By Craig Lynch
Batavia High School boys basketball forward Ethan Ivan is a 6-7 senior who recently committed to play basketball for Division II University of Wisconsin Parkside.
Monday he showed why he was worthy of his scholarship when he scored 34 points in Batavia’s 74-66 overtime victory over Stagg in the opening round of the York holiday basketball tournament in Elmhurst.
“Ethan has a quiet way of doing things,” said Batavia head coach Jim Nazos. “You won’t hear a lot about him, but he has a way of making plays that keep us in the game.”
Batavia, 9-2, dropped into a 13-0 hole to start the game and never led in regulation. The Bulldogs tied the score at 62 with 16 seconds remaining in regulation. Ivan was money in overtime by scoring eight points, including six of six from the foul line.
“Free throws are important so I just focused on making them,” said Ivan.
Batavia advanced to Tuesday’s second round game against Leo, which defeated Naperville North, 50-37, Monday.
The five-day tournament is played in two gyms and will wrap up with the 2 p.m. championship game Friday Dec. 31. There will be three games that day, to include third place and consolation championship.
Ivan is a scorer, but he considers himself a versatile player. “I am a rebounder, but it is good to have 6-9 Austin Ambrose as a post player.”
Ivan is happy with his college choice. “There were other schools talking to me, but after I made my decision it felt really good.”
Batavia guard Trent Tousana scored 22 points for the Bulldogs.
“We scored a lot today but we are never concerned about any of our players shooting the ball,” Ivan said.