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: Gary Trent Jr.

THE BASICS

School: Apple Valley (Minn.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Guard
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 202 pounds

Athletic achievement: He averaged 26.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game this past season, leading the Eagles (29-2) to the Class AAAA state semifinals. A First Team All-Metro selection as named by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Trent shot 52.7 percent from the field, 40.7 percent from 3-point range and 82.5 percent from the free-throw line. He led Apple Valley to the 2015 Class AAAA state championship as a sophomore, capturing All-Tournament honors. A member of the 2015-16 USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team, he averaged a team-high 16.8 points along with 2.8 rebounds during the U16 National Team’s run to the 2015 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.

Academic excellence: Trent has maintained a B average.

Exemplary character: In addition to donating his time as a youth basketball instructor, he has volunteered locally on behalf of Feed My Starving Children and as part of a youth literacy-outreach program.

THE PRAISE

“Gary is an unbelievable talent,” said Matt Eppen, head coach at rival Burnsville High. “He can score inside and out, and gets to the basket like no one I have seen. He is truly a great talent.”

THE FUTURE: Trent will begin his senior year of high school this fall.