Alan Kessler (in white) will team up with Malcolm Taylor to provide senior leadership for this year's Illineks. Gargoyle photo by David Porreca (click to enlarge)

URBANA — Tonight, a new era of Uni High basketball begins.

For as long as any Uni student has been here, the common thread for Uni High boys basketball has been a player with the last name Renner.

Now after Mike graduated last spring — following his brothers Andy (Class of '05) and Al (Class of '06) — that run is over.

And what a run it was. Among the brothers' many accomplishments, Al broke the Uni boys career scoring record in his senior year, finishing with 1,372 points — a record Mike broke in his final season. Mike wrapped up his career with 1,517 points.

But there is a streak that the Illineks would like to continue this year.

"[Our goal this year is] definitely to win 15 games," said senior forward Alan Kessler. "Maybe [this will be] the first year that we win 15 games in the streak of 15-game seasons where there's not a Renner on our team."

Uni has won at least 15 games in a season in each of the last five seasons, going a combined 96-40 in that span. Reaching that mark should be more difficult this year, after losing six seniors and all five starters from last year's squad.

Besides Mike Renner, the team has lost Austin Rundus and Chumar Williams (both of whom now play as part of the University of Illinois women's basketball practice team), Frankie McFarland, Isaac Radnitzer, and Ammar Rizwan.

With no winter tournament on the schedule, the 2008-09 regular season also has fewer games than in recent years, with only 23 varsity contests as opposed to the 27 Uni played the past two seasons (not including playoff games).

Nonetheless, the Illineks are optimistic about their prospects.

"I think we have the potential to have a good year," said junior guard Dan Lilly. "We have a lot of new people onto the varsity, so a lot rides on how new people perform and improve over the course of the year."

Lilly has two years of varsity experience. He made 29 three-pointers last season and averaged 5.0 points per game as the team's sixth man.

Kessler, noted for his 15-foot jumpshots and solid defense, also has extensive varsity experience.

"I think we have a great bunch of guys," said Kessler. "I think we can surprise ourselves by getting better over the course of the season."

Two years ago, as the 2006-07 campaign began, the Illineks were coming off a 22-6 season and had lost nine members of varsity. This year, Uni comes off a 21-7 season having lost six varsity players.

Those earlier Illineks went on to finish 15-13. Do this year's Illineks compare?

"You could compare the two," said head coach Joel Beesley, who is returning for his 14th year at Uni. "While the '06-'07 team had players who were more skilled on the perimeter yet inexperienced, this group has more post players who are still learning but have promise."

Beesley also added that this year's team will be the first "in years" to have players taller than 6-foot-4, led by sophomore center Warren Skoza, who measures 6-6.

"I think Warren Skoza has a lot of potential," said Lilly, "just because he's so big and athletic. And I think all the big guys have potential if they work hard and apply themselves. And same with the guards."

With several new roles to fill, many players are being asked to step up. The probable starters will be Kessler, Lilly, Skoza, senior Malcolm Taylor at forward, and junior Neil Pearson at guard.

"Obviously Lilly, Kessler, and Taylor have been there in the past and know what to expect," said Beesley, who has a record of 154-176. "They have experience on the floor in key situations and know what the coaching staff expects. They will be our on-floor leaders. But their work ethic and vocal leadership will be key to our development."

Expect others to contribute as well.

"Costa Cangellaris has been a pleasant surprise on the defensive end," Beesley said of the junior. "His understanding of the defensive scheme we run has been important in his development this year, and he has a nice baseline jumper."

Beesley, Kessler, and Lilly each said their goals included an East Central Illinois Conference championship. Last year Uni placed second in the conference with a 10-2 record, with both losses coming to ECIC winner Decatur Christian.

This year Normal Calvary Baptist and Decatur Lutheran will be the favorites, according to Beesley. But the chances of a championship come down to how Uni plays as a team.

"We are combining a lot of different personalities, and that will take a bit to get them all in one mind," said Beesley. "Over the past few years, we have had teams which were really close, and I hope this one can continue their progress."