Barrington Bronco basketball unofficially began Saturday with 'Midnight Madness' as the 2010-2011 varsity squad was unveiled in a scrimmage game.  For those eager Barrington fans hungry for the Broncos, this was the first opportunity to see the team showcased after last year's unexpectedly good finish of 17-13 under Bronco first year coach Bryan Tucker.

Barrington's success turned heads last year as Coach Tucker's team far exceeded expectations.  This was due in large part to the Broncos surpassing the combined 12 wins of the two seasons prior to Tucker's arrival.  Although this was Tucker's first year as the Bronco coach, he had successfully lead Loyola Academy for years. Many Barrington fans were hoping he would bring that same winning attitude and intensity, but though there would be some rebuilding first.

Losing on a last second shot was a difficult way to end his first year as Bronco coach. For Tucker, he was not the least bit surprised in how they finished last year, and is aware of the daunting task to continue this level of success.

"We lost our three top scorers from last year, and our schedule is pretty tough," Tucker said of the hopes placed on this year's team to exceed last year's finish.  "Our league is very talented and with some tough tournaments and non-conference games, we know we will have our hands full."

Coach Tucker will be relying on strong leadership both on and off the court from two returning senior players Greg Gerrard (guard) and Owen Prunskis (forward).

"They are seniors with a lot of quality minutes on the floor," Coach Tucker said of his captains.  "Those are the guys we are counting on to set the tone for everyone else."

Tucker will need contributions from the whole team, but especially 6'7 junior forward John Schneider who averaged 7.5 points a game on last year's varsity team.  Schneider, who played for Team NLP during the off season, worked with former Chicago Bulls great, forward Dickey Simpkins.  Some of the professional knowledge Schneider learned was demonstrated with strong moves in the scrimmage game.  Schneider drove hard on opponents utilizing both hands and in both directions and had some good foot work while in the post.

Sophomore guard Brad Zaumseil showed range as he hit numerous threes during the scrimmage game while guard Tyler Weathered displayed tough pressure defense giving him two steals, and easy uncontested lay-ups, with in seconds.

Overall it was a good exhibition game that highlighted many of the positives that Barrington's team posses and the Bronco's should be able to build upon those as they hope to be playing deep into March and the IHSA playoffs.

"The kids have been working hard and did some good things out there tonight," Coach Tucker said following 'Midnight Madness.' "But obviously it is still early and there is still plenty of work to do."

Barrington will officially kick-off their season on Monday, Nov. 22 with tip-off at 4:30 p.m.  The Broncos will be playing in the Mundelein Tournament and will face the Corsairs of Carmel High School.