2012-2013 Boys'
Basketball Focus
PONTIAC Considering their first-ever boys basketball matchup was prominently featured in a recent nationally aired documentary, it was only fitting West Aurora and Simeon met in the championship game of the Pontiac Holiday Tournament Saturday night.
Just like their epic encounter at the 1984 Class AA state semifinals which ESPN documented with its 30 for 30 biography of the late Ben Wilson the results were the same for West Aurora in the form of a 60-47 loss.
With four Division I recruits, headlined by Duke-bound all-American candidate Jabari Parker, Simeon used its perimeter acumen and its formidable size and strength to subdue a determined Blackhawks group.
West Aurora (10-2), making its first finals appearance in nine years, used sheer tenacity to stay competitive throughout an exceptionally well-played first half by both teams.
The Blackhawks, despite serious height disadvantages, dominated the backboards, using a 10-2 plurality in second-chance points to take the lead on several occasions in the opening half.
It seemed like all we could get were second-chance points, West Aurora coach Gordie Kerkman said. We couldnt get any first-chance points.
We werent blocking out, said Jaylon Tate, one of two Illinois-bound guards in the backcourt for Simeon. We were trying to leak out early and get easy baskets.
They wanted it a little bit more than us, Simeon coach Rob Smith said of the Blackhawks peskiness.
But every West Aurora opportunity to take leads of any significance were routinely negated by the Wolverines 3-point accuracy.
Simeon, with Parker, the unprecedented three-time MVP of the tournament who led all players with 14 points, hit four 3-pointers in the opening half.
West Aurora was also victimized by foul troubles to its two most important players: post Josh McAuley and point guard Jontrel Walker.
McAuley, whose extraordinary play at both ends resulted in first-team all-tournament status, missed most of the second and third periods with fouls.
You cant coach height, McAuley said of the matchup difficulties his replacements faced. I thought (the third foul on a moving screen) was a horrible call. Their man knocked me into his own man.
Roland Griffin drained a 3-pointer for West Aurora to conclude the first half, which ended with Simeon leading 30-26.
But Kendrick Nunn, the Wolverines other Illini recruit, opened the second half with back-to-back 3-pointers.
Conversely, West Aurora seemingly could not buy a perimeter field goal after the intermission.
I thought we had a lot of good looks, Kerkman said. When youre playing against a team 6-(feet)-8, 6-7, 6-7, 6-4 and 6-3, youre not going to get a lot of layups.
McAuley and Walker were the Blackhawks scoring leaders with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
We played in the championship game at Pontiac thats a major accomplishment, McAuley said.
Walker was second team all-tournament, and senior Spencer Thomas was honorable mention.
West Aurora High School
St. Charles North High School
Conference: DuPage Valley
- Looking back at the best of the season
- Proviso East's pressure gets to West Aurora
- Images: West Aurora vs. Proviso East
- West Aurora's McAuley shines once again
- Careers come to a close for West Aurora's Lee, Thomas twins
Conference: Upstate Eight River
- Elgins Williams chooses Tampa
- Looking back at the best of the season
- Images: Daily Herald All-Area Basketball Team Captains
- Williams talents helped keep Elgin afloat
- Boys basketball/Fox Valley all-area team

