THE WINNER: Josh Langford

THE BASICS

School: Madison (Ala.) Academy
Grade: Junior
Position: Guard
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 200 pounds

Athletic achievement: The state’s 2012-13 Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year, Langford led the Mustangs to a 19-12 record and a second Class 3A state championship in the past three seasons. In the 75-51, title-clinching victory against Piedmont, he collected 19 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, capturing state tournament MVP honors. A three-time returning Class 3A Player of the Year honoree as named by the Alabama Sports Writers Association, he averaged 24.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game this winter. Langford shot 53.7 percent from the field, 45.3 percent from 3-point range and 73.5 percent from the free-throw line. In addition to participating in the NBPA Top 100 Camp and adidas Nations Basketball Experience this past summer, he was also a member of the 2013-14 USA Basketball Men’s Developmental National Team.

Academic excellence: Langford has maintained a 3.18 weighted GPA.

Exemplary character: He has donated his time locally as a youth basketball coach and has volunteered on behalf of both his church and the Downtown Rescue Mission homeless shelter.

THE PRAISE

“He was the best individual player we saw all season at any level,” said Brian Gafford, head coach of rival Clements High. “He’s a great shooter, and at 6-foot-6 can play the one, even though I assume he is a two in college. He has extremely good touch on his shot, and of course he can get to the rim.”

THE FUTURE: Langford will be a senior this fall.