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MVP: St. Charles East's Hardy earns Week 1 honor

St. Charles East junior forward Justin Hardy has earned Daily Herald MVP acclaim for his performances in Week 1 of the high school boys basketball season.

Justin Hardy, St. Charles East: This 6-foot-5 junior forward was named MVP of St. Charles East's Ron Johnson Thanksgiving Tournament after he capped a solid 4-game performance with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to win the event. Trailing rival St. Charles North by 2 points with 2.1 seconds left, Hardy caught a 50-foot inbound pass from teammate Zach Mitchell just over the midcourt line, turned and swished the game-winner to lift the Saints to a 59-58 victory. Hardy averaged 23.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists and a steal in 4 victories by the Saints.

Kyle Sliwa, Fremd: The senior guard was the model of consistency in leading Fremd to a 4-0 record and earning MVP honors in Mundelein's tournament. In victories over Warren, Lake Forest Academy, Elk Grove and Mundelein, he led his team in scoring each time with 16, 18, 17 and 15 points.

Justin Smith, Stevenson: It was a November to remember for the four-year varsity player. After signing with Indiana University, the highflying forward helped the Patriots start 4-0. He had 26 points and 10 rebounds in the title-clinching win at Buffalo Grove, giving him 1,013 career points. He was named tourney MVP after averaging 24.5 points.

Jayston Williams, Montini: After last season's 7-22 record the Broncos' first 4-0 start since 2012-13 was most welcome. This 6-foot-2 junior small forward led the way at Northridge Prep, averaging 21 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.5 steals. Williams capped the tourney by scoring 24 points on Wheeling, 26 against Leyden.

Kyle Sliwa
Justin Smith
Jayston Williams
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