Naperville North fought from November through March.
Their final bout, a thrilling 49-42 overtime loss to the host Blackhawks in the Class 4A West Aurora Regional semifinal, was a disappointing end to a competitive season.
The Huskies (16-11) enjoyed big victories against Naperville Central and Lake Park, but frustrating losses to those same Redhawks as well as a double overtime loss to Lyons.
Still, nothing compared to the West Aurora loss.
“As good as West Aurora is, I thought we outplayed them in the second half,” Powers said. “That made me feel a little bit bitter, but I was so proud of how our guys played.”
It marked the end for the team’s eight seniors.
“We were kidding around and said that Chris Gajcak could be the president of the United States and the rest of the seniors could be CFOs somewhere,” Powers said. “The kids stayed out of trouble, were good with the other kids and many took on lesser roles because of our sophomore talent.”
While Powers may not be looking too far ahead, he’s got reason to be excited. Sure, he’s losing a lot of seniors, including Baylor Griffin, but Jelani McClain and sophomores Cam Hardy, Mitch Lewis and Winston Elston will return.
Naperville Central (15-14) is only losing three seniors.
Matt Meier and Manny Rugamba had big seasons for the Redhawks while Brandon Baskin, Harrison Hallstrom, Liam Heath and James Kendrick all saw the floor at times.
The Redhawks started strong, winning six of its first seven games, but went 9-13 the rest of the season.
“We were playing our best basketball about the middle of the year,” Redhawks coach Pete Kramer said. “I think we peaked early and with a young group and that happens at times.”
College
Waubonsie Valley senior Chris Karkazis hopes to play at Wisconsin-Whitewater.
The Warhawks (24-4) finished their season last weekend with a loss in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament.
“I’ve pretty much narrowed it down to Whitewater,” Karkazis said. “I went to a game two weeks ago and they won the conference title at home. I got to go on the court and meet coach (Pat) Miller and I think I could see myself there.”
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Benet senior Colin Bonnett hopes to extend his career.
“I’m working with Coach (Gene) Heidkamp this week to explore my options,” he said. “I want to play somewhere.”
It’s surprising the Bonnett hasn’t garnered Division I interest. He’s shined on the big stage, winning the A.C. Williamson Award at the Pontiac Tournament and leading the team with 12 points in last year’s Class 4A state title game.
“I’ve played against kids who are getting D-1 looks and I think I’ve held my own against them,” he said. “So it’s a little bit frustrating, but all you can do is play through it and do your best.”
Naperville North seniors Zach Tuxhorn and Deon Merrill are also mulling over their options according to coach Jeff Powers.
One thing we know for sure — Neuqua Valley’s Connor Raridon is staying home and will play for his father, Todd, at North Central.
Milestones
It’s been a year filled with milestones for area coaches.
Neuqua Valley’s Todd Sutton, who was already a member of the 500-win club, picked up his 350th win for the Wildcats.
Naperville North’s Jeff Powers picked up 201 victories while spending 11 years at Timothy Christian, but he notched his 300th victory overall this year for the Huskies.
Naperville Central’s Pete Kramer enjoyed his 200th victory as the Redhawks’ head coach with a home win against Wheaton North in late December.
Benet’s Gene Heidkamp celebrated his 150th victory for the Redwings as he enjoyed his sixth straight 20-plus win campaign.
Chris R. Walker is a freelance writer.