Schaumburg coach Jason Tucker and senior guard Jordan Tunis both smile when Zion Young's name is mentioned.
Young has put in the kind of effort that coaches and teammates appreciate. The 6-8 senior lost 15 pounds and his new, more mobile frame at 235 pounds is a difference-maker for Schaumburg.
“Zion has made huge improvements,” Tunis said. “He’s been in the gym working his butt off to get in shape. He can go out on the three-point line now and hit those, and show that he’s a good passer.”
Young led the Saxons with 12 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in a 55-30 win against Downers Grove South in Buffalo Grove on Friday.
Much of the key work that Young has put in has gone on in private.
“It has been a struggle,” Young said. “I had to cut out a lot of stuff that I enjoy eating. But it is worth it. I’m moving a lot better and getting more athletic. I can feel my body gradually getting faster.”
Young has scholarship offers from many Division 3 schools in Illinois and Wisconsin. But as he sheds weight and becomes more athletic, there are hopes he will reach another level.
“He’s done such a great job of committing himself to getting in shape,” Tucker said. “He’s averaging 11 rebounds this season. He has all those D3 offers but we are hoping he gets something higher. He’s a great kid.”
Schaumburg (10-5) led 31-12 at halftime. Downers Grove South (8-6), which gave St. Laurence a good test in the consolation final at York, never provided a challenge.
“We noticed on film that they struggled against the zone,” Tunis said. “So our game plan was to make sure to really buy in on that early.”
Tunis scored eight points and 6-6 junior Cam Anderson added 12 points and four rebounds. Tunis has been a varsity player since his freshman year and recently scored his 1,000th career point.
“That meant a lot to me,” Tunis said. “It has always been a goal.”
Despite Tunis’ solid play and Young’s improved physique, the Saxons are off to a disappointing start in the Mid-Suburban League West, starting 0-3.
“That’s unacceptable,” Tucker said. “We went to [the Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic] to play some great teams and that experience showed tonight. We took a big step forward.”
Tunis and Young both believe the Saxons found some chemistry over the holidays.
“We were separating as a team early in the season,” Tunis said. “But we’ve talked and now we are bonding and we are playing much better now that the chemistry is there.”
“We learned that when we play together everything is easier,” Young said.
Linas Kasperiunas, a 6-8 junior, led Downers Grove South with eight points off the bench.
