Neuqua Valley finds a way to get Raridon open looks

Todd Sutton knew what the top priority was leading into Friday's boys basketball game with Bartlett -- get his shooters open. Particularly Derek Raridon.

"Waubonsie, they guarded him like crazy. He didn't get an open look," said Neuqua Valley's coach, referring to his co-leading scorer limited to 6 points and one basket in Wednesday's sectional semifinal. "We have to get our shooters open, and he's our shooter."

The Wildcats executed Sutton's plan to a tee.

Raridon knocked down his first 3-pointer minutes into the game and scored 8 points in the first quarter, making all 3 of his shots.

He finished with 14 points in Neuqua Valley's 69-53 win in the Class 4A East Aurora sectional final.

"I didn't really contribute too much in the win against Waubonsie," Raridon said, "but tonight I got a lot of open looks. Fortunately, I was able to make those shots."

Raridon was hounded all Wednesday by Waubonsie's quick guards. Bartlett presented a better matchup.

"They play more zone," Raridon said. "There's always going to be more open looks if you're playing against a zone."

Raridon wasn't the only Neuqua Valley player to bounce back after a relatively quiet semifinal showing.

Emerging sophomore Dwayne Evans, who had 20 points and 8 rebounds in a regional final win over West Aurora, was held to 6 points against Waubonsie.

On Friday Evans scored two of Neuqua's first three baskets, had 8 points in the first quarter and finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

"Last game I did what I needed to do to get the win," Evans said. "It's all about the team. Whatever it takes to win."

Just as he did against West Aurora, Evans burned Bartlett on several occasions in curling around screens for open looks at the rim.

He can take it from there.

"It really gets my confidence up when my teammates get me the ball and I finish inside," Evans said. "It's been amazing, being a part of this team."

Depth has become this Neuqua team's calling card.

On Wednesday it was Dan Pawelski scoring 17 points to lead the way offensively. Friday it was Raridon and Evans.

Add in the contributions of guys off the bench like seniors Brad Keeler and T.J. Jordan, who combined for 18 points Friday. Jordan's defense and energy against Waubonsie might have saved Neuqua's season.

Even junior guard Drew Sutton has found his niche, strategically substituted on baseline inbounds plays to float lobs to the big guys.

The Wildcats come at opponents in waves.

"It's always somebody different," Raridon said. "We have so many players that can step up on a given night. If some players are off, other guys are on."