Sports
Boys Basketball: Viser, Boatright Deliver Tomcats' First Conference Crown in 11 Years
East Aurora 78, Neuqua Valley 71. Dynamic East Aurora duo scores 62 points as the Tomcats capture at least a share of the Upstate Eight Valley title.
The Hot Read: After struggling for much of the past two months, East Aurora senior Snoop Viser awoke in the second half, scoring 21 of his 26 points after the break, to deliver the Tomcats at least a share of their first conference championship in 11 seasons. Neuqua took an 11-point lead into the second half, but never led again after taking a 53-51 lead early in the fourth. The win completed a regular-season sweep for East over Neuqua. Prior to the game, East Aurora learned that it earned the No. 4 seed and Neuqua the No. 5 seed in the upcoming Class 4A East Aurora Sectional. The pairings will be released on IHSA.org Friday at 3 p.m.
Patch’s MVP: East Aurora senior Ryan Boatright was magnificent again, scoring a game-high 36 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field (including 4-of-8 from three-point range) and 12-of-15 shooting from the free-throw line.
Key Stats: After being held to 28 points in the first half, East exploded for 50 second-half points to roar to the win. Viser’s 21 points, many coming with Boatright getting a breather on the bench, revitalized the Tomcats in the second half. Boatright and Viser combined to score 62 of the Tomcats’ 78 points in the win.
Find out what's happening in Montgomerywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Neuqua Valley’s Leaders: Alex Karkazis (23 points, 10 rebounds), Sam Johnson (20 points, 5 rebounds) and Sean Pyritz (7 points, 4 assists).
East Aurora’s leaders: Boatright (36 points, 7 rebounds), Viser (26 points) and Tyrone Savage (5 rebounds, 4 steals).
Find out what's happening in Montgomerywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Quotable: “This was a tough game to prepare for,” East Aurora coach Wendell Jeffries said. “All week, everyone in town has been talking about West Aurora. Then, Neuqua Valley was trying to get revenge on us for beating them by two points at their place. They came out focused and ready to go and we did a great job of weathering the storm.”
Team Records: Neuqua Valley: 20-5 overall, 7-3 Upstate Eight Valley. East Aurora: 17-5 overall, 9-2 Upstate Eight Valley.
What’s Next: Neuqua Valley gets an eight-day break before hosting South Elgin on Friday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. and turning around to make the long trip to Quincy the next day. East Aurora hosts its most anticipated game of the year, the annual crosstown battle against West Aurora, Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
