McLean County Times

Illinois State University athletes have been recognized for their performance in the Missouri Valley Conference. Sophomore forward Chase Walker was awarded First Team All-Conference honors, as announced by the Conference office. This is his second accolade in recent days.

Walker has also been named the MVC Most Improved Team Captain. He averages 15.1 points and 6.0 rebounds per game this season, with a field goal percentage of 58.1 percent, placing him second in the MVC and 26th nationally. Walker's scoring includes double figures in 22 games, nine of which were over 20 points, and a career-high of 31 points against UIC on February 5.

Johnny Kinziger received Second Team All-Conference honors after previously being named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete Team. He averages 15 points per game with notable contributions including 90 assists and 30 steals this season.

Jack Daugherty was named to the All-Freshman Team following his recognition on the MVC All-Bench Team. He averages 6.8 points per game and has made significant three-point contributions, tying for third-most by a freshman in school history.

Dalton Banks earned a spot on the All-Defensive squad and is noted for his defensive efforts with 55 steals this season, tying him for eighth-most in program history.

The Illinois State Redbirds are set to play against Missouri State Bears in the opening round of the Missouri Valley Tournament.