Waukegan adds to West Aurora's disappointment

PONTIAC - For the second year in a row West Aurora was in a role reversal for the holidays.

The Blackhawks were a heavy underdog against Waukegan in opening-round action of the hallowed Pontiac Holiday Tournament on Monday afternoon.

Prospects for an upset against the second seeded and reigning Class 4A state runner-up evaporated after a promising first half of basketball for the Blackhawks, who lost their sixth consecutive game 71-52 to fall to an almost unfathomable 1-7.

"There comes a time when you have to say, 'Enough is enough,'" West Aurora coach Gordie Kerkman said.

West Aurora will need to repeat its formula from last year to salvage the month of December.

The Blackhawks lost to Simeon in first-day play last year, only to rally for the consolation title.

West Aurora will meet United Township this morning; the East Moline school had its season-opening winning streak halted at eight by Danville.

Jereme Richmond, the University of Illinois' top recruit, powered Waukegan (8-3) with game highs of 25 points and 12 rebounds.

But the game was certainly closer than the final score indicated.

West Aurora came out with guns blazing, hitting its first 3 shots as Derrick Johnson and D.J. Vaughn carried the load early.

Then Juwan Starks came to the forefront for West Aurora.

The sophomore standout was particularly active against Waukegan, blocking Richmond at one end while leading the team with 7 rebounds.

The first quarter began as a shootout, and Richmond had a tip-in to give Waukegan a 22-19 lead after one quarter.

Kyle Pilmer and Starks had back-to-back putbacks in the second quarter to forge one tie, and Starks' field goal with one minute to play before the break tied the score for the final time.

Anton Williams' inside score gave Waukegan a 33-31 lead at the break, but the second half had a completely different imprint.

Aaron Johnson complemented Richmond brilliantly as the senior guard was an offensive force in his own right with 22 points.

Johnson capped a 12-2 third-quarter-opening burst to create separation.

West Aurora was 7-for-29 from the field after halftime.

"I was not pleased with out shot selection in the second half," Kerkman said. "We played scared the whole game. It's pretty hard to attack if you're not looking at the basket."

Johnson led West Aurora with 14 points; Starks and Vaughn both finished with 11.

West Aurora opened the game with a zone defense, which caught Waukegan coach Ron Ashlaw by surprise.

"We expected to see man and much more pressure," Ashlaw said. "(Kerkman) is a guy who we model our program after."

"When we forced them to go back to man, it allowed us to get some easy baskets," said Richmond.