Boys basketball notes: With 50 years in coaching, Warren’s Don Kloth knows a thing or two. He keeps learning too.

There’s not much Don Kloth hasn’t seen in his 50 years as a basketball coach in Lake County.

Despite that experience, however, Kloth still makes sure he’s staying fresh in his instructional approach. He’s in his ninth year as Warren’s sophomore coach after 41 years at Zion-Benton.

“Even after 50 years, you have to keep up with modern ways to teach and trends,” he said. “You have to be careful, though, because some of the stuff still works perfectly today.”

Among the offensive systems Kloth said he has seen emulated are UCLA’s high post and Indiana’s motion. He has also seen the flex, dribble handoff, ball screen and five-out principles employed.

But the key to Kloth’s 528 wins in 25 years as Zion-Benton’s head coach was relating to people.

“Just like in teaching, coaching is people-driven,” he said. “You have to connect with people and genuinely enjoy being around a wide variety of students and athletes.”

Since Kloth coaches the vast majority of his players for only one season at Warren, he has a confined window to make a positive impact. In contrast, Kloth had several second- and third-year players in vital roles on Zion-Benton’s 2008 Class 4A state runner-up.

“The biggest takeaway from playing for coach Kloth was just how much he loves basketball,” said Warren senior Adam Panek, who played for Kloth during the abbreviated 2021 season. “There was never anything he saw in a game that surprised him, and he always had an answer for everything.”

Kloth retired from teaching in 2005, so the crux of his professional duties have been basketball-related for nearly two decades.

He also relishes the opportunity to work with the youngest two of his eight grandchildren — girls in fifth and sixth grades — in occasional Sunday workouts.

“I’ve been fortunate to be in position to have a positive effect on people over the years,” Kloth said. “And I’m glad I still have the chance to go to the gym every day for a couple of hours.”

Super Cooper: Grayslake Central had several players take prominent roles in its march to the Hinkle Holiday Classic title at Jacobs.

But senior guard Sam Cooper’s increased production stood out as the Rams (14-1) ended 2022 in style. He hit seven 3-pointers and scored 36 points in the final two games of the tournament.

“Early in the season, my shot wasn’t falling, but I knew I was capable of scoring, so I kept my confidence up,” he said. “Once a few go in, you see the doors open for more to keep going in.”

Cooper’s early season slump was met with encouragement from the coaching staff, which told him to keep shooting. Cooper said a turning point was Grayslake Central’s 57-56 win against Vernon Hills on Dec. 5., when he hit three 3-pointers in the second half to help erase a double-digit halftime deficit.

“When Sam plays with confidence, he can shoot with anyone,” Grayslake Central coach Brian Centella said. “I’m proud of how aggressive he played in the title game (at Jacobs).”

While there’s no denying Cooper’s long-range shooting ability, he also realizes the importance of expanding his overall game. At the top of his to-do list for the remainder of the season is making more frequent trips into the paint.

“I started driving more with my club team in the fall, and my coaches are trying to get me the ball more down low,” he said. “It’s helping my production while also helping the team.”

Book it for Buchert: Will Buchert was named the MVP of the Wheeling Hardwood Classic after Libertyville knocked off previously unbeaten Glenbrook North in the final on Dec. 30.

The senior guard wasn’t even at his best offensively during the Wildcats’ four-game run.

“I couldn’t find the basket from outside, so I had to figure out other ways to help,” he said. “I was able to get to the rim some and work some good passes to teammates.”

Libertyville coach Brian Zyrkowski credits Buchert for a lot of heady play but particularly appreciates the way Buchert takes care of the ball on offense and his off-ball hawking skills on the other end.

Buchert, who is fully recovered from a sprained ankle, took note last season while watching then-senior John Graham turn steals into points. Buchert produced three layups off steals in Libertyville’s win against Neuqua Valley in Wheeling’s semifinals and did so twice in the final.

“It can be from jumping the passing lanes or not letting your man go backdoor,” Buchert said. “When you read their eyes, you can get a steal and go the other way. It’s a big momentum shifter.”

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