiting him.
Schouten has played against fellow Titan recruit Duncan Lawson since fifth grade at different levels.
The 6-2 Stamas played with current Duke standout Jon Scheyer as a junior at Glenbrook North. When Scheyer left, Stamas became the Spartans’ top threat and averaged 17.4 points as his team finished 18-8.
“Being with Scheyer last year (and the resulting attention), I really liked how Wesleyan has a following. They really draw a lot of fans each game,” said Stamas. “It’s a big basketball town, and that really intrigued me. I visited Shirk and really loved it there. And the campus was awesome.”
Stamas also averaged three rebounds and was a 38 percent 3-point shooter as well as an 87 percent free throw shooter.
“The thing that really stands out about Chris is his ability to shoot the basketball. You can’t leave him open,” Rose said. “Having played alongside Jon Scheyer, you can tell his court savvy. He understands the game.”
Sutton, Schouten and Stamas join Schick, Macon Meridian guard Travis Rosenkranz, Washington guard Sean Johnson, Chicago St. Patrick forward Edmond O’Callaghan and Glenbard West forward Lawson in Rose’s recruiting class.
Titan Tidbits blog entry (5/2/07)
Pantagraph article:
Lincoln basketball star among those heading to IWU
By Randy Reinhardt
rreinhardt@pantagraph.com
May 4, 2007
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BLOOMINGTON -- Josh Sutton became accustomed to playing before a passionate fan base as a basketball player at Lincoln High School.
That’s part of the reason Sutton will continue his athletic and academic careers at Illinois Wesleyan.
“The fan support at Lincoln was incredible. The gym was packed every night, and we have people traveling to our away games,” Sutton said. “From what I hear, it’s the same way at Shirk Center. People come out and support the team. We all compete very hard at our sport. It’s great to have those accolades go along with it.”
The 6-foot-5, 200-pound Sutton joins Downers Grove South forward Dan Schouten and Glenbrook North guard Chris Stamas as recent additions to an impressive recruiting class still being assembled by IWU coach Ron Rose.
Sutton, along with fellow Wesleyan recruit Matt Schick, helped lead Lincoln to a 33-3 record and a Class AA State Tournament quarterfinal berth.
“It’s going to be great,” Sutton said of playing with Schick. “We’ve been talking about being able to play another four years together. We’re both really excited about it.”
Sutton was Lincoln’s top rebounder at 4.9 per game and was third in scoring at 8.4 behind Schick and Brandon Farmer.
“We went to watch Matt play and as the year evolved we noticed how much better Josh continued to get,” Rose said. “I think Josh has tremendous upside, and he’s got tremendous character. Without question, Josh’s best basketball days are ahead of him.”
Sutton shot 53 percent from the field and 75 percent at the free throw line. He was a 37 percent shooter from 3-point range, hitting 28 from beyond the arc.
“First and foremost was the academics. Everyone on campus told me books come first,” Sutton said. “And the way they handle basketball, they take it very seriously. They have that great competitiveness.”
“Josh is a versatile kid. He can play inside and he showed he can play outside and has the ability to hit the three,” said Rose. “He’s just starting to scratch the surface of his potential. He’s a 6-5 mismatch (for opponents) we’ll be able to take advantage of in our motion offense.”
The 6-5, 210-pound Schouten also will shoot the 3-pointer on occasion.
“I’ve been trying to develop that game for college. I figured I could be a threat anywhere on the court,” Schouten said. “I’ve always been the biggest guy on my team so I’ve grown up as a post player. I’m pretty experienced in the post.”
Schouten averaged 17.3 points and 7.5 rebounds for a 17-10 Downers Grove South team. He was named to the Arlington Heights Daily Herald all-area team.
“Dan can really shoot the ball and physically he’s put together. You can tell he’s spent time in the weight room,” said Rose. “He’s competed at a very high level. He’s played with the Chicago Wolves AAU program with a bunch of Division I players. He’s another very intelligent player who makes his teammates better.”
Schouten called IWU the “best overall fit between academics and basketball reputation” among several Division II and III schools that were recruiting him.
Schouten has played against fellow Titan recruit Duncan Lawson since fifth grade at different levels.
The 6-2 Stamas played with current Duke standout Jon Scheyer as a junior at Glenbrook North. When Scheyer left, Stamas became the Spartans’ top threat and averaged 17.4 points as his team finished 18-8.
“Being with Scheyer last year (and the resulting attention), I really liked how Wesleyan has a following. They really draw a lot of fans each game,” said Stamas. “It’s a big basketball town, and that really intrigued me. I visited Shirk and really loved it there. And the campus was awesome.”
Stamas also averaged three rebounds and was a 38 percent 3-point shooter as well as an 87 percent free throw shooter.
“The thing that really stands out about Chris is his ability to shoot the basketball. You can’t leave him open,” Rose said. “Having played alongside Jon Scheyer, you can tell his court savvy. He understands the game.”
Sutton, Schouten and Stamas join Schick, Macon Meridian guard Travis Rosenkranz, Washington guard Sean Johnson, Chicago St. Patrick forward Edmond O’Callaghan and Glenbard West forward Lawson in Rose’s recruiting class.