January 30, 2025
Sports - Kane County
Sports

Boys Basketball: St. Charles North's Tyler Czerniak commits to Central College

Senior guard overcame shoulder injuries to help lead North Stars to first regional title in a decade

By JACOB BARTELSON

St. Charles North senior Tyler Czerniak, who has played through multiple shoulder injuries this season, hit seven consecutive three-pointers in a game against Glenbard North Feb. 12.

ST. CHARLES – Tyler Czerniak's road to finding a college basketball home has been anything but easy.

Several left (shooting) shoulder injuries plagued his senior season, yet he was still able to be a major contributor for a St. Charles North team that won its first regional in a decade.

"This season was one to remember with a lot of ups and downs," Czerniak said. "I'm happy we got our regional. I'm just happy that the future is set."

On Thursday, Czerniak made his announcement on social media that he will attend Central College, a Division III program based in Pella, Iowa.

Central College was one of three offers that included Monmouth College and Rockford University.

"Of the three, Central [gives] me the best opportunity to prove myself early instead of automatically having to wait my turn [behind more experienced players]," Czerniak said.

Czerniak will pursue a degree in broadcast journalism.

The 6-foot senior is scheduled to have corrective shoulder surgery in May to repair the general wear and tear suffered over the course of the season. Czerniak elected to hold off on surgery until well after the season so he could participate on the court.

Recovery is expected to last between five to six months, and Czerniak expects to be in a sling for likely four to six weeks. Assuming all goes well, Czerniak will likely see the court again sometime in November.

"They're even keeping me awake for [the surgery]," Czerniak said. "I don't know how it's possible, but they are."