Clum (L), Varley (C), and Ward (R) have their eyes on the National MVP prize, which will be announced on Wednesday.
The Most Valuable Player award winners were made public on Friday, and now each region's MVP has a shot at the National MVP title. With the Wednesday announcement close at hand, it's time to look at each player's MVP résumés:
Jesse Steele, Knicks - Berkeley Heights
Though he made just five appearances for the Knicks, Steele earned a reputation in New Jersey as an offensive sparkplug. His 32.3 ppg led Berkeley Heights in scoring this Summer, and with two headline-worthy performances (a 10 for 19 three-point shooting display in his debut, and a triple-double on August 12th), Steele was a lock for MVP out East.
Kenny Olafeso, Wet Bandits - Bloomington South
Alongside twin brother and Bloomington South's Defensive Player of the Season, Peter Olafeso, Kenny led the Wet Bandits to a 7-1 record. Including the playoffs, Kenny Olafeso missed just 32 minutes of action this Summer. A constant threat, Kenny posted tremendous all-around averages of 21.3 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 4.3 rpg, and 2 spg - oh, and a season shooting clip of 61.5% certainly won't hurt his chances either.
Hammie Ward III, Storm - Lake Houston
A big man with range, Hammie Ward III was - and is - a near unstoppable weapon in the Storm's arsenal. With six double-doubles (including one in his UH debut, possibly his best game to date), a seven-game streak with at least one block to end the Summer, and a 45% 3PT shooting clip, Ward would be a handful for any team in Ultimate Hoops.
Jon Bowling, Parliament - Omaha
Bowling may have missed three games, but when he was on the court, there was none better. Bowling won the Defensive Player award as well, and averaging 13.8 rpg, 1.1 spg, and 2.5 bpg indicates just how strong an interior presence he is. Bowling also shot 53% from the field and had three games with 18 rebounds.
Dan Morrow, Wolfpack - Overland Park
The centerpiece of the Wolfpack's unbeaten Summer, Morrow had at least 9 rebounds and 3 assists in every game. Though his shooting stroke slumped in the final four games, Morrow still managed 52% FGs on the season. The rookie will look to build on his impressive inaugural campaign that saw him lead the Pack in scoring, rebounding, and assists.
Chad Clum, Str8 Heat - Scottsdale and Tempe
Mr. Triple-Double did not win a Gold Cup for the second straight year, but if anyone is the frontrunner for National MVP, it has to be Chad Clum. Playing for his Str8 Heat franchise in both UH Phoenix locations, Clum was an absolute wrecking ball: a combined nine triple-doubles, six games with at least 20 rebounds, and a ridiculous 65% combined shooting clip.
Doug Lambert, No Size - Warrenville
Shooting 57% from the floor and 52% from downtown, Lambert was an inside-outside assassin who finished the Chicago summer with 26.2 ppg and 8.6 rpg. His mysterious absence from the Gold Cup game cost No Size a chance at back-to-back titles, but make no mistake - Lambert is a force to be reckoned with.
Ian Varley, And 1 - West County
David Watson may have had more impressive numbers, but Varley won the championship and he was no slouch in the statistical department either. Varley finished the summer with 19.6 ppg, 11.3 rpg, and 1.2 bpg, and on an And 1 team that thrived on player rotation, Varley's constant presence in the lineup struck fear in the hearts of West County opponents.
