Boys basketball: Balance keys Waubonsie Valley’s regional championship over Neuqua Valley
It’s gonna take everyone from here on out, and the formula to follow was showcased Friday night.
In order to survive next week’s rugged Class 4A Benet Academy sectional, second-seeded Waubonsie Valley is going to have to get contributions from multiple players, much like they did while knocking off Neuqua Valley 70-52 to claim a 4A regional title on their home court.
Superstar guard Tyreek Coleman was solid again, but on this night, it was his teammates who stole the spotlight as the Warriors improved to 31-2 on the year while knocking off their rival Wildcats a third night and earning a spot in the sectional semifinals against third-seeded Benet Wednesday night in Lisle. Top-seeded Bolingbrook takes on Downers Grove North in the other sectional semifinal Tuesday.
The heroes were everywhere for Waubonsie Valley as four starters scored in double figures and the fifth starter — Cade Valek — managed 9 points including a trio of dunks that had the home fans roaring.
Senior guard Josh Tinney scored 11 points in the first half as the Warriors blitzed the Wildcats (20-13) 40-23 through two quarters while excelling on both ends of the floor. Neuqua Valley had 12 turnovers in the first half and that proved to be too much to overcome.
Tinney, meanwhile, had a 3-pointer in the first quarter and then three driving layups in the second quarter. Teammate Moses Wilson tallied 11 of his team-high 20 points in the first half.
“When Tyreek’s getting face guarded like he does in a lot of games, it’s easier for me to get downhill,” explained Tinney, who also had a pair of steals in the win. “He makes it a lot easier for me to do my thing. It’s thanks to my teammates, they give me the ball and set good screens and then they knock down shots when I give them the ball.”
Sophomore Kris Mporokoso was also a big factor, knocking down four 3s and finishing with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Coleman had 12 points and 6 assists for the night, scoring less than usual but making sure the rest of the team was involved in the offense.
“When Kris is shooting like that and I’m getting downhill, and ’Reek and Mo are always going to do their thing, we’re pretty unstoppable,” Tinney said. “And you have Cade [Valek] grabbing rebounds and throwing down dunks.”
The Wildcats came out hot in the third quarter and closed to within 46-36 following a 3 from Mason Martin, but they would get no closer the rest of the night. Martin was plagued by foul trouble in the first half but hit all four of his 3-point shots in the third quarter to lead the team with 12 points. Cole Kelly and Whitman Charboneau each added 10 points.
“Well, we made that run because we got shots. In the first half we didn’t get shots because we turned it over. We were going to make shots but we just couldn’t get shots because we turned it over. They were very good on defense,” Neuqua Valley coach Todd Sutton said. “They’re a great team. They’re 31-2 for a reason. They’re superior to us in every aspect.
“Best team in school history.”
Valek, a 6-foot-7 senior who will play soccer at Division II Alabama-Huntsville, put on a show in the fourth quarter on Friday, putting down his three dunks and also lobbing an alley-oop that Wilson slammed down as the Warriors added to their 55-43 lead after three quarters to secure the regional title.
“It felt great. Especially to close out a game like that, against Neuqua, our rivals and at home for a championship,” said Valek, who took a break from club soccer earlier this year to give his all to basketball. “It feels great to finish like that. I took a break 3-4 weeks ago and it’s been helpful for basketball with fresh legs. I haven't been dragging as much.
“I’m just focusing everything on basketball right now. Especially with the opportunities we have right now. I don’t want to take anything for granted.”
While the dunks were great, Warriors coach Andrew Schweitzer was more impressed with the charge Valek took in the third quarter on defense.
“That was awesome. Here’s the thing, it’s a charge and we’re up, what 15? That’s unbelievable. That’s the type of kid you want in your program. Nothing gets me more excited than a charge, nothing. It's sacrificial, it’s putting your body on the line for the team. Loved it,” Schweitzer said.
He also loved the balanced attack and total team effort.
“We got multiple guys who can carry the offensive load,” he added. “As a coach, to watch that tonight, the ball movement, the easy passes, it was awesome.”