Impact
Records
Bre Ladd
Canyon Del Oro High School
Impact Statement
Ladd set records at Canyon Del Oro and continued to do so at the University of Arizona.
Biography
Athletes like Bre Ladd are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best volleyball players not only in the state of Arizona, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”
A 6-foot-1 outside hitter, Ladd piled up national honors while rewriting her school’s record books. This season she piled up 428 kills, breaking her own school record by more than 100, and added 110 blocks, 163 digs, and 58 service aces to lead Canyon del Oro to the Class 5A state quarterfinals. She had 21 kills in a match, also a school record, and her career totals include 971 kills, 280 blocks, and 146 aces.
A member of the U.S. Junior National Team, Ladd was selected as the Gatorade National Player of the Year and as the National Player of the Year by SchoolSports.com. Ladd also was an outstanding student with a 3.4 grade-point average and earned a scholarship to the University of Arizona. Sports Illustrated magazine also recognized Ladd’s distinguished career with a mention in its “Faces in the Crowd” section this year.
Ladd was a four year starter at Arizona. She excelled her freshman year as she tallied 124 blocks, setting a school record.
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Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
Mountain Pointe High School
“…if I raced smart, I would accomplish my goals.” – Sally Meyerhoff
“…if I raced smart, I would accomplish my goals.” – Sally Meyerhoff
Sally Meyerhof
Mountain Pointe High School
Impact Statement
“…if I raced smart, I would accomplish my goals.” – Sally Meyerhoff
Biography
“Athletes like Sally Meyerhoff are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best track athletes not only in the state of Arizona, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”
Meyerhoff excelled in both cross country and the distance track events during her career at Mountain Pointe. She was a two-time Class 5A state cross country champion, leading Mountain Pointe to the state team title last fall, and won back-to-back state crowns in the 800-meter, 1,600-meter, and 3,200-meter runs as well. Also an outstanding student, Meyerhoff earned a scholarship to Duke University. Sports Illustrated magazine also recognized Meyerhoff’s distinguished career with a mention in its “Faces in the Crowd” section this year.
Meyerhoff was a was a 2x All American and won the ACC Cross Country individual title in 2004 while at Duke. She graduated in 2006 and competed in the 2008 Olympic Trials.
Sally was at the height of her post collegiate career, while being considered one of the top ten marathon runners, when she her life was cut short. She was tragically struck while on her bike. Sally passed away at the age of 27.
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Records
Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
Needham Broughton High School
Williams excelled on the tennis courts of Needham Broughton High and Princeton University.
Williams excelled on the tennis courts of Needham Broughton High and Princeton University.
Rankin Williams
Needham Broughton High School
Impact Statement
Williams excelled on the tennis courts of Needham Broughton High and Princeton University.
Biography
“Athletes like Rankin Williams are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best tennis players not only in the state of North Carolina, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”
Coached by Steve Spivey, the NHSCA National High School Girls Tennis of the Year in 2000, Williams became one of the most dominating players in state history. She was undefeated in 94 singles matches during her career, helping lead Broughton High to four consecutive Class 4A dual state titles. After winning Class 4A state singles titles as a sophomore and junior, Williams elected to pass up a bid for a third singles title in favor of teaming with her sister, Hampton, a freshman, to play in the state doubles tournament (North Carolina does not permit players to play both singles and doubles in the individual state tournament series). The sisters went on to win the doubles title.
A finalist in the Gator Bowl Festival Tournament’s under-16 division as a junior and a quarterfinalist in the under-18 division as a senior, Williams was selected to the First Team by the National High School Tennis All-American Foundation.
Also an outstanding student, she will attend Princeton University in the fall. Sports Illustrated magazine also recognized Williams’ distinguished career with a mention in its “Faces in the Crowd” section this year.
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Records
Professional Achievements
Rosary High School
DeScenza was a four time State Champion at Rosary High School and went on to be a four time NCAA National Champion at the University of Georgia.
DeScenza was a four time State Champion at Rosary High School and went on to be a four time NCAA National Champion at the University of Georgia.
Mary DeScenza
Rosary High School
Impact Statement
DeScenza was a four time State Champion at Rosary High School and went on to be a four time NCAA National Champion at the University of Georgia.
Biography
“Athletes like Mary Descenza are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best swimmers not only in the state of Illinois, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”
Descenza set a national high school record (53.11) earlier this year in her specialty, the 100-meter butterfly, and is ranked No. 6 nationally in that event. She won her third state title this year to go along with a pair of state championships in the 200-meter freestyle. Also an established national and international veteran, Descenza finished fourth in the 100-meter butterfly in the FINA World Long Course Championships and second-, third-, and fourth-place finishes in the FINA World Short Course Championships this year.
