Player of the Year

The window on the Gatorade State Baseball Player of the Year race is closing, and the search for elite student-athletes is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Here are two top candidates who meet the basic award criteria as determined by our ESPNHS team that administers the program’s selection process.

Will Coursen-Carr
Senior LHP/first baseman, South Side (Fort Wayne)

2012 Team record: 14-6
2012 Team standing: Will begin Class 4A sectional tournament on May 26

2012 W-L record: 7-1
2012 ERA: 0.29
2012 Strikeouts: 98
2012 Innings: 48.67

2012 Batting average: .500
2012 RBI: 3
2012 Runs: 15

Academics: A average
Collegiate destination: Indiana

How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: 2011 and 2012 Team Captain; 2011 First Team All-State; 2011 and 2012 First Team All-Conference;

Nick McCarty
Senior RHP/outfielder, Cathedral (Indianapolis)

2012 Team record: 16-4
2012 Team standing: Lost in Class 4A Sectional Tournament

2012 W-L record: 8-2
2012 ERA: 1.69
2012 Strikeouts: 82
2012 Innings: 49.33

2012 Batting average: .429
2012 RBI: 22
2012 Runs: 23

Academics: A average
Collegiate destination: Notre Dame

How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: 2011 First Team All-State; 2011 and 2012 First Team All-Conference;

Make no mistake, the Gatorade State Baseball Player of the Year race isn’t over yet. Time remains for one standout student-athlete among thousands to rise to the top of our list. Here are some more of many who’ve been in the conversation throughout the 2011-12 campaign.

Luke Stephenson: Senior RHP/infielder, Triton Central (Fairland)
Trey Ball: Junior LHP, New Castle (IN)
Jake Post: Senior RHP, Cesterton (IN)

Think we're missing a deserving Gatorade State Player of the Year candidate in your state? Let us know via e-mail at ESPNHS_GPOY@ESPN.com.

A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.

For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Gary Harris

THE BASICS

School: Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers, Ind.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Shooting guard
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 180 pounds

THE PILLARS

Athletic achievement: Harris averaged 25.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 3.7 assists per game this past season, leading the Royals (22-3) to the Class 4A sectional final. A 2012 McDonald’s All-American Game selection and a 2012 Jordan Brand Classic game invitee, he is the No. 11 ranked recruit in the Class of 2012 as rated by ESPNU.

Academic excellence: Harris has maintained a 3.55 GPA in the classroom.

Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally on behalf of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and as a youth basketball coach and camp counselor.

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The window on the Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year race is closing, and the search for elite student-athletes is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Here are two top candidates who meet the basic award criteria as determined by our ESPNHS team that administers the program’s selection process.

Gary Harris
Senior shooting guard, Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers, IN)

2011-12 Team record: 22-3
2011-12 Team standing: Lost in Class 4A sectional final

2011-12 Points per game: 25.4
2011-12 Rebounds per game: 7.6
2011-12 Assists per game: 3.7
2011-12 Blocks per game: 0.9
2011-12 Steals per game: 4.2

Academics: A-minus average
Collegiate destination: Michigan State

How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: 2012 McDonald’s All-American Game selection; 2012 Jordan Brand Classic selection; Ranked No. 11 by ESPNU 100; 2010-2012 First Team All-State

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Of the 15 women finalists for this year’s John R. Wooden Award, a majority are former Gatorade Player of the Year honorees --nine in all.

Nominees include three former Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year winners in Notre Dame junior guard Skylar Diggins of Washington (South Bend, Ind.), Stanford senior forward Nneka Ogwumike of Cy-Fair (Cypress, Texas) and Stanford sophomore forward Chiney Ogwumike of Cy-Fair.

Five 2012 Wooden finalists were twice recognized as State Player of the Year during their high school career: Delaware junior wing Elena Delle Donne of Ursuline Academy (Wilmington, Del./2005-06, 2007-08) and Tennessee senior wing Shekinna Stricklen of Morrilton (Morrilton, Ark./2005-06, 2007-08) along with Diggins (2007-09), the elder Ogwumike sister (2006-08) and the only freshman among this year’s finalists, Duke center Elizabeth Williams of Princess Anne (Virginia Beach, Va./2009-11).

