Xavier Simpson named Gatorade POY for Ohio
After being named Ohio's Mr. Basketball yesterday, Xavier Simpson garnered another honor today: Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Ohio.
The 6-foot, 175-pound senior point guard has led the Spartans to a 28-0 record and a berth in the Division I semifinals, scheduled for March 18. Simpson is averaging 28 points, 6.3 assists and 3.7 steals per game through 28 games, shooting nearly 60 percent from 3-point range. . . .
"I can’t believe that there is a player in Ohio that is more important to his team’s success than Xavier Simpson," said Jim Rucki, head coach at Findlay High. "He makes everyone around him a better player. He is true point guard. He keeps his team under control and is a coach on the floor. He can be a great scorer when he needs to be, but has an uncanny ability to give his teammates the ball right where they need it. He is the best player in Ohio."
March 17th, 2016 at 11:06 AM ^
Beat me to it. I remember when he committed he was said to be streaky and inconsistent with his jumper. 60% is just the kind of inconsistency I like in my three point shooters!
March 17th, 2016 at 11:10 AM ^
No kidding! It sounds like that was really the only element missing from his game (aside from elite-level athleticism that matters more for NBA potential than college production) so if he can hit the jumper consistently now too, watch out.
March 17th, 2016 at 11:14 AM ^
I wonder if he will win the Powerade award for the state of ohio also?
March 17th, 2016 at 11:24 AM ^
Awesome news. Congrats, Xavier.
You know what's even better? He grew an inch for the Gatorade POY award. Saw him listed at 5'11" for yesterday's award. He's 6'0" today. Nice little growth spurt.
I was going to upvote this joke. Sadly, it is harder to upvote than it is to grow one inch in a single day.
JB can't recruit...
for the Michigan POY award.
I hate how Beilein can't recruit and the program is trending down.
He and his Lima Senior team beat my home town team in the playoffs (Lorain,Ohio) and my adopted hometown teams multiple times (St. Francis, St. John's, Whitmer and Toledo Central Catholic, and Clay) he had a total of 13 wins against these teams this year. He is the real deal. He can score but he is unselfish. From the point, he makes everyone on the floor better. I do not think he will cut into Walton's PT much. He will cut out Dakich if either Rak or Walton get into foul trouble or need a break or if we need to match up small.