Sizzling NSCD rides 7-game
win streak into regular-season finale
By Ken Keenan
North Shore Country Day's current stretch of seven-consecutive wins isn't merely a hot streak. No, it's more like a raging inferno.
The Raiders (13-4-1 overall) have simply burned through the opposition, tallying a total of 31 goals during the run while allowing only one. North Shore Country Day (NSCD) allowed the lone goal in a 4-1 decision over Independent School League rival Parker on Oct. 1.
Sophomore goalkeeper Nick Potter and Co. posted six shutouts during the streak, giving the squad a total of 11 heading into the regular-season finale against nonconference foe Schaumburg Christian. The Raiders will host the Conquerors on the NSCD campus, in Winnetka, at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.
"Obviously, when you don't concede goals, you don't lose games," said NSCD head coach Kyle Jones, whose team finished 6-3-1 in ISL play this season, good for second place. "Defensively, we're pretty solid ... the back five is very good. And we possess well with the ability to create chances.
The main thing, we have a balanced lineup, and we're deeper this year with guys contributing off the bench. We're a small school, so we're not always blessed with a deep squad. But this year, we have that."
Helping Potter shut the door defensively are a pair of center backs -- freshman Tae Won Lillig and sophomore Finn Doornweerd -- as well as senior defenders Alex Winslow and Tyler Doornweerd, and junior D-men John Sprenger and Ethan Stump.
"Potter is a great keeper," Jones said. "He's just solid technically and has safe hands -- no rebounds. And he's a great athlete ... capable of making the great save. He's also very steady with very few mistakes."
Concerning the defense, Jones said, "They've all done really well. It's a good balance -- not really stars, just a good, solid unit."
North Shore Country Day's high-powered offense is fueled by junior forward Vincent Luglio (team-high 13 goals), freshman forward Cole Sabia (11 goals) and sophomore midfielder/forward Mason Roberts-Jones (team-high 11 assists), along with junior mid Augie Gallun (4 goals).
"Vince (Luglio) is an out-and-out goal scorer," Jones said. "He's quick and hungry and can finish really well. Sabia has great movement and great understanding of the game. He combines well with people. He's only a freshman, so he has a bright future ahead of him.
"Mason (Roberts-Jones), you'd be hard-pressed to find someone with more assists. He takes set plays and can put the ball where it needs to be."
The Raiders' midfield core features juniors Axel Garcia and Jacob Sherman as keystone pieces.
"They win the ball for us and switch the ball on the attack," Jones said. "They help shore up the middle of the field as well."
If NSCD emerges victorious against Schaumburg Christian, it will extend the school's single-season record for wins to 14. The Raiders also will honor Class of 2020 members Tyler Doornweerd, Winslow, midfielder Adam Terhaerdt and defender/mid Riley Jones as part of Senior Day festivities.
"If we have a great performance, we'll win," coach Jones said. "We want to come in together and do what we've been doing all season. And with our depth, there will be opportunities for other players -- just looking for another good performance heading into the playoffs."
North Shore Country Day will host both an IHSA Class A regional and sectional this year. The Raiders will face either Cruz or Chicago Math and Science in the regional semifinals at 4 p.m. Oct. 15, with the winner taking on Sullivan or Rochelle Zell in the title match at 4 p.m. Oct. 18.
The NSCD Sectional is set for Oct. 22 and 23 (both 4 p.m.), with the final scheduled for the same time on Oct. 25.
win streak into regular-season finale
By Ken Keenan
North Shore Country Day's current stretch of seven-consecutive wins isn't merely a hot streak. No, it's more like a raging inferno.
The Raiders (13-4-1 overall) have simply burned through the opposition, tallying a total of 31 goals during the run while allowing only one. North Shore Country Day (NSCD) allowed the lone goal in a 4-1 decision over Independent School League rival Parker on Oct. 1.
Sophomore goalkeeper Nick Potter and Co. posted six shutouts during the streak, giving the squad a total of 11 heading into the regular-season finale against nonconference foe Schaumburg Christian. The Raiders will host the Conquerors on the NSCD campus, in Winnetka, at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.
"Obviously, when you don't concede goals, you don't lose games," said NSCD head coach Kyle Jones, whose team finished 6-3-1 in ISL play this season, good for second place. "Defensively, we're pretty solid ... the back five is very good. And we possess well with the ability to create chances.
The main thing, we have a balanced lineup, and we're deeper this year with guys contributing off the bench. We're a small school, so we're not always blessed with a deep squad. But this year, we have that."
Helping Potter shut the door defensively are a pair of center backs -- freshman Tae Won Lillig and sophomore Finn Doornweerd -- as well as senior defenders Alex Winslow and Tyler Doornweerd, and junior D-men John Sprenger and Ethan Stump.
"Potter is a great keeper," Jones said. "He's just solid technically and has safe hands -- no rebounds. And he's a great athlete ... capable of making the great save. He's also very steady with very few mistakes."
Concerning the defense, Jones said, "They've all done really well. It's a good balance -- not really stars, just a good, solid unit."
North Shore Country Day's high-powered offense is fueled by junior forward Vincent Luglio (team-high 13 goals), freshman forward Cole Sabia (11 goals) and sophomore midfielder/forward Mason Roberts-Jones (team-high 11 assists), along with junior mid Augie Gallun (4 goals).
"Vince (Luglio) is an out-and-out goal scorer," Jones said. "He's quick and hungry and can finish really well. Sabia has great movement and great understanding of the game. He combines well with people. He's only a freshman, so he has a bright future ahead of him.
"Mason (Roberts-Jones), you'd be hard-pressed to find someone with more assists. He takes set plays and can put the ball where it needs to be."
The Raiders' midfield core features juniors Axel Garcia and Jacob Sherman as keystone pieces.
"They win the ball for us and switch the ball on the attack," Jones said. "They help shore up the middle of the field as well."
If NSCD emerges victorious against Schaumburg Christian, it will extend the school's single-season record for wins to 14. The Raiders also will honor Class of 2020 members Tyler Doornweerd, Winslow, midfielder Adam Terhaerdt and defender/mid Riley Jones as part of Senior Day festivities.
"If we have a great performance, we'll win," coach Jones said. "We want to come in together and do what we've been doing all season. And with our depth, there will be opportunities for other players -- just looking for another good performance heading into the playoffs."
North Shore Country Day will host both an IHSA Class A regional and sectional this year. The Raiders will face either Cruz or Chicago Math and Science in the regional semifinals at 4 p.m. Oct. 15, with the winner taking on Sullivan or Rochelle Zell in the title match at 4 p.m. Oct. 18.
The NSCD Sectional is set for Oct. 22 and 23 (both 4 p.m.), with the final scheduled for the same time on Oct. 25.