For a list of the other Gatorade State Boys Basketball POYs, click here.
THE WINNER: Dominique Collier
THE BASICS
School: East (Denver, Colo.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Guard
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 155 pounds
Athletic achievement: Heaveraged 20.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 3.5 steals and 1.3 blocks this past season, leading the Angels (25-3) to the Class 5A state semifinals. A two-time returning Denver Post First Team All-Colorado selection, Collier shot 48 percent from the field, 35 percent from 3-point range and 79 percent from the free throw line. A member of the 2011 USA Basketball Men’s U16 National Team and a 2012 USA Basketball Men’s U17 World Championship Team finalist, he captured Most Valuable Player honors in the Rocky Mountain Fall Showcase Junior Game in October.
Academic excellence: Collier has maintained a 3.55 weighted GPA.
Exemplary character: In addition to donating his time to help the elderly in his community, he has volunteered locally on behalf of the Children’s Hospital of Denver, the Special Olympics, a literacy-outreach program at Southmoor Elementary School and The Gathering Place for women, their children, and transgender individuals who are experiencing homelessness and poverty.
THE PRAISE
“Not only is he an excellent basketball player, but even a better young man,” said Michael Rogers, head coach at Washington (Denver, Colo.). “For someone with his skills, ability and accolades, he is still a humble and respectful young man, and you can see that passed on to his teammates. He’s a leader both on and off the court with his actions and the manner in which he carries himself. You cannot ask for a better young man to represent Colorado basketball, as he is a role model to current and future student-athletes.”
THE FUTURE: Collier will be a senior next year.
