Boys Basketball: Neuqua Survives Scare from Raiders

meant no disrespect to Bolingbrook, but the Wildcats admitted after Wednesday’s regional semifinal that they had prepared hard for another battle with new rival Metea Valley.

But the Raiders messed up those plans by eliminating Metea, and then threw a big-time scare into Neuqua before the Wildcats eventually prevailed 52-43 to advance to the Bolingbrook regional title game Friday night against East Aurora.

“I better not say this too loud, but we were crazy, total preparation to play Metea because they had just whipped us on our home court and we assumed they were going to win (Monday),” Wildcats coach Todd Sutton said. “We just wasted two days of practice. That tells you how smart I am.”

Neuqua (22-8) made just one field goal in a seven-point second quarter as the Raiders (9-18) trailed just 22-17 at the half and then pulled to within 35-32 after three quarters. But the Wildcats, who had defeated Bolingbrook in the regular season with an 85-point outburst, made just enough big shots and late free throws to avoid the upset.

Tyler Sutton, who opened the fourth quarter with his third 3-pointer of the game, paced Neuqua with 13 points. The junior guard was not surprised to see Bolingbrook put up a fight, but he was impressed with the Raiders’ improved defense this time around. “We knew they’d come out harder,” he said. “It’s one and done now and everyone gives you their best shot. But they played a heck of a defense.”

Sam Johnson and Ryan McDermott, who bombed in 3-pointer after 3-pointer in the last meeting at Bolingbrook, were held in check for the most part on Wednesday. But they did still manage to play key roles, as McDermott knocked down two big threes in the third quarter for his only six points, and Johnson’s fourth-quarter three gave Neuqua a 44-35 cushion with 4:54 left to play.

Johnson, who had exploded for a 21-point quarter the last time he saw the Raiders, finished with 12 points on Wednesday. He’s looking forward to another crack at an East Aurora team that defeated the Wildcats twice in close contests this season. “It’s playoff basketball. It’s going to be close in the fourth quarter,” he replied when asked about the scare from the Raiders. “Friday is a big game. It’s a regional final and I’m glad we get them again.”

Jim Stocki added 11 points for Neuqua and Alex Karkazis led the team with 8 rebounds. Jabari Sandifer had just one field, but it was a big 3-pointer in the fourth quarter for the Wildcats. Nick Malonga led Bolingbrook with 12 points and Dan Fisher added 10.