Billy Samp, a wide receiver for West Aurora’s football team, is well-versed at catching a ball.
Samp demonstrated he has some serious skill passing a ball on the basketball court, too.
The 6-foot-6 junior forward threaded the needle Tuesday night on an inbounds pass that covered three-quarters of the length of the court to sophomore guard Terrence Smith.
It set the stage for the shot of the game with 2.8 seconds left in overtime.
“Actually, it was supposed to go to Josh (Pickett), but they defended it well and the play broke down,” Samp said. “I briefly saw Terrence open and knew I had to get him the ball.”
Smith caught the pass, turned and then sank a contested 3-pointer from the wing, forcing a 51-51 tie and sending the Southwest Prairie Conference crossover to a second OT.
There, the Blackhawks secured a much-needed 58-54 win over visiting Plainfield East.
“Billy threw a dart to Terrence and he knocked it down,” West Aurora coach Brian Johnson said. “Obviously, it was huge.
“In the second OT, the guys focused and locked in. We got a bucket early from CJ Savage and were able to execute down the stretch.”
The Blackhawks (12-7, 5-3) were coming off a 1-2 week that featured a win over Plainfield South sandwiched around tough losses to touted Joliet West and archrival East Aurora.
“It’s high school kids,” Johnson said. “It’s up and down. They’re learning. They’re developing. We start four juniors, one sophomore.
“The East Aurora game hurt. We did a lot of reflection, had a great practice Monday, and kids stay resilient.”
Plenty of players stepped up for West Aurora, starting with the unheralded Samp.
“Mainly, I’m out there for defense and rebounds,” said Samp, who had just three points but added a pair of steals, a blocked shot and an assist to go with four rebounds.
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Samp’s only basket came on a baseline layup early in the first OT off a feed from junior guard Jordan Brooks, breaking a 44-44 tie that ended regulation.
“It was nice to get an easy bucket there from Jordan,” Samp said.
Samp made 1 of 2 free throws in the second OT.
“Billy keeps getting better and better,” Johnson said. “He played some great help-side defense and did a nice job on their big man.”
Andrew Soenksen, a 6-8 senior with 3-point range, did finish with 13 points and contested Smith’s big shot.
“It wasn’t perfect, but I had to make the best of it,” Smith said. “I had a hand in my face, but he wasn’t close enough. I was real confident in the shot. I just let it fly.”
Plainfield East is also young, with just three seniors who see much action for first-year coach Kanwer Sarkaria. He has succeeded West Aurora graduate Michael Fowler, who stepped down after five seasons.
“I coached with Mike for nine years,” Sarkaria said. “We’re up and down because we’re young.
“That was a tough three to give up. We contested it, but credit to Terrence for knocking the shot down.”
Junior guard Ehi Ogbomo scored a game-high 26 points for Plainfield East (8-9, 2-6).
Pickett countered with 25 points for West Aurora, while Brooks added 11 and Savage and Smith each had eight.
“These trials and adversity have strengthened our bond with each other,” Pickett said. “Although it’s hurt our record, hurt us in the eyes of the public, it’s helped us on the inside. With this bond, we can really go far and really start rolling. It’s a long season.
“I knew Terrence was going to hit that shot. He had my back. I had made some mistakes, but that’s what brotherhood is about — helping each other out and overcoming mistakes.”