Lake Forest senior guard Dominic Mordini knew this season would be different.
Gone was a strong cast of older teammates who helped produce 47 wins and two regional titles in his first two varsity seasons, leaving Mordini to lead a team with several largely untested players.
“Those two teams were senior-heavy, and I was the one younger guy who played significant minutes,” Mordini said. “This is the complete opposite, so it’s been a little bit of an adjustment.
“It takes time to adjust to the varsity level, so I’m trying to do my best to keep the team afloat. Now it’s my turn to lead.”
The 6-foot-4 Mordini has obviously embraced that idea, taking his game to a new level this season. He’s averaging 16.0 points on 53% shooting, 6.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals and essentially never leaves the court, a necessity for the Scouts (7-13, 1-6) in the North Suburban Conference.
“His leadership has been integral to our growth,” first-year Lake Forest coach Joe Pettinger said. “He has the ball in his hands all the time, and the numbers he’s putting up are with the other team putting their best defender on him, face-guarding him. He’s been unstoppable even when teams try to shut him down.”
Mordini, who averaged 10.5 points on 51% shooting, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists last season, scored 24 points against conference rival Stevenson on Jan. 6 and 22 points against conference leader Warren on Thursday.
A fifth straight 20-win season likely isn’t in the cards for the Scouts, but there has been positive momentum recently. They had won four of six games before the loss to Warren.
Leading the way, Mordini harks back to former teammates Bolurin Taiwo, Tommie Aberle and Hudson Scroggins.
“Those guys taught me how to compete, and that definitely brushed off on me,” Mordini said. “The way they did things inspired me to do the same. My goal for this year basketball-wise was to be the best leader I could be.”
That even extends to Mortini’s support of Pettinger. Last week, Mordini took the initiative to spearhead the program’s representation at the annual Scout Experience, when middle schoolers come to campus.
“It’s great that we have the kind of relationship where he’s willing to help me out,” Pettinger said. “On the court, he’s like a lead assistant coach who’s constantly telling us what he sees out there.”
On the court, Mordini also sees multiple ways to score. He can drive to the rim off the dribble, post up smaller defenders and shoot from long distance. He also has a knack for making the right pass in the flow of the offense.
“I try to keep things pretty simple and focus on fundamentals,” Mordini said. “I know I’m not the fastest guy around, but with my size, I can have success inside, and I’m working on my pull-up jumper and also extending my range from outside.”
Mordini understands he’s the focal point of opposing teams’ scouting reports.
“It’s always an honor when an opposing coach values trying to stop you,” he said. “There’s pressure because there’s a lot on your shoulders. But it’s also a privilege.”
College coaches have taken notice too. Numerous teams in Division III are expressing interest in Mordini.
“It’s a blessing to have the opportunity to play at the next level,” he said. “I’m super excited to find a place that wants me and that is a good fit not only basketball-wise but academically.”
In the meantime, Mordini wants to finish with as many wins as possible and prepare the Scouts for next season.
“There are three hallmarks we talk about every day to help define the Lake Forest culture: accountability, attitude and action,” he said. “You learn a lot of life lessons as well.
“That’s one of the things I love about basketball. It’s important that I leave my mark on the program to help set others up for the future.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.