Other POY alumni contending for college basketball’s ultimate honor this year include Baylor junior center Brittney Griner of Nimitz (Texas/2008-09), Ohio State senior guard Samantha Prahalis of Commack (Commack, N.Y./2007-08) and Kentucky junior guard A’dia Mathies of Iroquois (Louisville, Ky.).

Last month, Delle Donne, who owns a 3.6 GPA, was named the NCAA Academic All-America of the Year.

A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.

For her 50 fellow Gatorade State Girls Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Stephanie Mavunga

THE BASICS

School: Brownsburg (Ind.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Forward
Height: 6-foot-3

THE PILLARS

Athletic achievement: Mavunga averaged 21.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, 5.1 blocks, 2.4 steals and 1.5 assists per game this past season, leading the Bulldogs (18-3) to the Class 4A state tournament. A member of the USA Basketball U16 National Team that won the gold medal at the FIBA Americas Championships in July, 2011, she was a 2011 Associated Press Third Team All-State selection and a member of the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association All-State Underclassmen team. Mavunga has scored 1,188 points in her prep basketball career.

Academic excellence: Mavunga has maintained a 3.48 GPA in the classroom.

Exemplary character: The vice president of the Brownsburg High House of Representatives, she has volunteered locally as a church aide and with Family Career and Community Leaders of America.

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The window on the Gatorade State Girls Basketball Player of the Year race is closing, and the search for elite student-athletes is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Here are two top candidates who meet the basic award criteria as determined by our ESPNHS team that administers the program’s selection process.

Stephanie Mavunga
Junior forward, Brownsburg (Ind.)

2011-12 Team record: 18-3
2011-12 Team standing: Lost in Class 4A Ben Davis Sectional first round

2011-12 Points per game: 21.6
2011-12 Rebounds per game: 12.4
2011-12 Assists per game: 1.5
2011-12 Blocks per game: 5.1
2011-12 Steals per game: 2.4

Academics: B-plus average
Collegiate destination: HS junior

How she’s played herself into the State POY conversation: Averaged 10.6 points and 6.4 rebounds to help lead United States to gold medal at FIBA Americas U16 Championships; HoopGurlz No. 15-rated prospect in Class of 2013; 2011 Third Team All-State

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A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this past fall's Gatorade Boys Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.

For his 29 fellow Gatorade State Fall Boys Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Femi Hollinger-Janzen

THE BASICS

School: Bethany Christian (Goshen, Ind.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 180 pounds

THE PILLARS

Athletic achievement: Hollinger-Janzen scored 29 goals and passed for eight assists this past season, leading the Bruins (18-4-1) to the Class 1A state semifinals. The Indiana Soccer Coaches Association State Player of the Year, he was an All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and a two-time Northern Indiana Soccer Conference Player of the Year. Hollinger-Janzen concluded his prep soccer career with 67 goals and 23 assists.

Academic excellence: Janzen has maintained a B average in the classroom.

Exemplary character: A drummer in his church’s worship band, he has volunteered locally at a food bank and as a youth soccer coach in addition to serving as a youth mentor at his church and in association with the Boys & Girls Club of America.

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The fall soccer season may have concluded, but the search for Gatorade State Boys Soccer Players of the Year is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Here are two top candidates who meet the basic award criteria as determined by our ESPNHS team that administers the program’s selection process.

Femi Hollinger-Janzen
Senior midfielder, Bethany Christian (Goshen, Ind.)

