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THE WINNER: Kiah Gillespie

THE BASICS

School: Capital Preparatory Magnet School (Hartford, Conn.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Guard/forward
Height: 6-foot-2

Athletic achievement: She led the Trailblazers to a 24-0 record and a berth in the Class L quarterfinals against Bristol Eastern, scheduled for March 14. Entering the round of eight, Gillespie is averaging 22.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 blocks per game. A two-time First Team All-State selection, she is rated as the nation’s No. 42 recruit in the Class of 2015 by ESPN.

Academic excellence: Gillespie has maintained a 3.67 GPA.

Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally feeding and clothing the homeless, raising funds for cancer research and reading to elementary school students as part of a literacy-outreach initiative.

THE PRAISE

“Gillespie is a big, powerful guard who can play anywhere on the court,” said Catrina Hawley, head coach at Hillhouse. “She plays with integrity and she plays hard, every single game. She’s a great example for all the young kids.”

THE FUTURE: Gillespie will be a senior this fall.