Neuqua Valley hardly put a foot wrong tonight against Lockport. The Wildcats knocked down open shots on the perimeter and in the post and were excellent defensively.
“The last few weeks in practice we’ve really focused on finding the next open man,” junior John Poulakidas said. “Passing up the good shots for great shots. Yesterday [in practice] especially was kind of the epitome of that. We were able to break down the zone and find the open man tonight.”
I was there to see Poulakidas and he didn’t disappoint. He was one of the few star juniors in the area I had never seen play and I needed to make sure to get that done before the season ended. Connor Davis, a 6-4 junior also played well. The Wildcats should be very solid next year, which was one of the reasons I made the trip down to Lincoln-Way West.
So next season was kind of on my mind and after the game I made the stupid mistake of asking Neuqua Valley coach Todd Sutton about it. Yes, I asked about next season about five minutes after a playoff victory. Sutton was nice about it, but I am clearly a moron.
The Wildcats will face Plainfield North for the regional title on Friday.
CLASS 4A
Brother Rice 62, Sandburg 47: We haven’t mentioned the Crusaders much this season but they are now 21-10 and will play for a regional title. Rico Powell scored 17 and Deandre Hagan added 15 points.
Lyons 74, Proviso East 57: A very big night for Grant Niego. The senior poured in 31 points and grabbed eight boards for the Lions.
Lane 48, Oak Park 40: What a great win for Lane. Word is that Isaiah Barnes didn’t play for the Huskies, who end a strange season with an upset loss in the regional semifinals.
Lincoln-Way East 66, Andrew 60 2 OT: Looks like this might have been the best game of the night. Ryan Sucha led the Griffins with 21 points and J’Heir Jones added 12. Ryan Sierocki blocked five shots. Next up is Thornton in the regional title game.
East Aurora 62, Oswego East 60: Joe Henricksen and I spent some time discussing Oswego East’s chances to upset Bolingbrook in the regional final on Friday. Whoops.
CLASS 3A
Clemente 74, Bulls Prep 65: The Wildcats will play for a regional title for the first time in more than 20 years. Terrell Taylor scored 24, Trey Spires added 20 points and 10 rebounds and sophomore Dante Brown added 15 clutch points.
Tinley Park 55, Ag. Science 45: AJ Casey with a big 24 points and 15 rebounds to help the Titans get past the underrated Cyclones. Yitonis Nash added 12 points and 15 rebounds. Next up is Morgan Park.
Deerfield 66, Lakes 47: The Warriors were expected to be an interesting Class 3A team this season. The first win is in the books behind 21 points from Walt Mattingly and 15 from Brandon Lieb. Deerfield is 20-10.
Farragut 77, Prosser 55: Junior Malik Williams, one of the Public League’s really underrated players, finished with 34 points and seven assists.
Rich Central 72, Richards 68: The Olympians pull off the upset and keep the basketball program alive for at least one more game. What a great story. Keanu Gordon scored 21.
Kenwood 83, Hyde Park 77: The Broncos have been playing well lately and pull off the big rivalry win at home.
CLASS 1A
Aurora Christian 82, Uplift 73 OT: Taaj Davis scored 30 and Danny New had 23 to send Aurora Christian into the sectional final.
