At the beginning of every game, Neuqua Valley senior Nonso Ogbuefi takes his customary spot on the bench.
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The 6-foot-5 forward, however, always remains alert and engaged.
“It takes a certain mentality to come off the bench,” he said. “You have to always be ready to go with your energy high. You are always locked in on the game.
“When you come in, you have to be ready to contribute.”
Ogbuefi was more than ready last Wednesday night, scoring a career-high 14 points on 7-for-7 shooting as the Wildcats beat Naperville North 54-50.
Inserted into the game midway through the first quarter, Ogbuefi responded with three straight baskets, illustrating his importance to Neuqua (23-8).
His inside scoring contrasts with the strong perimeter-oriented play of junior guards John Poulakidas and Connor Davis.
Ogbuefi’s agility and length around the basket also are crucial to his success.
“I play well in the post,” he said. “My strengths are finishing down low, especially on the right-hand side. I am a team player, and I can also pass the ball out of the post and get assists.”
Ogbuefi started playing organized basketball in the first grade at the YMCA in Bolingbrook. He followed a path at Neuqua staked out by his older brother Dubem, a forward who graduated in 2017.
“This is my second season on the varsity, and I feel like I am more of a leader who shows the younger players by leading by example,” Nonso said.
He radiates a passion and joy for the game.
“Just seeing my teammates happy gives me a lot of energy,” Ogbuefi said. “When we all play together and everybody is connected, that brings out our energy.”
He has drawn recruiting interest from NCAA Division III programs Augustana, Knox and Monmouth.
Now, his focus turns to the start of the crucial stage of the season with the beginning of state playoffs.
Neuqua, the fifth seed of the Class 4A Lockport Sectional, plays at 7 p.m. Wednesday against the Porters in a Lincoln-Way West Regional semifinal.
“We earned this spot,” he said. “We could have gotten a higher seed, but we are fine with where we are. We just need to stay locked in and play well as a team.”
Mighty Marcus: Waubonsie Valley’s Marcus Skeete was named the MVP of the DuPage Valley Conference.
A three year starter, the senior guard is averaging 17.1 points for the Warriors (27-4).
“This award means everything,” Skeete said. “Recently, I’ve been looking back at the last four years here at Waubonsie and just remembering all the relationships I have made and how much work I have put in.
“Winning this award just tops it off and adds to what has already been a great four years.”
All-conference honors: Waubonsie Valley junior Ben Schwieger, who averages 16.4 points, also earned all-conference recognition by the DVC.
Naperville Central and Neuqua Valley had two players apiece honored.
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Senior forward Cameron Daugherty, the Naperville Central’s leading scorer at 18.1 points, and senior center Chris Conway, were named to the eight-player list.
Poulakidas, who averages 17.7 points, and Davis were selected for Neuqua.
Senior guard Myles Barry was the lone representative for Naperville North. Junior forward Grant Johnson was one of two players who earned special mention.
From Metea Valley, senior guard Myles Leavy and senior forward Kymari McBride received honorable mention.
Benet senior Colin Crothers earned his third selection to the East Suburban Catholic’s all-conference team. He was joined by senior guard and teammate Jack Prock, a first-time pick.
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.