Preseason Teams to Watch: Lawrence North

Lawrence North (Indianapolis)
Coach: Jack Keefer (617-241 in 37 years overall)
2007-08 record: 18-5, Class 4A sectional finalist
Top players: C Stephan Van Treese (6-9), Sr.; F Dominique Ferguson (6-9), Jr.; F Jeff Robinson (6-9), Sr.; F Chris Read (6-7), Sr.; G Larry Smith (6-3), Sr.; F Michael Chandler (6-10), So.; F Ryan Taylor (6-4), Jr.; G Justin Martin (6-7), Jr.
Team strength: Size, great big man depth
Question mark: Lack of depth at guard
Toughest games: Dec. 6 vs. Marion; Dec. 13 vs. Bishop Luers; Dec. 20 at Chicago Simeon; Dec. 29-30 T-Mobile Classic; Jan. 23 vs. North Central; Feb. 24 at Pike
Outlook: The Wildcats, who won three consecutive state titles between 2004-06 and were National Prep Poll champs in 2006, return a roster with great size and experience. There are seven players 6-foot-7 or taller expected to contribute this season. The group is led by Van Treese, a tough interior force who has committed to Louisville. As a junior, he averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds. Robinson is a Purdue recruit with great length and athleticism. Read and Smith are two additional seniors who are likely to sign with Division I colleges. The top returning junior is Ferguson, a Kentucky pledge with a very high ceiling. He averaged 10 points and eight rebounds as a sophomore. Keefer expects to give plenty of playing time to underclassmen Taylor, Chandler, and Martin. Each player has the ability to develop into a player at the Division I level.