Into his third year as a starter on the New Trier boys basketball team, Cornell basketball commit Jake Fiegen feels like this is the year the team can finally make the jump down state. 

The goals for Jake Fiegen and the team have never wavered. 

“We talk a ton about making it down to state, and what a cool memory we could create with the guys,” Fiegen said. 

While racking up 14 straight winning seasons, boys basketball hasn’t captured a sectional title since 2012, falling just short to rival Glenbrook South last year in the sectional final, 55-52. With the sectional championship hosted by the Trevains this year, the team is ready to break the slump. 

As senior guard Charlie Peters  describes it, the team mood is much different this time around. 

“With all of the new faces on the team this year, and with different guys stepping into bigger roles, the team vibe is definitely much more serious.”

Though the mood may have changed, Peters describes his teammates as just as close.

“With all the trips we take, those bonds definitely help us to play better on the court.”

The catalyst to this play on the court is Fiegen, who has enjoyed playing the underdog role this season. 

“With a lot of the guys leaving last year, other people didn’t think we would be this good, but I knew we would, so we’re just proving a lot of people wrong and it’s great.”

While Fiegen continues to thrive with his play, he points out that it’s really the preparation from the players and coaches that has got them this far. 

“Our coaches put a lot of work into getting us ready for big games, so that helps us prepare more.”

The coaching staff is led by head coach Scott Fricke, who is into his 15th season as head coach and the newest member into the 300-win club, this past month. 

Fricke’s experience is one thing the team can always count on, racking up six regional championships throughout his time as head coach, and an 87.5% win percentage in the last two and a half years. 

Fricke was also the latest recipient of the IBCA Coach of the Year in 2022, an award that celebrates the best high school basketball coach in the state. 

As the team is poised for a deep playoff run with Fricke and Fiegen at the forefront, Fiegen knows there is a hill to climb, especially with the added attention that he has received from opponents this year. 

As Fiegen pointed out, “I’ve definitely noticed a difference in opposing defenses against me this year. I got a lot of attention last year, too, just teams trying to take me out of games especially catch and shoot 3s. But, I’ve improved my game a lot this year, just becoming more of an overall scorer, so I’ve been able to deal with that a little more.” 

This improvement that Jake has seen, is one aspect of his game that helps back up his leadership qualities.  

“Jake works so hard, that he causes the rest of us to work and play a lot harder. As a teammate, he’s just the most encouraging and best guy to have on your team.” 

With the leadership of Fiegen, the Trevians stand in a tie with Glenbrook North for first place in the CSL standings at 5-1, and a 19-4 record overall.