The Gatorade State Boys Basketball Players of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 fall season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.

For the complete list of Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Lonzo Ball

THE BASICS

School: Chino Hills (Calif.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Point guard
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 190 pounds

Athletic achievement: At the time of his selection, he had led the Huskies to a 31-0 record and a berth in the CIF Open Division quarterfinals. A 2016 Jordan Brand Classic and McDonald’s All-American Game selection, Ball averaged 23.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 87 percent from the free throw line through 31 games. He is the 2016 Naismith Trophy High School Player of the Year as well as the Morgan Wootten Award winner, and he’s rated as the nation’s No. 5 senior recruit in the ESPN 100.

Academic excellence: Ball has maintained a 3.80 GPA.

Exemplary character: A member of the National Honor Society, he has volunteered locally as a youth basketball coach.

THE PRAISE

“I truly believe Lonzo Ball is a rare and unique player,” said Doug Mitchell, head coach at Bishop Montgomery High. “What separates him from other talented players is his incredible passing ability. He is the best high school passer I have seen since Jason Kidd. It is his ability to make his teammates better that has made Chino Hills so special this year.”

THE FUTURE: Ball has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on scholarship at UCLA this fall.