Merrillville senior Jelani Pruitt puts up a shot over Valparaiso senior Quentin Palmer during their Duneland Conference matchup at Merrillville HIgh School Friday, December 28, 2012, in Merrillville, Ind. | Scott M. Bort~For Sun-Times Media
Valparaiso senior Quentin Palmer blocks Merrillville senior Jelani Pruitt during their Duneland Conference matchup at Merrillville HIgh School Friday, December 28, 2012, in Merrillville, Ind. | Scott M. Bort~For Sun-Times Media
Merrillville senior Jake Raspopovich puts in a layup as Valparaiso senior Zach Meyer trails him on a breakaway during their Duneland Conference matchup at Merrillville HIgh School Friday, December 28, 2012, in Merrillville, Ind. | Scott M. Bort~For Sun-Times Media
Merrillville senior Jake Raspopovich gets past Valparaiso junior Justin Osburn on his way to the hoop during their Duneland Conference matchup at Merrillville HIgh School Friday, December 28, 2012, in Merrillville, Ind. | Scott M. Bort~For Sun-Times Media
Valparaiso senior Tyler Doane puts up a shot against Merrillville during their Duneland Conference matchup at Merrillville HIgh School Friday, December 28, 2012, in Merrillville, Ind. | Scott M. Bort~For Sun-Times Media
Valparaiso senior Tyler Doane puts up a shot past Merrillville senior Jake Raspopovich during their Duneland Conference matchup at Merrillville HIgh School Friday, December 28, 2012, in Merrillville, Ind. | Scott M. Bort~For Sun-Times Media
MERRILLVILLE — Valparaiso had just taken its only lead of the game late in the second quarter when Merrillville’s Jake Raspopovich found the ball in his hands for the last possession. The Pirates senior point guard assessed his options during Friday night’s big Duneland Athletic …
