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No questioning West Aurora's effort

It was not the scenario West Aurora coach Gordie Kerkman had in mind when the Class 4A boys basketball playoffs began.

The fifth-winningest coach in state history certainly hoped to be in Hinsdale on Tuesday night for the third time in the last four seasons in search of a sixth career Final Four berth.

But after losing starting point guard Matt Dunn to an athletic code violation after the regional championship, the Blackhawks were dealt a double blow this week when star forward Roland Griffin was suspended for a school disciplinary matter.

Sixth-man Drake Spears was lost on Monday with an ankle injury.

But against all expectations, West Aurora had a chance for the ultimate steal against Bolinbrook.

But neither senior forward Tommy Koth nor guard Reggie Jordan could find the range in the last eight seconds as Bolingbrook persevered for a 50-49 victory.

"We knew it was going to be a dogfight, no matter who was in the jerseys for West Aurora," Bolingbrook coach Rob Brost said. "(Kerkman) is one of the best coaches in the state - and the country, for that matter. It was an honor just to go against him."

West Aurora's resilience was tested early as the Raiders had an 11-0 run to negate their only two deficits of the game.

"We have had some adversity - and not just this week," Kerkman said. "(The players) don't seem to buckle; they just keep coming after you."

Koth, Jordan and Marquis Howard played their final games for the Blackhawks but not before almost orchestrating a most improbable victory.

Howard, who hit four 3-pointers to lead the team with 16 points, and Jordan combined for 21 of the Blackhawks' 27 first-half points.

Sophomore DaQuan Cross, who did not lodge a single minute of playing time in the regular season, had 3 crucial jumpers in the paint to help reduce the Blackhawks' halftime deficit to 3.

"I really thought we were going to get this win," Howard said. "The ball didn't roll (our way)."

Bolingbrook appeared to take command with a second 11-point unanswered run in the third quarter.

But the Blackhawks were far from finished.

Four different players - Koth, Cross, Howard and freshman forward Camron Donatlan - scored to close out the third quarter.

Koth had a putback to open the fourth-quarter scoring, and Howard drained his final 3-pointer to tie the game at 45-45 with 6:49 left.

"It felt great," Howard said.

The Blackhawks' defense was in the midst of holding Bolingbrook to 5 points over the last 10-plus minutes of the game.

Jordan had the final shot of the Blackhawks' season - a desperation heave from just inside the timeline - and saw it bank off the backboard.

"I wish I had a little more time to get up the court quicker," Jordan said.

Images: West Aurora falls 50-49 to Bolingbrook.

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