Lake County Gazette

This summer is shaping up as the season for Luke Chieng to be heard.

The Stevenson senior point guard has easily become known as one of the Patriots' most indispensable assets, though he readily identifies at least one area where he thinks he needs to step up even more.  

“I’m really working on being a vocal leader this year,” Chieng told the Chicago Tribune. “In past years, I’ve been more of a lead-by-example type of person. This year, I want to speak up and use my voice to lead people when I’m on the court and off.”

Luke Chieng

Chieng averaged 5.8 points last season and was third on the team with 55 assists. He was fourth with 37 3-pointers made and shot 86 percent from the free-throw line (33-for-38).

In the end, it was all enough for Stevenson coach Pat Ambrose to single out Chieng as the one instrument his team can’t do without.

“He should be the face of the program this year,” Ambrose told the Tribune. “He’s a really good kid. He’s smart. He really knows what to do. We really like him as a player. We have to get him to be a little more vocal because he’s kind of a quiet leader. Last year, that was fine. But this year, he’ll speak up. He’s got a good head on his shoulders.”

Chieng has been part of the Stevenson varsity program since the end of his sophomore season, recalling that he almost instantly began to vibe with his teammates.

“It helps a lot, just being exposed to all the different captains, players like Jackson (Qualley) last year,” Chieng added. “And seeing other seniors, that helps me know that’s the person I want to be. They helped to shape the player I am now. I want to be that leader, too.”

Chieng figured prominently in the Patriots proving all the critics wrong last season, with Stevenson finishing 18-10, 10-4 for a share of the conference title in a year where many pundits pegged them to finish near the bottom in the standings.

“In the beginning of the year (outsiders) thought we’d be the second to last team in the conference,” Chieng said. “We had no returning starters, but it was fun. We jelled as a team and we really played well together. We moved the ball well and played solid defense. That’s what led to our run.”

Chieng added he envisions the team turning even more heads during the upcoming regular season.

“It’s sad to see it’s the last year, but I’m excited,” he said. “We can have a really good season this year.”