THE WINNER: Henry Ellenson

THE BASICS

School: Rice Lake (Wis.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 230 pounds

Athletic achievement: He has led the Warriors to a 21-5 record and a berth in the Division 2 state semifinals, scheduled for March 20. A McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic selection, Ellenson averaged 27.4 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 1.8 assists and 1.4 steals through 26 games. Also a two-time returning Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Division 2 First Team All-State honoree, Ellenson shot 45.8 percent from the field and 69.5 percent from the free-throw line entering the round of four. In addition to participating in Nike’s LeBron James Skills Academy, Big Man Skills Academy and Elite Youth Basketball League this past summer, Ellenson averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds during USA Basketball’s unbeaten run to the 2014 FIBA U17 World Championship.

Academic excellence: Ellenson has maintained a 3.44 GPA.

Exemplary character: A member of the National Honor Society and the vice president for Young Democrats of Wisconsin, he has volunteered on behalf of his church’s youth group and as part of his school’s physical education classes for students with physical limitations. Ellenson has also donated his time as a youth basketball instructor, scorekeeper and official.

THE PRAISE

“Henry is a great player,” said Tim Thompson, head coach of rival Chippewa Falls High. “He probably is the most physically imposing, skilled and talented player I have seen in 30 years of Wisconsin high school basketball.”

THE FUTURE: Ellenson has signed with Marquette.