THE WINNER: Jalen Krening

THE BASICS

School: Rawlins (Wyo.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Point guard
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 160 pounds

Athletic achievement: He averaged 24.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting 59 percent from inside the arc this past season, leading the Outlaws (20-4) to the Class 3A semifinals. A two-time First Team All-State selection, he led the Class 3A East Conference in scoring and ranked second in assists (4.9) and steals (2.8) per game.

Academic excellence: Krening has maintained a B average.

Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally as part of an elementary school literacy-outreach initiative. He has also donated his time on behalf of an area nursing home and as a youth football and basketball coach.

THE PRAISE

“Jalen Krening is one of the most humble, hard-working young men I have ever come across in my years of coaching,” said Allen Von Eye, head coach at Newcastle High. “On the floor, there is not a single player whose talent stands out more than his. I haven’t seen an individual who can get to the paint at will like he can. He gets to the free throw line more than most whole teams.”

THE FUTURE: Krening remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.