Burlington Central's Fitzgerald nets MVP honors

Burlington Central senior forward Ryan Fitzgerald has earned Daily Herald MVP honors for his recent high school boys basketball performances.

Ryan Fitzgerald, Burlington Central: This returning all-area forward scored 50 points in a pair of victories as the Rockets improved to 8-0. The 6-foot-6 senior scored 22 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in a 65-56 win at Richmond-Burton. He later scored 28 points and hauled down 10 rebounds in a 28-point victory against North Boone.

Devin Blake, Downers Grove North: The Trojans broke a three-game losing streak with two straight wins last week behind Blake's all-around play. The 6-foot-5 senior forward knocked down seven 3-pointers and scored 23 points in a 70-51 win over Glenbard South, then scored 26 points in a 67-58 upset win over Downers South.

Jason Schoo, Schaumburg: The senior guard came up with a breakthrough performance as Schaumburg picked up its first MSL West win on the road. Schoo had a game-high 16 points to help the Saxons to a 46-39 triumph at Barrington.

Justin Smith, Stevenson: Considering the 6-foot-7 junior and three-year varsity player is the defending Class 4A state champs' lone returning starter, the Patriots are his team. He flashed his huge potential in a 69-59 win over Prospect, exploding for a career-high 32 points. He shot 13 of 16 from the floor (one 3-pointer) and 5 of 5 from the foul line, and also had 4 assists and 3 blocks.