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: Tyus Battle
THE BASICS
School: St. Joseph (Metuchen, N.J.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Guard
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 205 pounds
Athletic achievement: He led the Falcons to a 22-6 record and the South Jersey Non-Public A championship game this past season. Battle averaged 19.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.7 steals per game. A former member of the USA Basketball U17 National Team, he was the Somerset County Player of the Year and a Second Team All-State selection as a sophomore.
Academic excellence: Battle has maintained a 3.11 GPA.
Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally on behalf of the New Beginnings school for autistic children.
THE PRAISE
“Battle can do pretty much anything on a basketball court,” said Edwin Santana, head coach at Perth Amboy High. “He’s athletic, strong, a great defender. He can score, he can rebound. He can jump through the building and he’s a really good passer too.”
THE FUTURE: Battle has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on scholarship at Syracuse University this fall.
