Florence, S.C.— Wilson High School student-athlete Josh Leonard has been named this year’s Gatorade South Carolina Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

Organizers say this honor celebrates the nation’s best high school athletes for their successes on the court.

This award highlights Leonard as South Carolina’s best high school boys basketball player. He stands 6-foot 7 inches. In his Freshman season, Leonard averaged 21.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, leading the Tigers (21-9) to Class AAAA state tournament semifinals.

“Josh is a top-ranked prospect who lives up to the daily and carries the load for his program,” said DJ Kelly, Marion High School head coach.

Leonard is also ranked as the nation’s No. 8 recruit in his class by Rivals.

“He played well against out-of-state teams this past season and dominated South Carolina playing a tough schedule,” said Kelly.

Every Player of the Year recipient also receives a grant to donate to a social impact organization or campaign. Leonard donated the $1,000 grant to the Boys and Girls Club of the Pee Dee.

Leonard joins recent Gatorade South Carolina Boys Basketball Players of the Year Cam Scott (2023-24 & 2022-23, Lexington High School), Gregory "GG" Jackson (2021-22, Ridge View High School) and Bryce McGowens (2020-21, Legacy Early College School), among the state’s list of former award winners.

The program has provided more than $5.6 million in grants to winners across more than 2,000 organizations so far.

To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, click here.