West Aurora wins Pontiac consolation title

PONTIAC - West Aurora has reason for optimism with the start of a new year.

One day after ending its six-game losing streak, the Blackhawks defended their consolation-championship title at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament with a pair of one-sided victories.

In the final against host Pontiac on Wednesday evening, D.J. Vaughn had the game of his life to lead the Blackhawks' revival. The senior guard scored 20 of his career-high 22 points in the opening half against Pontiac, setting the stage for the Blackhawks' 75-40 dismantling of the Indians.

"Being a point guard I knew I would have to create my own shots," Vaughn said.

The senior scored the final 6 points of the first quarter and had a second quarter for the ages: he terrorized the passing lanes to disrupt the Indians' offense while converting three 3-point field goals. With time running out in the second quarter, Vaughn gave West Aurora a commanding 43-20 lead at the break by sinking a shot from beyond half-court.

"I practice that shot in practice," Vaughn said.

Pontiac (5-8) never recovered. After struggling to score throughout its difficult start to the season, the Blackhawks were in control the entire way. Using their trademarks of defensive pressure, unselfishness and ball movement to perfection, the Blackhawks ground Pontiac into submission.

West Aurora shot 58 percent from the field in the second half alone and thoroughly dominated the backboards with a 45-17 plurality.

"I thought every time they moved the ball and got an open shot they knocked it down," Pontiac coach Jake Krause said. "They just killed us on the boards."

Juwan Starks and Tyrone Carey, perfect from the field at 5-for-5, added 12 and 11 points, respectively, while players such as Kyle Pilmer and Richard Preston added different dimensions with their board work and floor play.

"We just did all the little things to come back and play another day," Starks said. "We just didn't want to go home early."

In its morning 61-37 win over Bloomington, West Aurora scored the opening 12 points of the first quarter the last 11 points of the second quarter to lead 29-11 at the break. Derrick Johnson (13 points), Starks (11) and Carey (11) were all in double figures for the Blackhawks.

"That's our goal: to get four games down here," West Aurora coach Gordie Kerkman said. "All aspects of our offense have been operating much better. We are making much better decisions."