The Gatorade State Boys Basketball Players of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 fall season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.

For the complete list of Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Connor Harding

THE BASICS

School: Highland (Pocatello, Idaho)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 190 pounds

Athletic achievement: He led the Rams to a 19-6 record and the Class 5A state championship this past season. A 2015 First Team All-State selection, Harding averaged 18.5 points and six rebounds per game while shooting nearly 60 percent from inside the arc. During his 14-point effort that sparked a 65-55 win over Madison in the state final he hit 11-of-12 free throw attempts.

Academic excellence: Harding has maintained a 3.86 GPA.

Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally on behalf of his church youth group and as a youth basketball coach. He has also collected and donated goods for area families in need.

THE PRAISE

“Connor Harding’s understanding of the game is at a very high level,” said Highland High head coach Chris Frost. “The time that he puts in on and off the court helps him be a great student-athlete. His fundamentals of the game of basketball are unbelievable. He puts the team first.

THE FUTURE: Harding has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on scholarship at Brigham Young University this fall.