Playing with a senior-dominated roster a year ago as a sophomore, St. Laurence’s Reggie Stevens settled quickly into his role.
As a starter or off the bench, he was a knockdown shooter from the perimeter and a big burst of energy in a supporting role for the Vikings.
This year though, it’s no supporting role.
He’s in the lead role and starring.
Powering St. Laurence to a convincing 55-28 victory over Burlington Central on Dec. 27, Stevens finished with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block in the Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic quarterfinals.
“I always had the ability to be able to do it,” Stevens said. “Last year, I stuck to shooting. I worked on taking guys off the dribble, worked on all those things that I’m able to do now. It’s all the work I put in.”
In the Burlington Central win, Markese Peoples (nine points, five rebounds), Sean Rice (six points, six rebounds), Jacob Johnson (eight points, five rebounds) and Noah Corro (six points, four rebounds, two assists) also contributed.
Stevens is having a blast with his bigger role.
Against Burlington Central, he was everywhere, drilling three 3-pointers, slashing to the basket, dishing off to teammates and playing lockdown defense on Burlington’s Patrick Magan.
Coach Roshawn Russell has loved Stevens’ play and contributions.
“Reggie is definitely having fun,” Russell said. “He’s stepping into the role, having fun and playing with confidence. It’s a joy to watch as a coach. He soaked it up like a sponge last year. You’re seeing it now as he gets more minutes and more reps.”
Stevens said he grew up more as a shooter, adding the rest of his game over the years.
Last year, he tried to make the most of his smaller role.
“To be honest, the coaches always gave me the green light to shoot the ball,” Stevens said with a laugh. “My role was to come in, make plays and knock down some shots. I’m a shooter, so I shoot. I try and execute.”
St. Laurence led 20-19 midway through the second quarter against Burlington Central.
The Vikings locked in from there, ending the game on a 35-9 run. St. Laurence had a similar game-changing run in its first-round win over Wheaton Academy.
“We’re a young team. Sometimes we come out slow,” Stevens said. “We’re one of the best-connected teams in the state. I’ve got killers around me. I don’t have to do everything. We have a great team.”
Relying on its defense and rebounding, St. Laurence suffocated Burlington down the stretch.
Johnson, a transfer from Dyett, said the team has worked hard to improve its rebounding.
“We’re practicing hard, practicing tough,” Johnson said. “It’s like a fight in practice but not real fighting. Everybody crashes the boards.”
With a deep rotation, the Vikings (12-1) have found an early rhythm through the first month of the season.
“The coaches instill team-first from the beginning of everything,” Johnson said. “Everyone can score, but we don’t think about individual accolades. We think team accolades and the school name on our shirt.”