Humble Hilton voted 3A Southern League MVP in boys basketball

Moapa Valley boys basketball coach Dallas Larsen waited until after the season to tell his players that senior Shaun Hilton was voted the Class 3A Southern League Most Valuable Player.

To Larsen, the 6-foot-5-inch post player’s reaction spoke for itself.

“He took it hard,” Larsen said. “He rather would have had the state championship than any of the personal honors.”

Hilton averaged 14 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals to lead the Pirates (15-9) to a league tournament championship.

Moapa Valley eventually lost to Boulder City 62-46 in the 3A state final Feb. 28 at the Orleans Arena.

Hilton’s successful transition from point guard to post player for his senior season left an impression on league coaches.

“The coaches have seen him grow and mature,” Larsen said. “They knew he was a hard matchup. They definitely thought as a senior, his ability to rebound, play defense and score made him the MVP.”

Moapa Valley senior guard Max Jenkins was voted to the first team and senior guard Brad Weiss to the second as a utility player.

“Brad, I think he was one who stepped up his game the most,” Larsen said. “I saw big improvement the last few games. He attacked the basket. He was always defending the best player. That was something that will be hard for us to replace.”

Coach of the Year honors went to Faith Lutheran’s Bret Walter, who guided the Crusaders to the regular-season league title at 4-2.

Also on the first team are Virgin Valley’s Terran Leavitt; Boulder City’s Joey Western and Jeremy Smith; and Faith Lutheran’s Brett Lubbe and Chase Saunders.

The second team features Virgin Valley’s Austin Cloes, Cameron Jensen and Anthony Morris; Faith Lutheran’s John Anger and Greg Thomas; and Boulder City’s Shane Levin.