5 Takeaways: West Aurora vs Waubonsie Valley

<p>One of the first upsets of the state tournament happened as West Aurora knocked off Waubonsie Valley on Tuesday night in the first round of the state playoffs.  It was close throughout and looked like for stretches the higher seed Waubonsie would take control, but West Aurora never went away and made the key plays in the fourth quarter to win 47-41.  Here are our <strong>5 Takeaways: West Aurora vs Waubonsie Valley</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Kelvin Balfour Monster Performance</strong></p> <p>All night it was the play of West Aurora senior 6’3” guard <strong>Kelvin</strong> <strong>Balfour</strong> that propelled his team.  He was magnificent throughout the game with his combination of athleticism and skill.  Really solid mid-range game knocking down a handful of them getting elevation on his shot.  He got hurt in the third quarter with an ankle injury, but gutted it out to finish with 17 points.  His motor and will to win were apparent in this game!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>West Aurora Depth</strong></p> <p>Balfour was helped out by a balanced attack.  His backcourt mate <strong>Kenny</strong> <strong>Dyson</strong> is an athletic combo guard that can get to the rim for acrobatic finishes.  He had 5 points.  <strong>Christian</strong> <strong>Nieves</strong> hit the biggest shot of the game with a three to ultimately give West Aurora the lead for good.  The two guard also stepped up big at the free throw line for 10 points.  <strong>Paul</strong> <strong>Shavers</strong> is an undersized 6’4” power forward that has a face up game hitting from 15 feet and putting it on the deck from the high-post.  Went for 6 points.  <strong>Axel</strong> <strong>Motola</strong> drilled a clutch three late to swing the momentum.  Strong combo forward had 6 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Home Court Prevails in Upset</strong></p> <p>A huge factor in this game was the home court advantage.  Tough draw for #3 sectional seed Waubonsie Valley having to go on the road to West Aurora to play against the #14 seed on their home floor. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/marcus-skeete/">Marcus Skeete</a> No Doubt D2 Player</strong></p> <p>Despite the loss Waubonsie Valley star senior 6’5” combo forward <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/marcus-skeete/">Marcus Skeete</a></strong> without question proved he is a D2 prospect.  The big bodied forward has slimmed down and really improved his ball skills on the perimeter.  His jump shot is a much more consistent weapon out to three.  Also can play with power in the paint.  Solid passer and makes plays on the move.  Rebounds well from his wing spot.  Skeete finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds.  One of the best uncommitted forwards in the state.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ben-schwieger/">Ben Schwieger</a> Flashes in Comeback</strong></p> <p>Top 20 junior <strong>Ben</strong> <strong>Schwieger</strong> made his return to the lineup after being out with an injury for Waubonsie Valley.  He gutted through it, but it was obvious he wasn’t quite ready to be the impactful player we usually see.  The 6’6” wing is a plus athlete that scored posting up in the high/low.  Also drilled on three, but was consistently short on his shots throughout the night.  Like what he brought to the table as a passer from the perimeter hitting guys on the move.  Defensively he flashed blocking shots.  He had 8 points.</p>