Even though he’s playing a role that traditionally requires a certain amount of height, senior forward Trace Schaaf takes advantage of being sinewy and long as Lockport’s tallest starter.

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

“I just try to be tough at the rim,” 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 who can run and get out in transition.

“So, rebounding is a big part of that.”

Schaaf played a big part again Tuesday night, posting 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 power a 22-9 start.

Lockport’s Trace Schaaf (1) battles for a rebound with Sandburg’s Will Hooks, right, during a SouthWest Suburban Conference game in Lockport on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. (Jon Cunningham / Daily Southtown)

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

The scoring performance of Nojus and Nedas Venckus was set up by four rebounds from Schaaf that unleashed Lockport’s lethal transition game.

“His rebounding helps us every game and Trace has also been very consistent with his shooting,” Nedas said. “He’s got the height and brings an excellent consistency and intensity to every game.

“He’s just an overall good player.”

Lockport’s Trace Schaaf (1) takes the ball to the basket as Sandburg’s Bryson Dagon defends during a SouthWest Suburban Conference game in Lockport on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. (Jon Cunningham / Daily Southtown)

Nojus Venckus confirmed that Schaaf’s value extends beyond simple numbers.

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

Schaaf also made a 3-pointer during Lockport’s game-opening 15-3 run. His early aggression and rebounding carried over to every facet of his game.

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

Lockport’s Nedas Venckus (11) and Nojus Venckus (10) deny Sandburg’s Malachi Perkins a rebound during a SouthWest Suburban Conference game in Lockport on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. (Jon Cunningham / Daily Southtown)

“This is my second year on varsity, but I’m getting a lot more minutes this year,” he said. “I’m doing the same things I’ve always done — rebound, shoot the ball and space the floor.

“Just make good passes and strong decisions out there.”

Last winter as a junior, Schaaf only started two or three games. Now, he’s a fixture for the Porters, optimizing his opportunities and taking invaluable steps showing an improvement and versatility.

“I had that year of experience,” he said. “That really helped me, and I just had the natural growth and progression in getting bigger, stronger and faster.

“I put a lot of time and emphasis on controlling and taking care of the ball.”

Schaaf has another ace up his sleeve, which is more apparent on the baseball field. But he’s a natural left-hander who has some unorthodox movements and actions to his game.

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

Lockport’s Owen Nemecek (23) battles for a rebound with Sandburg’s Malachi Perkins (1) during a SouthWest Suburban Conference game in Lockport on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. (Jon Cunningham / Daily Southtown)

The two-sport athlete has spent much of his life attuned to the emotional currents 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 made it really loud, and I just love the hype and the adrenaline you get playing.

“When I first started playing, I was just dribbling around and shooting, but then my friends really got me interested in the game.”

If his friends drove his interest in basketball as a kid, Schaaf has decidedly paid things forward.

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

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/trace-schaaf-lockport-sandburg-ihsa-boys-basketball/