2011 Team record: 18-4-1 (Class 1A)
2011 Team standing: Lost Class 1A state semifinals

2011 Goals: 29
2011 Assists: 8
2011 Points per game: 1.61
Career goals: 67
Career assists: 23

Academics: B average
Collegiate destination: Indiana University

How he’s played herself into the State POY conversation: Totaled nine goals and two assists in six postseason matches. 2011 Indiana Soccer Coaches Association State Player of the Year. Netted the game-winning goal in 12 of Bethany Christian's 18 wins. Had a direct hand in 37 of the Bruins' 86 goals (43.0 percent). Scored the winning goal for the West team in December's High School All-American Game in Birmingham, Ala. 2011 NSCAA State Player of the Year. 2011 NSCAA All-American. Two-time Northern Indiana Soccer Conference Player of the Year.

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A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this past fall's Gatorade State Girls Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.

For her 21 fellow Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Brooke Backes

THE BASICS

School: Carmel (Ind.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-6

THE PILLARS

Athletic achievement: Backes led the Greyhounds to a 22-0-1 record and the Class 2A state championship this past season. She scored 16 goals and passed for nine assists, scoring the lone goal in Carmel’s 1-0 state title-clinching win over Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers, Ind.). The 2011 Indiana Soccer Coaches Association’s Miss Soccer, Backes is a two-time Indianapolis Star Player of the Year and an All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. She concluded her prep soccer career with 42 goals and 26 assists.

Academic excellence: Backes has maintained a 3.85 weighted GPA in the classroom.

Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally at an area homeless shelter and food bank, on behalf of a fundraising campaign to benefit cancer research and as part of multiple community service initiatives in association with her church youth group.

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The fall soccer season may have concluded, but the search for Gatorade State Girls Soccer Players of the Year is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Here are two top candidates who meet the basic award criteria as determined by our ESPNHS team that administers the program’s selection process.

Hannah Miller
Senior forward, Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers, Ind.)

2011 Team record: 20-1-2 (Class 2A)
2011 Team standing: Lost Class 2A state championship game

2011 Goals: 22
2011 Assists: 7
2011 Points per game: 1.26
Career goals: 54
Career assists: 27

Academics: A average
Collegiate destination: Eastern Illinois University

How she’s played herself into the State POY conversation: Tallied five goals in seven postseason games for Hamilton Southeastern, including a hat trick in a 5-1 state quarterfinal victory against Leo (Ind.). Directly involved in 29 of the Royals’ 96 goals (30.2 percent). 2011 NSCAA All-American selection. 2011 First Team All-State selection as named by the Indiana Soccer Coaches Association.

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INDIANAPOLIS -- The time-honored adage of student-becomes-master took on a new hue Thursday morning as two-time U.S. Olympian Dathan Ritzenheim posed as a pupil at North Central (Indianapolis, Ind.) before popping up from his desk chair to surprise Panthers senior Futsum Zeinasellassie (FOOT-sum Zen-ih-sal-ahsee) with the 2011-12 Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year trophy.

“It was just a normal Thursday and then Dathan Ritzenheim was standing there,” said Zeinasellassie. “I never thought I would win an award this big. Unbelievable. I’m in shock. On behalf of distance runners everywhere , I thank Gatorade and ESPNHS.”

The 5-foot-8, 134-pound Zeinasellassie raced to the Nike Cross Nationals Final championship this past season with a course-record time of 15:02.41. He broke the tape at the NXN Midwest Regional championships (15:42.8) as well as the Foot Locker Midwest Regional championships (14:58). Zeinasellassie finished second at the national Foot Locker Cross Country Championships with a time of 14:52.1.

The returning Gatorade Indiana Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year, he also won his third consecutive individual state championship in a course-record 14:48.8 en route to a meet-record 44-second margin of victory.

“He was completely shocked,” said Ritzenhein, the former American record-holder in the 5,000-meter run who twice earned Gatorade Michigan Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year honors from 1999-01. "He had no idea I wasn’t a normal kid in his class. That was awesome. He's super nice and really deserves this.”

Ritzenheim narrowly missed qualification for the 2012 Summer Games at this month’s U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, finishing in fourth place and just eight seconds off the pace that would have earned a berth. The 29-year-old is a three-time USA 12K Cross Country champion and represents America’s brightest hope for a medal in the 5K or 10K in London.

