Boys basketball notes: Cole Bonder binds Libertyville, bruised though he may be. ‘He’s the glue.’

Libertyville’s Cole Bonder has learned a lot in his three varsity seasons.

On a recent night away from the court, the 6-foot-6 senior forward tried to pick up a few more things to gain an edge.

“I like to watch a lot of film because I’ve learned how important tendencies are to pick up on your opponent,” Bonder said. “I usually watch games the night of, while it’s still fresh in my mind, to see what I can do better.”

Spoken like someone who’s been around the block. Bonder has gone from bit piece as a sophomore to vital cog and team captain this season.

With that evolution comes responsibility, something Bonder continually exhibits, whether that means sacrificing his body for a loose ball, picking up teammates during a rough run or staying out of foul trouble.

“He exemplifies great character and always gives his all, which he’s done since day one,” Libertyville coach Brian Zyrkowski said. “He can play 32 minutes battered and bruised and not say a word. He’s the glue of this team and keeps everyone focused.”

Bonder makes an impact for North Suburban Conference leader Libertyville (17-4, 7-1) in different ways. He’s productive, averaging 7.0 points and 6.0 rebounds. He has a post-up game that allows him to effectively finish near the rim, and he takes pride in kicking the ball back out to a teammate if defenders collapse on him.

But Bonder’s best trait is his effort. Some of those bruises that Zyrkowski referenced come from taking charges, which Bonder does more than anyone else on the team. He doesn’t hesitate to put his body on the line.

“I’ll get on the ground before anyone else, getting 50-50 balls,” Bonder said. “Things like that are what win you games. Or extending a possession with an offensive rebound. I’ve had to adapt to a new role every year, but as long as I’m making smart basketball plays, I’m good.”

Strelnikov surprises: Sophomore center Anton Strelnikov’s promotion to Lake Zurich’s varsity team came with tempered expectations.

It seems everyone forgot to tell him.

“We always knew he was going to be very good, but if you had said we would be running our offense through him this year, I wouldn’t have believed you,” Lake Zurich coach Terry Coughlin said. “I’d say he’s definitely a year ahead of where we thought he would be.”

Not that anyone around the Bears’ program is complaining.

The 6-6 Strelnikov has been a revelation, leading Lake Zurich (12-8, 4-4) with 16.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.

Strelnikov has a skill set that makes him difficult to defend. He’s a true back-to-the-basket post player who thrives at scoring deep in the paint and possesses a much-improved midrange jumper. He’s also devoted to improving his footwork and conditioning.

Strelnikov’s early success has done wonders for his confidence.

“At first, I was really nervous in this new setting,” he said. “But everyone encouraged me to keep shooting, and as time went on, I realized how important I could be.”

Also instrumental in his rapid ascent is something less measurable: He almost always has a smile on his face.

That showed late in Strelnikov’s career-best 33-point outburst against Mundelein on Jan. 10. He hit the 30-point mark at the free-throw line and retreated to defense. After realizing he had another shot coming, he shared a quick chuckle with Lake Zurich’s bench and then knocked down the second free throw.

“I just laughed,” he said. “This is the most fun I’ve ever had playing basketball.”

Defensive-minded Moyer: Kevin Moyer can read the room.

Knowing Derek Bishop and Emmanuel Willoughby provide an ample supply of points for Mundelein (10-12, 3-5), Moyer pinpointed the other side of the court to make his presence known.

“He’s a necessity who we can’t have off the floor,” Mundelein coach Matt Badgley said. “Besides defending, he’s a kid who hustles, rebounds and does great work that allows others to be successful.”

Moyer, a 6-1 senior guard, said diving on loose balls is one of his favorite hustle plays.

Badgley often has Moyer guard the opposing team’s best offensive player, regardless of size. That creates the potential for some unique matchups for Moyer, something he has learned to embrace.

“I like the challenge of trying to shut someone down, especially if they’re a good scorer,” he said. “Even if they’re bigger than me, I can get my share of rebounds because I want it more. I’ve got a lot of heart.”

Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.