She also competed in the 2000 Olympic Trials as a 15-year-old – the youngest competitor to qualify for the finals by six years – and finished sixth. She already has qualified for the 2004 Olympic Trials, and earned a scholarship to the University of Georgia. She competed at both the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Trials.
DeScenza became the first woman to win four consecutive NCAA Championships in the 200 yard butterfly. She also won the 100 yard butterfly her last two years. She was also legs on eight relay teams that won the NCAA’s as well. In addition, she was a 28 time All American.
After her senior season, DeScenza was a awarded the coveted Honda Award, which recognizes the most outstanding female college athletes from each of the 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports.
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Records
Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
Fairfield High School
“I think everyone else was more scared about me going out there than I ever was.” –Alicia Hollowell
“I think everyone else was more scared about me going out there than I ever was.” –Alicia Hollowell
Alicia Hollowell
Fairfield High School
Impact Statement
“I think everyone else was more scared about me going out there than I ever was.” –Alicia Hollowell
Biography
“Athletes like Alicia Hollowell are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best softball players not only in the state of California, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”
Hollowell, who will attend the University of Arizona, became the first pitcher in national high school history to record 2,000 career strikeouts, finishing her career with 2,127 strikeouts overall. Her career record was 126-15, and in four years allowed just one earned run, for an earned-run average of 0.08. The 6-foot-2 Hollowell became the first player to record back-to-back seasons with 600 strikeouts or more, and once fanned 61 batters in a 30-inning game. Her record this spring was 24-7, with five of the losses by 1-0 scores. Sports Illustrated magazine also recognized Hollowell’s distinguished career with a mention in its “Faces in the Crowd” section this year.
While a Wildcat, Hollowell finished her career with 144 wins and 1,768 strikeouts. Both of these are within the top 10 in NCAA history. She played for 4 years on the US National Team and two years in the Nation Pro Fast-pitch League.
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Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
Harvard-Westlake High School
“Let nothing be the reason you CAN’T have whatever you want!” –Jill Oakes
“Let nothing be the reason you CAN’T have whatever you want!” –Jill Oakes
Jill Oakes
Harvard-Westlake High School
Impact Statement
“Let nothing be the reason you CAN’T have whatever you want!” –Jill Oakes
Biography
“Athletes like Jill Oakes are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best soccer players not only in the state of California, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”
Oakes was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year after scoring 21 goals and adding 13 assists this season as a defender, leading Harvard-Westlake High to its second consecutive CIF Southern Section Division IV title. She was named the Division IV Defensive Player of the Yerar as a junior and the Mission League’s Most Valuable Player this season.
Oakes, also the captain of the school’s cheering squad, holds a 3.17 grade-point average and earned a scholarship to UCLA.
After her time at UCLA, Oakes was the 2nd draft pick in the 2008 WPS General Draft. She played on various teams throughout her professional career before retiring in 2009 from the Chicago Red Stars.
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Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
The Baylor School
The Baylor School, to Vanderbilt, to the LPGA, back to Vanderbilt, Wood had a brilliant golf career.
The Baylor School, to Vanderbilt, to the LPGA, back to Vanderbilt, Wood had a brilliant golf career.
May Wood
The Baylor School
Impact Statement
The Baylor School, to Vanderbilt, to the LPGA, back to Vanderbilt, Wood had a brilliant golf career.
Biography
“Athletes like May Wood are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best golfers not only in the state of Tennessee, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”
Wood won Division II individual state titles in 1998, 1999, and 2000 after finishing third in the state as an eighth-grader in 1997. A wrist injury prevented Wood from trying for a fourth state title last fall. However, she competed in the Aerus Electrolux Tournament, the LPGA Tour’s Nashville stop, this spring and will continue her golf career in the fall as a freshman at Vanderbilt University.
Wood also was a two-time All-American in the NHSCA National Open High School Women’s Golf Championships. As a freshman in 1999, Wood finished second in the event to Natalie Gulbis, currently an LPGA Tour rookie, with a 311 total, when it was a 72-hole event. In 2000, Wood followed that up with a 221 total and a fourth-place finish.
Before turning pro in 2004, Wood was named to the All-SEC Team, first team All-American and was the SEC Player of the Year.
From 2004 through 2008, she played on the LPGA Futures as well as the LPGA Tours. She also competed in the 2006 U.S. Women’s Open.
