Player of the Year: Kelechi Madubuko

Eye on POY: Oklahoma volleyball

December, 3, 2011
12/03/11
7:22
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The window on the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year race is closing, and time is running out for student-athletes to state their POY case. 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.

Inky Ajanakufile photoInky Ajanaku is a top candidate for Gatorade Oklahoma Volleyball Player of the Year
Inky Ajanaku
Senior middle blocker, Bishop Kelley (Tulsa, OK)

2011 Team record: 32-3
2011 Team standing: Won Class 6A state title

2011 Kills: 537
2011 Blocks: 127
2011 Digs: 29
2011 Hitting Percentage: .525
2011 Kill Percentage: .634

Academics: A average
Collegiate destination: Stanford

How she’s played herself into the State POY conversation: 2010 and 2011 State Tournament MVP; 2011 American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour Girls High School All-America nominee; Ranked No.2 nationally by PrepVolleyball.com

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POY Potential: Top Alaska football recruits

October, 5, 2011
10/05/11
3:38
PM ET
The Gatorade Player of the Year Program honors athletes who meet comprehensive and exacting criteria in high school sports. Candidates are judged on athletic production and impact in the current season. Contenders also must demonstrate high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership. Senior status has no bearing on a candidate’s merit and selections are made independent of ESPNU's recruit rankings.

That being said, the state’s top five football recruits as ranked by ESPNU are sure to enter the 2011-12 Gatorade Football Player of the Year conversation at some point. Here they are …

Jeff Overbaughfile photo/ESPNHSJeff Overbaugh is Alaska's No. 1 senior recruit
1. Service High (Anchorage, AK) long snapper Jeff Overbaugh
  • ESPNU 150 rank: No. 7 LS
  • Height: 6-foot-1
  • Weight: 225 pounds
  • College: Undecided
  • ESPNU scouting report: "Jeff is very motivated to become the best he can be and is very focused when it comes to his snapping craft. He has made great improvements over the last year and deserves to be one of the top snappers in the nation. At 240 pounds and 6'2" tall, Jeff has good straight away speed with the ability to cover and protect."

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