West Aurora stands tall against Elgin
In 1973 West Aurora and Elgin played one of the most famous games in state history at the state quarterfinals.
"The New York Knicks won the NBA championship that year," West Aurora legend John Bryant once said. "Elgin had a taller frontcourt than they did."
But it was all West Aurora Tuesday night in the schools' Upstate Eight Conference game.
"They are in first place for a reason," Elgin coach David Hess said after the Blackhawks dominated the Maroons with a 67-39 victory Tuesday night in Aurora.
West Aurora never trailed in turning back the Maroons Tuesday in Aurora.
Elgin did not make a shot from the field in the second quarter as the Blackhawks raced to a 37-15 lead at the break.
West Aurora (17-3, 10-0) is a perennial participant in the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. A season ago, West Aurora did not drop a single regular-season game after returning from Pontiac.
"You hope you can recapture that magic from last year," West Aurora coach Brian Johnson said.
Thirteen players scored in all for the Blackhawks' latest triumph in the Upstate Eight.
Hezzy Salter was the only player for either team in double figures with his game-high total of 12 points for the Blackhawks.
But it did not matter for West Aurora as the squad put a clinic on the Maroons.
"When we move the ball like that, we're unbeatable," West Aurora reserve forward Cameron Kalmas said.
"We are moving the ball and playing as a team," West Aurora bench player Logan Mont said. "We are very together as playing as a team. It's a great accomplishment to be a part of a team to do that (run the table in their 10 conference games)."
The typical stars for the Blackhawks were not even needed Tuesday.
Marquise Walker, the Blackhawks' leading scorer, simply drained three 3-pointers for his 9-point output.
Backcourt mate Traevon Brown scored 7 points.
Starting forward Kelvin Balfour was barely needed for the Blackhawks in adding 6.
West Aurora has won eight consecutive games.
Xavier Bonds led Elgin with 8 points.