Wood did go back to Vanderbilt and graduated with a degree in Art History.
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Articles
Records
Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
Eastern Regional High School
Hillman excelled on field at Eastern Regional before continuing her success at the University of Michigan.
Hillman excelled on field at Eastern Regional before continuing her success at the University of Michigan.
Lori Hillman
Eastern Regional High School
Impact Statement
Hillman excelled on field at Eastern Regional before continuing her success at the University of Michigan.
Biography
“Athletes like Lori Hillman are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best field hockey players not only in the state of New Jersey, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”
A three-time National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) First-Team All-American, Hillman, a midfielder, scored 22 goals and added 21 assists this season, and her 89 career goals are a school record. Hillman, who will attend the University of Michigan, led Eastern High to three consecutive Group 4 state titles, and the school’s record during her four-year career was 80-2-2, with both of the losses coming in her freshman year. She played on the under-18 National Team last year and will compete on the under-19 National Team this year.
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Records
Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
Ukiah High School
“I just want to test myself and push myself to the limit every race.” –Amber Trotter
“I just want to test myself and push myself to the limit every race.” –Amber Trotter
Amber Trotter
Ukiah High School
Impact Statement
“I just want to test myself and push myself to the limit every race.” –Amber Trotter
Biography
“Athletes like Amber Trotter are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best runners not only in the state of California, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”
Trotter’s story is among the most unusual and heart-warming of any honoree this year, both on and off the course. She overcame an eating disorder that plagued her much of her junior year to post one of the most dominating cross country seasons ever in California as a senior. She won the girls title in the Foot Locker National Cross Country Championships last December by 40 seconds, the second largest margin of victory in race history, after finishing seventh as a junior. She won all eight races she competed in last fall, by an average of 1 minute, 6 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor. Included were winning margins of 1:52 in the North Coast Section meet and 45 seconds in the California state meet.Instead of selecting one of the Division I powerhouses to pursue her college career, Trotter will travel all the way across the United States to attend Division III Middlebury College, located in scenic Middlebury, Vermont.
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Videos
Personal Honors
Highlands Ranch High School
Strother has an impressive career in all levels of basketball, as well as in the classroom.
Strother has an impressive career in all levels of basketball, as well as in the classroom.
Ann Strother
Highlands Ranch High School
Impact Statement
Strother has an impressive career in all levels of basketball, as well as in the classroom.
Biography
“Athletes like Ann Strother are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best basketball players not only in the state of Colorado, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”
Strother, who earned a scholarship to NCAA champion UConn, was selected for every leading national award, including the Gatorade High School Player of the Year, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Player of the Year, and the James Naismith Award as the nation’s top player. In the inaugural McDonald’s Women’s All-American game, Strother scored 21 points and was named the game’s co-Most Valuable Player.
This year, she will be a starter on the U.S. Junior National Team as it competes in the World Championships, the only high scool player ever to do so. In her high school career, Strother led Highlands Ranch to three consecutive Class 5A state titles, averaging 17.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in her career. She also graduated with a 3.36 grade-point average and was a member of the National and Spanish Honor Societies. Sports Illustrated magazine also recognized Strother’s distinguished career with a mention in its “Faces in the Crowd” section this year.
While at UConn, the Huskies won two National Championships. Strother played in all 143 games and started 142. In 2013, she and her teammates were were inducted to Huskies of Honor.
In 2006 Strother was the 15th pick in the WNBA draft and played for 3 seasons.
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Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
State College
Galloway was a 3x PA State Champion and stayed “at home” to excel at Penn State University.
Galloway was a 3x PA State Champion and stayed “at home” to excel at Penn State University.
Nathan Galloway
State College
Impact Statement
Galloway was a 3x PA State Champion and stayed “at home” to excel at Penn State University.
Biography
“Athletes like Nathan Galloway are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best wrestlers not only in the state of Pennsylvania, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring him.”
Galloway was a three-time Class 3A state champion at State College High, winning titles at 140, 145, and 152 pounds to lead his team to a second-place state finish. He also was the Cadet National Greco-Roman and freestyle champion in 2000 and was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2001.
Galloway also won the 145-pound championship in the 13th annual NHSCA National High School Seniors Wrestling Championships in April at Cleveland, Ohio, and was voted the winner of the Jeff Reese Memorial Award as the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler.
Galloway wrestled for the Nittany Lions for three years before transferring as a Senior to Rider University. He was a 4x NCAA National Qualifier
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Videos
Records
Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
Leo High School
“I just go out and run my race.”
