Can you guys top it?
Kaneland’s Marshawn Cocroft didn’t hesitate when answering in the affirmative.
Last season, Cocroft was definitely the glue — Super, not Elmer’s — for the Knights after transferring in from Aurora Christian. He earned all-state honors for a second straight winter, leading his new team to a third straight conference title and a program record for wins.
Now, the 6-foot senior point guard believes Kaneland can take another step after Kaneland made its first supersectional appearance in 43 years.
“I think we can,” Cocroft said. “We have a lot of underclassmen that are pretty good, but I feel like we can be even better.”
The Knights finished with a 32-2 record after a 68-28 loss in March to DePaul Prep, which went on to win its third straight state title.
“They beat us pretty badly,” Cocroft said. “But they moved up to 4A. A lot of good 3A teams did.”
DePaul Prep isn’t in the way anymore, but clearing that final hurdle to reach state is never easy. Locally, talented Geneva is also moving down to Class 3A due to declining enrollment.
Cocroft is ready to roll for the Knights after averaging 17 points, 3.5 assists and 2.0 rebounds last winter while being named Interstate Eight Player of the Year and Plano Christmas Classic MVP.
His college decision also is out of the way after he committed earlier this month to a scholarship offer from NCAA Division II Grand Valley State.
“He’s a leader by example,” Kaneland coach Ernie Colombe said of Cocroft. “Having your best player be your hardest worker in practice always helps.
“He’s a great kid, works really hard and stepped in right away. He was one of our leaders right away, which doesn’t always happen in that situation.”
Cocroft’s transfer situation was unique. He grew up in the same Montgomery neighborhood with several of his Kaneland teammates. Cocroft’s father also had coached several players in AAU.
“He played with a number of our guys in middle school,” Colombe said. “We didn’t know how things would fit together, but it was easy to see rather quickly he would become a big piece.”
Speaking of pieces, seven key players return for this winter, but 6-7 Freddy Hassan has graduated and moved on to college at nearby Waubonsee. His brother, Jeffrey, is a 6-9 junior forward.
According to Colombe, Cocroft and Hassan are the Knights’ most improved players heading into the season, but keep an eye on senior guards Evan Frieders, Isaiah Gipson and Connor Kimme.
“We’ve taken big steps because we’ve spent a lot of time in the weight room,” Colombe said. “Jeffrey has probably come on the most, but you could say the same about Marshawn.”
Cocroft also credited his move to the Illinois Wolves for AAU.
“We had some long practices and I played with kids from DePaul, Benet and others,” Cocroft said. “We made each other better. I wouldn’t say my defense was bad, but I built on it.
“That and just knocking down shots off the dribble, too.”
He has also noticed the strides taken by Hassan.
“He didn’t shoot that much last year, but this year, he’s improved out to the arc,” Cocroft said of Hassan. “He can dribble now and make moves off the dribble, not just straight-up post moves.”
As far as Cocroft’s future goes, Grand Valley State graduates two senior point guards. He spoke with some Division I schools but didn’t have any offers for that level.
“I wanted to make my decision by December or January and felt right where I belonged on my visit,” he said “I’m not disappointed. I think many are looking more at the portal for transfers.”
Colombe thinks they’re missing the boat.
“I’m biased,” he said. “But I’ve seen some of these local D-I schools play. I think Marshawn could have an impact, but Grand Valley is a great fit.”