When Providence was 3-10, coach Tim Trendel promised his players better days were ahead.
The Celtics had played a rigorous schedule during holiday tournaments at Thanksgiving (WJOL) and Christmas (York).
While Providence took its lumps, Trendel was confident the payoff would arrive in January.
“We told the guys to stay with the process,” Trendel said. “It was going to work. Our schedule was challenging and we had some guys coming off the football field who needed to get in basketball shape. We had faced some competition that was getting us ready down the road.”
Lo and behold, the Celtics (11-11, 3-3 Catholic South) have rattled off eight consecutive victories, including wins Tuesday against Mount Carmel, Saturday against Rock Island and Friday over St. Rita.
Senior guard Jake Schutter and senior forward Mike Drew have led the charge.
“Those two guys have taken a leadership role and put the team on their shoulders,” Trendel said. “They’ve been terrific.”
Schutter, a Wisconsin-Platteville recruit, has scored at least 20 points seven times during the winning streak. He’s averaging 14.5 points.
“Jake has caught fire,” Trendel said. “He’s had some monster games. He can shoot the ball really well and is good at getting to the basket.
“He was trying to do too much before. Now he’s settled in and that’s made things a lot easier.”
Drew, a Cornell (Iowa) recruit, has provided a consistent presence on the glass. At 6-3, Drew isn’t the most imposing figure. But what he lacks in height, he more than makes up for in tenacity and positioning.
“Drew is one of the toughest rebounders,” Trendel said. “And he knows how to finish around the basket.”
Trendel also credited juniors Scott Slocum, Ethan Petric and Mitchell Gray, and sophomore Matt DiNardi with elevating their games during the streak.
“The younger guys are learning and contributing,” Trendel said.
Catledge as good as advertised: Richards coach Chris Passafiume knew he had a dynamic player in senior Jaylan Catledge.
However, the 6-3 guard has exceeded expectations, averaging 23 points and 11 rebounds for the South Suburban Red-leading Bulldogs (10-9, 6-3).
“Catledge has been our go-to guy, which is no secret,” Passafiume said. “He does so much for us. He can handle the ball, he’s a monster on the boards and whenever we need a bucket, we turn to him. As Jaylan goes, we go.”
However, if the Bulldogs were going to compete for a South Suburban Red title, other players would have to step up.
Which is precisely what has happened, according to Passafiume.
Guards Sean Willis and Deshawn Alexander, both sophomores, have adapted to varsity competition.
Seniors Rico Griffin, Juwaun Reed and Jeremiah Melton have provided excellent leadership.
“Sean has stepped up,” Passafiume said. “Deshawn had a huge game against Argo where he scored 27 points. It takes some of the pressure off Catledge.”
Passafiume considers the Bulldogs record somewhat misleading, considering the competition they’ve played.
“We’ve played some elite teams, which we lost to, but it’s going to make us better,” he said. “We’ve been tested,.”
A bigger test awaits next season when Catledge, a four-year starter, will be off to a yet-to-be-determined college. Though, it’s worth noting the sophomore team is 15-2 without Willis and Alexander, and the freshmen are 17-1.
“It’s going to be tough not having Jaylan next year,” Passafiume said. “But we have a lot of good things to look forward to.”
Statement by Stagg: After upending Homewood-Flossmoor on the road Friday, Stagg senior John Contant hopes people view the Chargers (15-6) with a little more respect.
“We know we’re a good program, but this should show that we can be great,” Contant said. “Beating a great program like H-F in their gym should open up some eyes.”
Twitter @disabato
Top 10
Records through Tuesday, with last week’s rankings in parentheses.
1. Morgan Park 15-3 (1)
2. Brother Rice 19-3 (2)
3. Thornton 14-4 (3)
4. T.F. North 16-3 (4)
5. Hillcrest 14-6 (5)
6. Bloom 15-6 (7)
7. Marist 21-2 (8)
8. Marian Catholic 12-8 (9)
9. Stagg 15-6 (10)
10. Homewood-Flossmoor 15-7 (6)
Player of the Week: Senior Mike Drynan combined for 43 points, 21 rebounds and five blocks during Evergreen Park’s win over Shepard and loss to Dubuque (Iowa).
