Boys basketball: Week 9 MVP
West Aurora senior forward Roland Griffin has earned Daily Herald boys basketball MVP honors for his recent performances.
Roland Griffin, West Aurora: The 6-foot-6 senior forward provided consistent performances the Blackhawks seek to help beat Waubonsie Valley, Glenbard East and Batavia by an average of 25 points. The Illinois State-bound Griffin averaged 15.7 points on 65-percent field goal shooting, along with 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals.
Kyle Beyak, Prospect: An energetic performance from Prospect's senior guard helped keep the Knights in the thick of the Mid-Suburban East race as Beyak scored a game-high 18 points in a 68-43 victory over Rolling Meadows. He also had a team-best 15 points as the Knights topped Glenbrook North 48-42 in OT.
Gabe Johnson, St. Francis: The Spartans' 6-foot-3 guard was dialed in from 3-point range in a pair of St. Francis victories. A junior, Johnson went 8 of 10 beyond the arc. He scored 21 points in a 67-27 Suburban Christian Conference win over Montini and followed with 23 points in a nonconference victory against Alleman.
Daniel McFadden, Larkin: This 6-foot-5 forward was a force in the paint for Larkin in a 75-55 road victory over rival Elgin. The senior pulled down 14 rebounds, 9 of them offensive, and converted multiple putbacks to lead all scorers with 20 points as the Royals defeated the rival Maroons for the eighth straight time.
Ethan Sage, Lakes: The Eagles have a sage veteran in Sage, a three-sport athlete who's enjoyed a breakout basketball season. His 29 points led the way in a 56-41 win over Oswego East. The senior forward followed up with a 20-point effort, as the Eagles defeated Round Lake 67-31.