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: Sam Hauser

THE BASICS

School: Stevens Point Area Senior (Stevens Point, Wis.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 215 pounds

Athletic achievement: He has led the Panthers (26-0) to a berth in the Division 1 state semifinals, scheduled for March 18. A returning Division 1 First Team All-State selection as named by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association, Hauser averaged 18.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.1 blocks through 26 games, shooting 55.4 percent from the field, 43.6 percent from 3-point range and 83.6 percent from the free-throw line. He led SPASH to the 2015 Division 1 state title as a junior.

Academic excellence: Also a standout golfer and football player, Hauser has maintained a 3.61 GPA.

Exemplary character: In addition to donating his time as a youth basketball instructor, he has volunteered on behalf of the Salvation Army, the Operation Bootstrap emergency assistance organization and the National Honor Society.

THE PRAISE

“SPASH is a relentless and efficient team, and I’d describe Sam the same way,” said Scott Scheuer, head coach at rival Marshfield High. “He’s relentless and efficient. He keeps coming at you on offense and defense.”

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