By Bobby Narang
Through the years, the Lemont High School boys basketball team has become a model of consistency.
Led by coach Rick Runaas, the program is annually churning out next-level players and battling for a 20-win season.
Despite losing one of the best players in the State to an unexpected transfer in senior Gabe Sularski, Lemont has managed to overcome a young roster to be among the top teams in the South Suburban Blue this season. Lemont, which is coming off a Class 3A sectional finals appearance, entered the season with senior guard Ryan Crane and junior forward Luke Glotzbach as the main returnees.
Still, Lemont (15-12, 9-3) is closing in on another winning season.
Senior Nathan Ludwig is one of the factors behind Lemont’s winning season.
Ludwig is considered a glue guy, someone who does all the little things to help Lemont wins games.
Lemont’s scoring loads usually falls on the shoulders of Crane, Glotzbach, Zane Schneider, and Julian Overton.
After not dressing last season and playing a practice role for Lemont, Ludwig is thrilled to be in the rotation this season. He was also named a captain.
“Last year wasn’t a role that many players go through, but as a team that was so successful, I did my job,” Ludwig said. “I didn’t dress but I learned from the seniors and improved. I learned a lot and took the tips I learned and used it in the offseason. My position completely changed in the offseason, as I went from a guard to a forward/center and used things from my guard skills to be a good big man even at my small size.”
Ludwig said his game, and confidence, took a big leap in the spring and summer, helping him build toward being a rotational player for Lemont.
“My biggest thing was AAU and just putting in the reps to improve certain skills,” Ludwig said. “My main mindset is always to win, but to also get my teammates open. I try to do anything for the players that probably have a higher chance of scoring to help them get the ball, if that’s either setting them screens or rebounding and passing out. Being a guy who doesn’t score too often, I have to do the dirty work and crash for rebounds or dive for loose balls.”
Runaas said Ludwig has earned every minute of court time because of his hard work and desire to be named a captain.
“Nate’s a very mature kid,” Runaas said. “He’s faced some challenges this year but kept his head up. He’s been in and out of the lineup. He had a great summer. He gives us toughness and grit and is a stabilizing force.”
Runaas said his players responded from a tough stretch of losses to quality opponents – Joliet West, Brother Rice and Oak Forest in overtime – with a bounce-back victory over Bremen. Crane poured in 23 points, Overton added 15 and Schneider finished with 12.
“When we set up the schedule, we challenged ourselves based on the success we had in our conference,” Runaas said. “We felt we could push ourselves in the non-conference, but maybe we pushed ourselves too hard. Going on the road against Bremen was a good test for us. Julian has had a couple of good games for us and is doing a nice job.”