–Ryan Shields
“I just go out and run my race.”
–Ryan Shields
Ryan Shields
Leo High School
Impact Statement
“I just go out and run my race.”
–Ryan Shields
Biography
“Athletes like Ryan Shields are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best track athletes not only in the state of Illinois, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring him.”
A native of Jamaica, Shields was sent to Chicago to live with his father at age 9 and he overcame the culture shock and the stress of learning English to become one of the outstanding sprinters in Illinois high-school history. As a sophomore, Shields became just the second runner in state history to sweep the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 400-meter dashes, and followed that with sweeps as a junior and senior as well. Though he competed in tiny Class A, his times were faster than the winning times in the big-school Class AA competition. He helped lead Leo to the Class A state title.
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Articles
Records
Corona del Sol High School
McBride was the first State Champion at Corona del Sol in over 20 years.
McBride was the first State Champion at Corona del Sol in over 20 years.
Ryan McBride
Corona del Sol High School
Impact Statement
McBride was the first State Champion at Corona del Sol in over 20 years.
Biography
“Athletes like Ryan McBride are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best tennis players not only in the state of Arizona, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring him.”
The top-ranked player in the United States Tennis Association’s Southwest Section most of the year, McBride gave up his No. 1 ranking to return to high school tennis this year after finishing third in the state as a freshman and sophomore. McBride cruised to the Class 5A state singles title this year, going 30-0 overall. He did not lose a set all season, dropping just 10 games along the way. McBride became his school’s first boys singles champion in 20 years and will attend Arizona State University.
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Personal Honors
Lake Lehman High School
“The best years are when your team wins”
–David Walters
“The best years are when your team wins”
–David Walters
David Walters
Lake Lehman High School
Impact Statement
“The best years are when your team wins”
–David Walters
Biography
“Athletes like David Walters are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA Executive Directors Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best soccer players not only in the state of Pennsylvania, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring him.”
Walters, who will attend Penn State University, was a two-time First team All-America selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) as well as a three-time All-State selection. The runner-up in the NSCAAA Player of the Year balloting as a senior, Walters was selected to the East squad for the inaugural Powerade McDonald’s All-America Games last month. He also has played on the under-16 and under-15 national teams.
Walters was a 4 year starter and 3 year co-captain during his collegiate career. Walters led Penn State to the 2005 Big Ten Championship. He was also named Third Team All-American. He was honored All-Big Ten Team First team his junior and senior years.
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Articles
Records
Personal Honors
Calais High School
Frost earned All-America status twice in the NHSCA National Open High School Boys Golf Championships.
Frost earned All-America status twice in the NHSCA National Open High School Boys Golf Championships.
James Frost
Calais High School
Impact Statement
Frost earned All-America status twice in the NHSCA National Open High School Boys Golf Championships.
Biography
“Athletes like James Frost are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA Executive Directors Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best golfers not only in the state of Maine, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring him.”
Frost, who will continue his golf career next year at Mississippi State University, won three Maine Class C state individual titles, shooting 73 last fall to win his third title, and helping his team to three state team crowns. He was coached at Calais High by the NHSCA’s National High School Boys Coach of the Year, Mike Ellis.
Frost also earned All-America status twice in the NHSCA National Open High School Boys Golf Championships. He scored 217 and finished 11th in the 2000 championships as a sophomore, following that performance with a 226 total and 24th place in 2001 as a junior. Frost is one of just six male golfers to earn All-America honors more than once.
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Records
Personal Honors
St. Bonaventure High School
” I like to think I played with a lot of heart.”
–Lorenzo Booker
” I like to think I played with a lot of heart.”
–Lorenzo Booker
Lorenzo Booker
St. Bonaventure High School
Impact Statement
” I like to think I played with a lot of heart.”
–Lorenzo Booker
Biography
“Athletes like Lorenzo Booker are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best football players not only in the state of California, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring him.”
It is the second straight year that a running back from Ventura has been selected the NHSCA Athlete of the Year; Tyler Ebell of Ventura High received the award last year. Booker, who will attend Florida State University, was selected as the Gatorade National Player of the Year after becoming his state’s all-time leading rusher with 8,269 yards, scoring 126 of his 132 career touchdowns on the ground. His 850 career points also are a state record. As a senior, he rushed for 2,869 yards, averaging more than nine yards per carry as he led St. Bonaventure to a third consecutive divisional title.