The 2003 NCAA Cross Country Champion at the University of Colorado, Ritzenheim twice won Foot Locker nationals as a prep star for Rockford (Mich.).

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A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.

For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Futsum Zeinasellassie

THE BASICS

School: North Central (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Grade: Senior
Height: 5-foot-8

THE PILLARS

Athletic achievement: Zeinasellassie raced to the Nike Cross Nationals championship this past season with a course-record time of 15:02.41. The state’s returning Gatorade Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year, he also won his third consecutive individual state championship in a course-record 14:48.8, by a meet-record margin of 44 seconds. He broke the tape at the NXN Midwest Regional championships in 15:42.8, the Foot Locker Midwest Regional championship in 14:58 and finished second at the national Foot Locker Cross Country Championships with a time of 14:52.1.

Academic excellence: Zeinasellassie has maintained a B average in the classroom.

Exemplary character: A devoted member of his church community, he has volunteered with youth track programs and raised funds to benefit a school in Kenya.

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A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.

THE WINNER: Ashley Erba

THE BASICS

School: Warsaw Community (Ind.)
Grade: Junior
Height: 5-foot-2

THE PILLARS

Athletic achievement: Erba raced to the individual state championship this past season, clocking a meet-record time of 18:05.6. She also won her sectional, regional and semi-state championships, and finished first at the New Prairie Invitational, the New Haven Classic, the Warsaw Tiger Invitational, the Huntington North Invitational and the Baron Classic.

Academic excellence: Erba has maintained an A average in the classroom.

Exemplary character: A member of the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter, she has volunteered locally on behalf of youth sports programs.

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The cross country season may have concluded, but the search for Gatorade State Boys Cross Country Runners of the Year is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated. The winner of the state championship meet certainly made a case, but did he do enough on and off the course this past season to capture the prestigious statewide honor?

Futsum Zeinasellassie
Senior, North Central High (Indianapolis, IN)

2011 Team postseason standing: 12th
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): 1^st—14:48.8

2011 Foot Locker regional (Place—time): 1^st—14:58
2011 Foot Locker nationals (Place—time): 2^nd—14:52.1

2011 Nike Cross Nationals regional (Place—time): 1^st—15:42.8
2011 Nike Cross Nationals Finals (Place—time): 1^st—15:02.41

Winning the state meet isn't a prerequisite for Gatorade State Cross Country Runner of the Year, so here are some more of many other harriers whose performances this past season vaulted them into the conversation during this 2011 campaign.

Michael Sublette: Senior, Columbus North High (Columbus, IN)
Sam Berger: Senior, Zionsville High (Zionsville, IN)
Mitchell Hubner: Senior, LaPorte High (LaPorte, IN)
Chris Kelsey: Senior, Columbus North High (Columbus, IN)

Think we're missing a deserving Gatorade State Runner of the Year candidate in your state? Let us know via e-mail at ESPNHS_GPOY@ESPN.com or Twitter @ESPNHS_Awards.

The cross country season may have concluded, but the search for Gatorade State Girls Cross Country Runners of the Year is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated. The winner of the state championship meet certainly made a case, but did she do enough on and off the course this past season to capture the prestigious statewide honor?

Ashley Erba
Warsaw Community High (Warsaw, IN)

2011 Team postseason standing: 11th
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): 1^st—18:05.6

2011 Foot Locker regional (Place—time): 28^th—18:29

Winning the state meet isn't a prerequisite for Gatorade State Cross Country Runner of the Year, so here are some more of many other harriers whose performances this past season vaulted them into the conversation during this 2011 campaign.

Renee Wellman: Senior, Carmel High (Carmel, IN)
Sarah Bennett: Senior, Carmel High (Carmel, IN)
Bobbie Burgess: Junior, West Lafayette High (West Lafayette, IN)
Mackenzie Caldwell: Sophomore, Columbus North High (Columbus, IN)

Think we're missing a deserving Gatorade State Runner of the Year candidate in your state? Let us know via e-mail at ESPNHS_GPOY@ESPN.com or Twitter @ESPNHS_Awards.