For a list of the other Gatorade State Boys Basketball POYs, click here

THE WINNER: Malik Newman

THE BASICS

School: Callaway (Jackson, Miss.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Guard
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 180 pounds

Athletic achievement: He led the Chargers to a 31-1 record and the Class 5A state championship this past season. Newman averaged 29.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game. The Clarion-Ledger Metro Player of the Year and Mississippi’s Mr. Basketball in 2013, he is rated as the nation’s No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2015 by Rivals.com. Newman also played for USA Basketball’s Men’s U16 National Team and was named MVP of the FIBA Americas Championship.

Academic excellence: Newman has maintained a B average.

Exemplary character: A devoted member of his church community, he has volunteered locally on behalf of a youth-mentoring program, a “Don’t Text and Drive” campaignand youth basketball clinics.

THE PRAISE

“Newman is one of the most talented kids I’ve ever seen play,” said Randy Bolden, head coach at Meridian. “He’s very athletic and creative, but it’s his ability to make his teammates better that makes him special. He adds another dimension to his game every year.”

THE FUTURE: Newman will be a senior this fall.