Week 2: Grayslake North's Thomas gains MVP acclaim
Grayslake North senior guard Jamal Thomas has earned Daily Herald MVP honors for his recent high school boys basketball performances.
Jamal Thomas, Grayslake North: Russell Westbrook isn't the only point guard posting triple-doubles. Thomas had 24 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds in a 70-57 win over Lakes. The senior's week also included 22 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds against Vernon Hills, as the Knights won 53-45.
Joe Coffaro, Hersey: The senior guard scored 14 first-quarter points and also played well in crunch time, finishing with a game-high 28 points as Hersey started Mid-Suburban East play with a 73-71 overtime win against Prospect.
Brett Czerak, Aurora Central Catholic: The Fox Valley area's leading scorer a year ago picked up where he left off. The 6-foot-1 senior forward helped the Chargers win the title at Aurora Christian's Burney E. Wilkie Tournament by scoring 14 of his game-high 25 points in the fourth quarter of a 67-45 victory over the host school, which gave the ACC the title on point differential. Czerak averaged 24 points, 4 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.5 assists for the 4-1 Chargers.
Austin Reed, IC Catholic Prep: The 6-foot-3 senior guard scored 26 points with 8 rebounds in a 58-42 win over Lisle. Against Riverside-Brookfield Reed scored 21 points with 9 rebounds and 6 assists, the last on Alex Meurer's last-second 3 for a 73-70 win over a Bulldogs squad that has won 15 straight conference titles.