Booker also was named the winner of the Ken Hall Trophy, the equivalent of college football’s Heisman Trophy, by the San Antonio (Texas) Downtown Rotary Club, and participated in the inaugural U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January, leading the West squad to a 26-6 victory over the East. Sports Illustrated magazine also recognized Booker’s distinguished career with a mention in its “Faces in the Crowd” section this year.
Booker led the Seminole with carries and was second in rushing yards his Sophmore year. His Junior year, he led the Noles in carries, rushing, and touchdowns.
Booker was drafted in the 3rd round (71st overall) at the 2007 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Booker has played for the Dolphins, Eagles, Vikings and Bears in the NFL.
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Articles
Community Service
Booker has done extensive volunteering and is giving back to the Venutra Family YMCA (store above).
Records
Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
Novi High School
Moore exceled on the courses for Novi and then for Notre Dame earning All-America honors.
Moore exceled on the courses for Novi and then for Notre Dame earning All-America honors.
Timothy Moore
Novi High School
Impact Statement
Moore exceled on the courses for Novi and then for Notre Dame earning All-America honors.
Biography
“Athletes like Timothy Moore are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best runners not only in the state of Michigan, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring him.”
Moore broke out of the shadow of last year’s National High School Boys Cross Country Athlete of the Year, Dathan Ritzenheim of Rockford, to win his first Class A state title last fall. He also won the Foot Locker national championship race last December in 14:50, combining with Ritzenheim to push the Foot Locker winning streak posted by Michigan boys to three. After finishing eighth in the Foot Locker race as a junior, Moore anchored the 4×800 relay team that won the national high school championship last spring.
He has accepted a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. Moore was a three-time NCAA Qualifier for the Irish and earned All-America honors.
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Records
Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
Deering High School
“If you truly dedicate yourself, when March rolls around you will always have an edge over your opponents who took short cuts and didn’t make the same sacrifices.”
“If you truly dedicate yourself, when March rolls around you will always have an edge over your opponents who took short cuts and didn’t make the same sacrifices.”
Nik Caner-Medley
Deering High School
Impact Statement
“If you truly dedicate yourself, when March rolls around you will always have an edge over your opponents who took short cuts and didn’t make the same sacrifices.”
Biography
“”Athletes like Nik Caner-Medley are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best basketball players not only in the state of Maine, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring him.”
A 6-foot-7 small forward, Caner-Medley was named his state’s Mr. Basketball as well as its Gatorade Player of the Year after averaging 34.6 points and 15.4 rebounds per game this season. He led Deering High to a pair of Western Class A state titles and earned an invitational to the Capital Classic all-star game in Washington, D.C.
After starring at the adidas ABCD Camp last summer, Caner-Medley earned plenty of scholarship offers, selecting reigning NCAA champion Maryland over Missouri, UConn, Kansas, and Virginia. Sports Illustrated magazine also recognized Caner-Medley’s distinguished career with a mention in its “Faces in the Crowd” section this year.
Caner-Medley is one of five Terrapin’s to score more then 1500 points, assist over 200 times and have over 500 rebounds during his tenure at Maryland.
Though Caner-Medley has never played in the NBA, he has had an illustrious career playing overseas. He has played on teams in France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, and Spain.
Caner-Medley just signed with Cyberdyne Ibaraki Robot, a team in the B2 league of Japan. He is contracted until 2021.
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Professional Achievements
Personal Honors
Parkview High School
“This is like a dream. I don’t want it to ever end.”
– Jeff Francoeur
“This is like a dream. I don’t want it to ever end.”
– Jeff Francoeur
Jeff Francoeur
Parkview High School
Impact Statement
“This is like a dream. I don’t want it to ever end.”
– Jeff Francoeur
Biography
“Athletes like Jeff Francoeur are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best baseball players not only in the state of Georgia, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring him.”
One of the nation’s top two-sport athletes, Francoeur earned a scholarship to play football at Clemson University after intercepting a school-record 28 passes – 15 as a junior, also a record – as a football free safety and batting .500 both his junior and senior seasons on the diamond, hitting 20 home runs as a junior. Parkview High won Class 5A state titles in both sports his junior and senior years. Francoeur saved his best for last, going 6-for-7 with four home runs, including a grand slam, in the team’s two-game state title series this spring and also was the winning pitcher in both games in relief.
The Atlanta Braves made the 6-foot-4, 200-pound Francoeur their first-round pick (No. 23 overall) in this year’s Major League Draft.
Francoeur made his MLB debut July 7, 2005 with the Atlanta Braves. After a long and illustrious career, Francoeur retired in 2016. Francoeur is a color analyst for television.
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