Trace Schaaf lifts Lockport past Sandburg

Although he plays a role that traditionally requires some size, senior forward Trace Schaaf benefits from being muscular and long as Lockport’s tallest starter.

The 6-foot-4 Schaaf also prefers to face the basket rather than have his back to it.

“I’m just trying to be tough on the edge,” he said. “I box guys out and move or know how to get to the high point of the ball. We have a lot of guys that can run and get out in transition.

“So rebounding is a big part of it.”

Schaaf played a big role again Tuesday night, recording nine points, seven rebounds and two assists for the host Porters in a 66-37 Southwest Suburban Conference win over Sandburg.

Twin brothers Nojus and Nedas Venckus, both junior guards, led Lockport (8-1, 3-1) with 16 and 11 points, respectively. They scored 13 points in the first quarter to get off to a 22-9 start.

Senior guard Christian Hankins and junior guard Bryson Dagon scored six points each for Sandburg (5-3, 2-2).

The breakout performance from Nojus and Nedas Venckus was set up by four Schaaf rebounds that sparked Lockport’s deadly transition play.

“His rebounds help us every game and Trace has been very consistent with his shooting as well,” Nedas said. “He has height and brings excellent consistency and intensity to every match.

“He’s just an overall good player.”

Nojus Venckus confirmed that Schaaf’s value goes beyond mere numbers.

“Whatever we need most, he always comes up big in games,” Nojus said of Schaaf. “He’s good at looking forward, making those outlet passes and using his size to get to the ball.”

Schaaf also scored 3 points in Lockport’s 15-3 opener. His early aggression and rebounding carried over into every facet of his game.

The Morton-bound baseball pitcher knows all about delivery and fielding.

“It’s my second year of college, but I’m getting a lot more minutes this year,” he said. “I’m doing the same things I’ve always done: rebounding, shooting the ball and spacing the court.

“Just make good passes and strong decisions.”

Last winter, as a junior, Schaaf only started two or three games. Now he is an integral part of the Porters, maximizing his opportunities and taking invaluable steps showing improvement and versatility.

“I had this year of experience,” he said. “It really helped me, and I just had a natural growth and progression to get bigger, stronger and faster.

“I devoted a lot of time and importance to controlling and maintaining the ball.”

Schaaf has another ace up his sleeve, which is most evident on the baseball diamond. But he is a natural left-hander who has some unorthodox movements and actions in his game.

“Most guys are just used to everyone they play against driving properly,” Schaaf said. “The way I go left or move there, they never expect it and it catches them off guard.”

The two-sport athlete has spent much of his life tuned into the emotional undercurrents of a game, but the confines of the basketball court can be interesting.

“In baseball, I know there are no excuses,” Schaaf said. “The crowd and the band were loud, and I love the hype and the adrenaline you get from playing.

“When I started playing, I just dribbled and shot, but then my friends really got me interested in the game.”

If his friends motivated his interest in basketball as a child, Schaaf definitely paid it forward.

“With basketball and baseball, I don’t have a lot of free time,” he said. “Growing up, playing a sport, playing a game, the most important thing was to try to win.

“Having fun with the guys and winning are the most important things I know.”

Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.