THE WINNER: Kamaka Hepa

THE BASICS

School: Barrow (Alaska)
Grade: Freshman
Position: Forward
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 205 pounds

Athletic achievement: He had led the Whalers to a 23-3 record and a berth in the Class 3A state quarterfinals at the time of his selection. Hepa was averaging 17.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per contest through 26 games. A First Team All-State selection, he has been named tournament MVP at the East Anchorage Thunderbird Classic, the Barrow Whaler Invitational and the Lathrop Joe T. Classic.

Academic excellence: Hepa has maintained a 4.0 GPA.

Exemplary character: A devoted member of his church youth group, he has volunteered locally on behalf of youth basketball programs.

THE PRAISE

“Hepa is the real deal,” said Milo Griffin, head coach at Lathrop High. “He passes well, can score from outside or inside and he never forces anything or takes a bad shot. He can play any position on the floor.”

THE FUTURE: Hepa will be a sophomore this fall.