Boys basketball: Week 7 MVP
IC Catholic Prep sophomore Rhashaun Epting has earned Daily Herald MVP honors for his recent boys basketball performances.
Rhashaun Epting, IC Catholic Prep: Coach T.J. Tyrrell said the 6-foot-3 sophomore forward had his best game ever in a key Suburban Christian Gold victory at St. Edward. Epting made 16 of 19 free throws and scored 33 points with 11 rebounds in the 69-63 win. First, Epting had 22 points, 6 steals in a 67-48 nonconference win over Lisle.
Kyle Beyak, Prospect: The junior guard came up big when it mattered most to help Prospect stay perfect in the Mid-Suburban East. Beyak hit a pair of clutch 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, the last of which put the Knights ahead for good with 1:09 to play in a 55-52 victory at Wheeling. Beyak finished with 12 points.
Isaiah Butler, Elgin: Coach Mike Sitter said the final play of Elgin’s 59-57 victory over Batavia “went wrong six ways to Sunday,” yet Butler somehow made it work. The 6-foot-1 wing gathered a loose ball near the baseline, drove toward the basket and sent a floater to the rim that rolled in for the game-winning bucket with 2 seconds left. Butler’s game-winner capped a 20-point night and snapped Elgin’s 3-game losing streak.
Roland Griffin, West Aurora: The 6-foot-4 junior forward recorded double-doubles in two wins against solid opponents. He scored 21 points with 10 rebounds in a 77-53 DuPage Valley win over Naperville North. He added 13 points, 13 rebounds in a 67-46 win over Lockport. Overall, Griffin made 15 of 24 shots from the floor.
Will McClaughry, Lake Zurich: Will had his way twice in a Saturday sweep for the Bears. The junior center registered 19 points and 5 rebounds in a 67-47 win over Marian Central, then posted 18 points and 6 boards in a 64-49 victory over Niles North. For the day, he shot 16 of 19 from the floor.