Meet Mike Evans, who could easily be dubbed the mayor of West Aurora’s clamp city — Los Angeles Clippers reference — for what the senior guard does on defense.
That’s because the 6-foot Evans, who struggled last season to earn playing time, starts and has emerged as a stopper for the Blackhawks.
“Watching film, he didn’t play a whole lot,” first-year coach Mike Fowler said. “But I understand he was in an accident and hurt his back, was kind of in and out. Then, coming here this summer and watching him being involved with his teammates, he was great.
“He bought in with what we were trying to accomplish right away, and I can’t ask more from his effort. He’s always positive, always about the team.”
And, surprise, surprise, he has some offense to his game too.
That much was clear Tuesday night in a Southwest Prairie Conference crossover with the game on the line against visiting Joliet Central. The Steelmen tied it 40-40 in the opening minute of the fourth quarter after trailing by as many as 11 in a first half that saw them force 14 turnovers.
Evans, scoreless with one assist at that time, scored all seven of his points in teaming with Jordan Brooks to put away the 60-45 victory with a 20-7 advantage in the final quarter.
“The team was just struggling, and I felt like I needed to step up bigger for this game,” Evans said. “Every night I just try to go out there and do my best on defense and then anything I can do to bring the win. That’s my main goal.
“I didn’t really have any expectations coming into the season. I just wanted to play hard and show what I’ve got, to be honest.”
Evans, who included three drives to the basket resulting in two free throws and two baskets with one leading to a 3-point play, combined with Brooks’ game-high 18 points to lift West Aurora (14-4, 8-0).
Evans’ effort in the fourth also featured a steal and an assist on one of two Terrence Smith dunks.
“I think he’s been one of the best defenders in this area,” West Aurora assistant coach Derik Hollyfield said. “He’s guarded the best perimeter player on every team we’ve played. He just wanted playing time. Now he’s a huge part of what we do.
“He’s a kid who’s always ready to play. Sophomore coach David Bryant and I were talking, and we think he’s the kid who’s probably grown the most over a one or two-year period, both on and off the court.”
Evans’ performance was complemented by balanced scoring with nine points from Evan Hackney and eight each from Smith and CJ Savage.
The Blackhawks survived 21 turnovers forced by a swarming, trapping defense by forcing 17 turnovers from Joliet Central (9-7, 3-5).
“We knew it wouldn’t be pretty — they were going to be all over the place,” Fowler said. “It may not make sense when you look at it, but you need to make the right reads and be aggressive.
“They were getting deflections and hands on the ball.”
According to Evans, effort was the issue early in the game.
“We just came out lazy, and they came out and wanted it more and were just more physical with us,” he said. “We were just giving them the ball.”
Led by their minister of defense, however, the Blackhawks responded.
“He’s gonna fly under the radar of a lot of people when you watch him,” Fowler said of Evans. “He’s kind of taken on a role of guardian because it gets him on the floor for heavy minutes.
“He’s athletic. He can get off the floor and play. Sometimes, he might struggle offensively. Sometimes, you might see him like (Tuesday), where he’s a blip.”
