Neari's confidence, game both keep growing

Once again, it's regional tournament week for our area boys basketball teams.

After watching more than 20 games this season from the so-called comfort of the hard, wooden/plastic high school bleachers throughout Chicago's western suburbs, I have formed my share of opinions along the way.

If I were a head coach - and I realize that's quite a stretch - there's definitely one player I'd want to have on my team this season.

His name is Nick Neari, and his all-around play is a major reason why St. Charles North earned its school-record 20th victory Tuesday night against Larkin (71-59) and is one win away from capturing its second regional championship (only regional title occurred in 2005).

The 6-foot-3 senior guard is playing his best basketball at the right time, evidenced by his stat line the past few games:

• Tuesday against Larkin, Neari hit 11 of 17 shots from the field on his way to scoring 30 points. Also had 7 assists and 5 rebounds.

• Feb. 24 at East Aurora: Playing without Josh Mikes and with Jon DeMoss still bothered by an elbow injury, Neari scored 21 points and added 9 assists in the North Stars' loss to the Tomcats.

"And he guarded (Tomcats star) Ryan Boatright all game long," said North Stars coach Tom Poulin.

• Feb. 20 vs. South Elgin: Scored a game-high 27 points in the North Stars' 70-64 Senior Night loss to the Storm.

• Feb. 8 vs. Johnsburg at the Conference Challenge Classic: Finished with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in the North Stars' 53-42 nonconference triumph.

• Feb. 7 vs. Waubonsie Valley: Tallied 20 points, including a perfect 12-for-12 at the free-throw line in the fourth quarter, with 7 rebounds and 5 assists in the North Stars' 64-50 Upstate Eight Conference victory over Waubonsie Valley.

"He took control of the game," Warriors coach Steve Weemer said of Neari's performance. "He was the difference in the game tonight by a landslide."

• Jan. 31 vs. Fremd: Through 3 quarters, Neari couldn't buy a basket as he misfired on 11-of-12 field-goal attempts. Did he feel sorry for himself? No way. Instead, the third-year varsity starter turned into a 1-man wrecking crew, hitting his last 6 shots, including banking in the game-winning 3-pointer with 8 seconds remaining to lift the North Stars to a 52-49 nonconference win.

"All" Neari did in the fourth quarter was score all 14 of his team's points in the last 3:41 - part of his 18 fourth-period points and 22-point total.

"I don't know if I've ever seen any high school player score 18 points in a quarter, especially 14 straight points, and against a quality team like Fremd," said Poulin.

While admittedly saying it "was a good game," Neari fell short of calling it his most memorable high school moment.

"I really liked the Loyola experience," Neari said of the Johnsburg game that was played at Loyola University's Gentile Center. "I enjoyed waking up and coming in early, the bus ride and just being with the team the whole day.

"I loved playing on the college floor because I hate small gyms."

Big gym or small, Neari has certainly become a complete player.

"He has gained more confidence each game," said Poulin. "With the added success, he has taken another step forward. He has had as much of an impact on both ends of the floor as any player in our conference.

"He has carried us at times offensively and defensively. We've asked Nick and Jon (DeMoss) to defend the best players from other teams."

Known as a fierce competitor on the court, Neari has plenty of other valuable traits.

"He's a hungry kid," said Poulin. "And he's got a great head on his shoulders. He recognizes it's a game and that you can't let it get the best of you. It's a pretty rare quality. He makes me a better coach.

"He reminds you to smile and have fun but he still gets the job done. I think his best asset is his perspective."

Neari, who expects to play college basketball somewhere next fall, has received interest from several schools, including Air Force, Butler, Illinois Wesleyan, Augustana, North Central and Beloit.

"I'm not going to make any decisions until I can make some visits," said Neari, who plans on majoring in economics or English and hopes of one day becoming an author.

For at least one more game, Neari will get a chance to add another chapter to his superb high school basketball career.

"My favorite part is being with the friends and people I've met through basketball," he said.

Poulin, who has been Neari's coach all 4 years at St. Charles North, will miss having him around.

"He has been a true leader and captain," said the coach. "He's ready for the world."

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