THE WINNER: Ben Simmons

THE BASICS

School: Montverde (Fla.) Academy
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 220 pounds

Athletic achievement: He has led the Eagles to a 28-1 record and a berth in the Dick’s Sporting Goods National High School Tournament, scheduled for April 2. Also the 2015 Morgan Wootten Award winner and the Naismith Trophy Boys Basketball Player of the Year, Simmons averaged 28 points and 11.9 rebounds while shooting 70.7 percent from inside the arc through 29 games. He is rated as the nation’s No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2015 by ESPN and is a 2015 McDonald’s All-American Game selection as well as a 2015 Jordan Brand Classic game invitee. Simmons has also posted regular-season averages of four assists and 2.6 steals per game and has registered 24 double-doubles on the season.

Academic excellence: Simmons has maintained a B average.

Exemplary character: He has volunteered on behalf of Basketball Buddies literacy-outreach and as part of a study skills initiative for Montverde elementary students. He has also donated his time as a life skills and study skills guest speaker and mentor in his native Australia.

THE PRAISE

“Ben Simmons is an electrifying player,” said Montverde Academy head coach Kevin Boyle. “He’s a great rebounder and he has the ability to help teammates get better. I think he’s the best high school player in the country and the scary thing is I think he can get a lot better. He’s improved each year because he recognizes he can keep getting better.”

THE FUTURE: Simmons has signed with LSU.