Luke Babbitt named player of the year

Galena High School junior Luke Babbitt can add another honor to his long list of awards.

Babbitt, who has verbally committed to play for Ohio State, has been named as the Gatorade 2006-2007 Nevada Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Babbitt is now a finalist for the national award to be announced this month.

State winners aren't only selected for their outstanding athletic performance, but for meeting high academic standards while demonstrating character onn and off the court.

The 6-8, 210-pound forward averaged 28 points and 11 rebounds a page this season in helping to lead the Grizzlies to the NIAA 4A State Championship. In the championship game, Babbitt scored 25 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter in Galena's 54-51 win over Mojave.

Babbitt maintains a 3.84 grade point average, is active in his church youth group and participates in multiple peer-leadership initiatives in his community.

"Luke is one of the most multdimensional players I've ever seen," Galena coach Tom Mauer said. "He can play post and he can shoot as well as anyone out there. He's one of the best, if not the best player in the state. He's a dream come true to coach."