THE WINNER: Thon Maker

THE BASICS

School: Carlisle School (Martinsville, Va.)
Grade: Sophomore
Position: Center
Height: 7-foot
Weight: 210 pounds

Athletic achievement: He led the Chiefs to a 33-10 record and the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association Division II state title this past season. Maker averaged 21.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 4.2 blocks and 1.7 steals per game. The VISAA State Player of the Year and the MVP of the Division II state tournament, Maker is rated the nation’s No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2016 by ESPN. He recorded 26 points, 18 rebounds and five blocks in Carlisle’s state title game win over Christchurch School.

Academic excellence: Maker has maintained a 4.0 GPA.

Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally as a youth mentor and on behalf of fundraising efforts to benefit muscular dystrophy research. He has also donated his time to area beautification projects.

THE PRAISE

“What makes Thon so dangerous is his versatility,” said Ben Thompson, head coach of Christchurch School. “He’s very good in the mid-range, has a jumper that is decent from 3-point range and has solid handle. This is all from a guy who is 7 feet. His impact on a game is tremendous.”

THE FUTURE: Maker will be a junior this fall.