On a night that honored senior players and welcomed back alumni such as Chiefs tight end James O’Shaughnessy, Naperville North could do no wrong.
The No. 20 Huskies clinched the DuPage Valley title for the first time since 2012 by beating Neuqua Valley 64-49.
Naperville North’s win was its 10th straight in conference play, and it gave it a 3-0 season sweep over the Wildcats.
“It was mainly the underclassmen who came up with the win for us,” Naperville North senior guard Jelani McClain said. “It’s good that we won the conference, but we’re still trying to win games and work hard every day at practice.”
Neuqua Valley (9-16, 5-8), which came into the contest riding a three-game DVC winning streak, took an early 8-3 lead on a 3-pointer by Joe Sieger. But when Naperville North’s Steve Wade sank a 3 for a 10-8 lead, the Huskies (19-4, 12-1) were in front to stay.
“It feels good to be able to help out (the seniors),” said Huskies junior guard Winston Elston, who scored 11 points.
Naperville North led 34-25 at halftime, and closed the third quarter with an 8-0 run and 52-36 lead. Mitch Lewis scored a team-high 12 points for the Huskies.
“It’s a credit to our boys,” Naperville North coach Jeff Powers said. “Since we’ve gotten everybody healthy we haven’t lost a conference game, so I’m very proud of them. This is a very special group of guys. They’re athletic and they’ve got skills.”
Bob Hurst is a freelance reporter for the baiduhai.
Player of the game: Mitch Lewis, Naperville North, 12 points.
Key performers: Naperville North — Winston Elston, 11 points; Camaron Hardy, 10 points. Neuqua Valley — Jacob Cushing, 18 points.