“font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;”>The hits just keep on coming for Chaminade College Prep All-American basketball player Bradley Beal when it comes to postseason awards.
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>After playing in the McDonald’s All-American Game last week, Beal was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year in boys’ basketball for the 2011 season. Beal has received a boatload of postseason honors since the conclusion of his stellar career, but this is the biggest. He made statewide history with the Gatorade award.
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Beal becomes the first basketball player in the state of Missouri to be selected the National Player of Year since the award was started in 1985.
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>A gymnasium packed full of Chaminade students were on hand for the press conference, which also included former NBA star Alonzo Mourning, who was the 1988 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Beal was already a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Missouri.
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>The Gatorade National Player of the Year award annually goes to the student-athlete who exemplifies excellence in athletics, academics and cititzenship. Beal’s basketball exploits are well-documented throughout his All-American career, but he is also an A-student as well as volunteer in several community projects throughout his high school career.
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>“This honor for Bradley is well-deserved,” said Chaminade coach Kelvin Lee. “He is a great person, a great student and a great athlete. He is the total package.”
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Beal will now head to Portland this weekend to play in the Nike Hoop Summit on Saturday for the USA team that will play against a squad of international prep all-stars. He scored 17 points to lead the East All-Stars to a victory in the McDonald’s All-American Game last Wednesday night in Chicago.
