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: Payton Pritchard

THE BASICS

School: West Linn (Ore.)

Grade: Senior

Position: Point guard

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 180 pounds

Athletic achievement: The state’s returning Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year, Pritchard led the Lions to a 26-3 record and a fourth consecutive Class 6A state championship this past season. He collected 25 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three steals in the 74-48, title-clinching victory against South Medford, capturing All-Tournament honors. The two-time returning Class 6A Player of the Year as named by The Oregonian, Pritchard averaged 23.6 points, 6.7 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 steals per game in his final prep season. He shot 56.5 percent from the field, 43.1 percent from 3-point range and 77.0 percent from the free-throw line. A member of the 2016 USA Junior National Select Team, he also participated in the 2015 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Championship this past summer.

Academic excellence: Pritchard has maintained a 3.57 GPA.

Exemplary character: In addition to donating his time as a youth basketball instructor, he has also participated in an exchange program during each of the past three summers, mentoring players from Lugo, Spain, in an English-immersion and basketball skills clinic.

THE PRAISE

“He is a fierce competitor and leaves it all on the floor,” said Craig Evans, head coach at rival Canby High. “I am most impressed by him off the floor. His character and respect to his competitors are second to none.”

THE FUTURE: Pritchard has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on scholarship at the University of Oregon this fall.