Scouting this week's boys basketball semifinals
By Dave Oberhelman and Kevin Schmit
doberhelman@dailyherald.com
kschmit@dailyherald.com
Class 4A East Aurora sectional semifinal
No. 4 Hinsdale Central (22-6) vs.
No. 8 Metea Valley (18-12)
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Outlook: Downers North had a lineup physically capable of matching Hinsdale Central inside but the Red Devils' tandem of 6-7 Matt Rafferty and 6-6 George Kiernan, respectively committed to Furman and Navy, combined for 31 points and 25 rebounds in a 53-38 regional final win. The Red Devils looked like a team finally at full strength. Metea Valley's 10th straight victory was a 60-57 win over No. 1 seed Lyons Twp. for the Mustangs' first regional title since 2012. Mark Konkle, 6-6 center, has been consistent all season, but transition-loving guards Dei'Ron DeLaRosa, Bryson Oliver and Ron Edwards plus defensive stopper Nick Dodson have fueled Metea's playoff run.
Advancement: The winner advances to play Wednesday's winner between West Aurora and York in Friday's sectional title game.
Class 4A Bolingbrook sectional semifinal
No. 1 Neuqua Valley (26-4) vs.
No. 4 Providence (21-9)
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Outlook: Minooka held Neuqua Valley 24 points under its average yet the "roller-coaster Wildcats" (coach Todd Sutton's term) won a second straight regional title and the eighth in 17 seasons, 41-33. Neuqua made two 3-pointers after averaging nearly 8 a game. Threes are key for a team with six players averaging at least 6.6 points including top 3 shooters Connor Raridon and Joe Sieger. Providence won its third regional in four seasons. The Celtics are 13-1 down the stretch with wins over St. Rita, St. Joseph and Hales. Troy Howat, Jack Brody and Tyler Pygon all average 10-12 points. Football players Miles Boykin and Nate Vejvoda, used to winning, aided the 58-42 win over Oswego.
Advancement: The winner advances to play Wednesday's winner between Bolingbrook and Plainfield East in Friday's sectional title game.
Class 4A East Aurora sectional semifinal
No. 6 West Aurora (20-8) vs.
No. 7 York (18-12)
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Outlook: West Aurora won its 40th regional title in history, 65-50 over Wheaton North. Perhaps escaping an emphasis on Illinois State recruit Roland Griffin and guard Marquis Howard, whose 77 3-pointers ties West Aurora's record, senior forward Tommy Koth led with 20 points. Coach Gordie Kerkman stresses offensive patience and shot selection. Benet, evidenced by 4-of-19 3-point shooting, became the latest team to struggle against York's zone defense. It helped the Dukes dictate the pace at both ends, something that won't be as easy against West Aurora's pressure. Guard Jayvon Thomas is one of the sectional's top scorers, but he'll need help - especially on the perimeter.
Advancement: The winner advances to play Tuesday's winner between Metea Valley and Hinsdale Central in Friday's sectional title game.
Class 4A Barrington sectional semifinal
No. 2 Lake Park (23-6) vs.
No. 3 Palatine (23-8)
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Outlook: After edging upset-minded Grayslake North in overtime for its first regional title since 2012, Lake Park sits two wins away from its first sectional crown. In addition to Stefan Meccia's brilliant overall game, the Lancers received critical bench play from Dan Hynes and Tim Weiss, who combined for six 3-pointers. The Lancers' Marcus McDaniel-led defense will have its hands full containing Palatine's balanced offense. With third-year starter Chris Macahon running the show the Pirates used a quick start to beat Hersey 63-48 and claim their first regional title since 1996. Mike Williams scored a game-high 23 points as Palatine overcame 9-of-21 free-throw shooting.
Advancement: The winner advances to play Tuesday's winner between Conant and St. Viator in Friday's sectional title game.
- Dave Oberhelman and Kevin Schmit