Boys basketball notes: AJ Morgan, whose father played for Chicago Bears in 1990s, gets feet wet for Vernon Hills

AJ Morgan’s elite athleticism figures to pay big dividends for Vernon Hills down the road.

But the 6-foot-4 sophomore wing is embracing his secondary role to provide the Cougars with a boost early in the season.

“I feel like every game I play is a learning experience,” Morgan said. “It could be playing good defense and rebounding, and if I don’t have the ball in my hands, it’s setting screens to help get someone open.”

Being a varsity newcomer is a big step for most players, but that hasn’t eroded any of Morgan’s belief in himself. The son of former Chicago Bears wide receiver Anthony Morgan also is self-aware enough that he’s not tempted to rush things. Instead, he focuses on making incremental progress for the Cougars (3-4).

“He’s like a sponge in practice, really coachable,” Vernon Hills coach Matt McCarty said. “The physical skills he has are a great foundation, and you have a feeling there will be a breakout game in him at some point.”

In the closest thing to such a performance so far, AJ Morgan had 10 points and six rebounds in the Cougars’ 60-39 win against Northridge on Nov. 22. In that game and others since, Morgan flashed some of the athletic skills that make his future bright and display enviable versatility.

At least part of that athleticism comes from his father. Anthony Morgan played in the NFL for six seasons, starting his career with the Bears in 1991.

“I feel I can use my height to shoot over people, I can go down low and I can stretch my shot into the midrange,” AJ Morgan said. “I feel like the work I’m putting in will show at some point.”

Playmaking Powers: Once hesitant, Lake Zurich’s Brendan Powers has become much more self-assured in his third varsity season.

The Bears (4-2) are reaping the benefits.

“From then until now, I’ve grown a lot,” Powers said. “I appreciate how everyone has pushed me and had confidence in me. Now I know my teammates can count on me to make a play.”

The Bears’ 50-45 win against Prospect on Nov. 29 perfectly illustrated that. After Lake Zurich had squandered a 10-point advantage early in the fourth quarter, Powers made a steal and a layup to regain the lead for good.

“That was an aggressive, smart play that a year ago he maybe doesn’t make,” Lake Zurich coach Terry Coughlin said. “He’s levelheaded and always has a ‘we’ll get the next one’ mentality.”

Powers, a 6-5 senior forward, chips in on many fronts. He averages a team-high 16.0 points and 5.0 rebounds, and his shot comfortably extends into 3-point territory. His midrange game has also gained traction.

On defense, Powers’ long arms make him a menace for opposing teams. He spearheads the Bears’ 1-2-2 full-court press, scanning for errant passes or tracking opponents to potentially help trap.

“I keep my hands up, and when they pass it to the wing, I drop down and see where they’ll throw it from there,” he said. “With my height, it makes it a little easier.”

Cooper-duper: There’s often a point in a game when a team needs a response. Cooper LoPriore has become a player who can provide that for Lakes (4-4).

“He bided his time last year, not playing much, but he’s really emerged this year,” Lakes coach Chris Snyder said. “He shows a lot of effort and is a great example for our young guys.”

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LoPriore can also play. Although his role as the Eagles’ sixth man delays his initial entry in any game, he is almost always in the middle of the action come crunchtime.

The 5-10 senior guard is strong enough to body other guards, which helps late in games. On offense, he’s not a volume scorer but makes a difference more often than not.

For instance, LoPriore hit a 3-pointer at the beginning of the fourth quarter in a 48-41 win against Vernon Hills on Nov. 29, setting the tone as the Eagles closed out the game.

“I might not score a lot, but I take pride in hitting baskets when it matters,” he said.

LoPriore missed significant time with a thumb injury last season. But he remain engaged.

“It really helped growing with these guys even though I was hurt,” he said. “You always need to find a positive in everything.”

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