News Summary

Aurora, Illinois, is celebrating its basketball heritage as three legends from the city are honored on Kane County’s Mount Rushmore. These icons, stemming from the fierce East Aurora-West Aurora rivalry, include Kenny Battle, Shabazz Napier, and Dan Issel. Each has made significant contributions to both high school and professional basketball, showcasing exceptional talent and competitive spirit. With a vibrant basketball culture, Aurora continues to inspire future generations of players.

Aurora’s Basketball Legacy: Three Legends Take Center Stage on Kane County’s Mount Rushmore

Aurora, Illinois, is shining bright these days, and it’s not just because of the beautiful sunsets over the Fox River. This vibrant city is proud to see its basketball heroes recognized in the world of sports fame, having three of the four basketball legends featured on Kane County’s very own Mount Rushmore. Talk about a dunk-tastic honor!

Rivalry Runs Deep

Anyone who knows anything about Illinois high school basketball will tell you about the long-standing East Aurora-West Aurora rivalry. In fact, it’s the second-oldest rivalry in the state, dating back decades and deeply rooted in the spirit of competition. Over the years, this rivalry has birthed a treasure trove of basketball stars, but none shine quite as brightly as the legends from Aurora who have made a lasting impact on both local and national stages.

The Undeniable Legacy of West Aurora

First on our list is the legendary West Aurora basketball program, known for its rich history and remarkable achievements. The program boasts an impressive accolade of one state championship in 2000, alongside 15 state tournament appearances and a whopping 11 state trophies! With coaching masterminds like John McDougal and Gordie Kerkman at the helm, it’s no wonder West Aurora consistently produces exceptional talent.

The iconic Kenny Battle led West Aurora to an electrifying 31-2 record in 1984. Not only did he guide the team to the state tournament, where they finished third, but he also stole the spotlight as the leading scorer, averaging an astonishing 19.5 points and 11 rebounds. With a total of 1,188 career points under his belt, Battle is celebrated as one of Illinois’ best high school dunkers. His tenacity on the court and fiery competitive spirit made him a fan favorite, both during his high school years and throughout his college career at Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois.

Boatright’s Brilliance

Next up is the remarkable Shabazz Napier, affectionately known as “Boatright.” During his senior year, he showcased his talents by averaging a jaw-dropping 31.2 points per game, including two explosive games where he scored 63 points and 55 points respectively! Boatright’s talent wasn’t just displayed in numbers; he made headlines for leading a major upset against the nationally ranked Benet with a stellar 29 points. As a co-recipient of the coveted Mr. Basketball Award, Boatright had a promising beginning, having committed to USC back in the eighth grade but ultimately taking his talents to Connecticut. His contributions helped propel the team to a national championship title in 2014, after which he embarked on a successful professional career overseas.

Issel’s Iconic Career

Rounding out the trio of basketball giants is the legendary Dan Issel, a name that resonates with basketball enthusiasts across the nation. With an astounding career tally of over 27,000 points in the ABA and NBA, Issel’s prowess knew no bounds. He averaged an incredible 33.9 points per game during his senior year at Kentucky, along with impressive stats that include 2,138 points and 1,078 rebounds throughout his college career. His number is forever retired by the Denver Nuggets as a testament to his skill, and his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993 solidified his status as one of the all-time greats. As an All-American in high school at Batavia, he averaged 25.8 points during his senior year, laying the groundwork for his stellar career.

Honorable Mentions

Of course, we can’t overlook Vince Wyatt from East Aurora, who also deserves a shout-out. Known for his all-around abilities, Wyatt averaged an impressive 27 points, 10 rebounds, and four steals during his senior year. His contributions played a key role in leading East Aurora to 99 wins, and three sectional championships, including two state appearances in 1988 and 1989. Over the course of his high school journey, Wyatt amassed a staggering 2,575 points, showcasing the kind of talent that Aurora has cultivated.

In essence, the rich basketball culture in Aurora is a source of immense pride, not just for the players but for the entire community. Each of these players has made invaluable contributions to the tapestry of basketball history and serves as an inspiration for future generations. It’s safe to say that Aurora’s love for basketball is far from fading; in fact, it’s only getting stronger!

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