Wauconda's Carter earns MVP honor

Donovan Carter of Wauconda is this week's Daily Herald boys basketball MVP.

Donovan Carter, Wauconda: The sweet-shooting guard has filled up the basket since his sophomore season and has gotten his senior campaign off to hot start. His season-high 34 points (five 3-pointers) in an 85-64 win over Grayslake North marked his fourth 30-point performance since last season. He also had 20 points in a 71-43 victory over Elgin. Through 8 games, he's averaging 23.5 points.

Connor Kochera, St. Viator: The Lions' senior guard poured in 22 points including four 3-pointers in a 49-34 win over Joliet Catholic then came back the next night with 30 points (three 3s) in a 56-46 victory over Hersey, a game in which he was also 13 of 14 from the free-throw line.

Ben VanderWal, Timothy Christian: The Trojans' 6-foot-5 sophomore wing came up huge in a 43-40 Metro Suburban Red win at rival Wheaton Academy. VanderWal led all players with 17 points and 17 rebounds, plus 3 blocked shots. He made four 3-point baskets, the last one a buzzer-beater under heavy pressure to win the game.

Taaj Davis, Aurora Christian: This senior helped Aurora Christian get off to a positive start in Metro Suburban Blue play with his contributions in a 59-56 overtime victory over rival Aurora Central Catholic. The 6-foot-1 guard fouled out in the extra session, but not before he poured in a game-high 26 points to help the Eagles improve to 4-1.