These players made the big shots
With the holiday season drifting away in the rearview mirror, it's time to take a look at DuPage County's all-tournament boys basketball team.
Drew Crawford, Naperville Central: Crawford was the straw stirring the Redhawks' drink in their run to the Wheeling Hardwood Classic title.
Earning MVP honors, Crawford began mildly while scoring 14 points in an easy first-round win over Maine West. In the second round he exploded for 18 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter of a come-from-behind win over Libertyville.
Another rally came in the semis against Notre Dame, where Crawford scored 13 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter of a 70-69 win. The 6-foot-5 Northwestern recruit finished with 23 points in a title game win over Loyola.
Crawford averaged 24.5 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2.8 blocks as he became the first Redhawks player to be Wheeling's MVP since 1993.
Dwayne Evans, Neuqua Valley: The Wildcats' 6-foot-5 power forward scored in double figures in each of Neuqua Valley's games at Elgin, helping Neuqua win its second title at Chesbrough Fieldhouse in two seasons.
Leading Neuqua in scoring in three of the four games, the talented junior topped out with 19 points in the last two, including the 69-61 title match over Glenbrook South.
A tough mismatch, Evans continued to show his abilities around the basket as well as an improved outside shot. His penchant for strong first and third quarters helped Neuqua put teams away.
Derek Raridon, Neuqua Valley: Evans' wingman, literally, the 6-foot-6 senior forward has continued his steadily excellent play at Elgin.
Wowing scouts and coaches alike with his heady play, Raridon opened with 16 points and 14 rebounds in a 73-56 win over Highland Park and never looked back.
"He made big shot after big shot," said Wildcats coach Todd Sutton. "He may be the most 'basketball-smart' player we ever have had."
As such, Raridon's effect at Elgin went beyond the 10 points he scored in an 84-49 win over Fremd, or the 12 he scored in the title win over Glenbrook South. He simply made his team better by being on the court.
Jordan Harks, Glenbard South: The versatile 6-foot-6 senior exploded at York's Jack Tosh Holiday Classic.
Even though the Raiders finished sixth Harks was considered for tourney MVP after he scored 100 points and grabbed 37 rebounds in four games.
Normally a wing player, Harks played in the post at York due to Kevin Marshall's injury. Harks responded in the first round by scoring 18 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter of a win over Lyons Twp.
Glenbard South got knocked to the consolation bracket with a second-round loss to Riverside-Brookfield, but Harks scored 25 of his 31 points in the second half to keep the Raiders close. Harks closed the tournament with 25 points in a win over Maine South and 15 in a loss to York.
Jelani Johnson, Waubonsie Valley: No, he didn't earn most valuable player at the Warriors' own Christmas Classic. But the 6-foot-5 senior forward was the last man standing for the team that won the title.
The Western Illinois recruit showed more of the ballhandling abilities that he'll bring to the college level and opened the tourney with 20 points and 7 rebounds in the 71-59 debut win over Glenbard North.
Johnson had a subpar effort in the Warriors' 51-36 loss to Aurora Central. One of the marks of a champion, however, is resiliency. In the 58-55 win over Hinsdale Central for the title Johnson scored 22 points with 13 rebounds and made 10 of 15 shots.
The second team
James Fleming, Glenbard North: Had games of 28 and 22 points at Waubonsie Valley.
Tyler Griffith, West Chicago: A load in the post at Glenbard West.
David Palash, St. Francis: Did it all for Glenbard West tournament champions.
Matt Purdom, Immaculate Conception: All-tourney for runners-up at Luther North.
Will Sullivan, York: Scored and defended well for Jack Tosh hosts.