Northland High School senior Jared Sullinger was named the 2010 Naismith National High School Boy's Basketball Player of the Year on Wednesday.
His coach, and father, James "Satch" Sullinger was named the Naismith National Boy's High School Coach of the year.
The winners were selected by the Atlanta Tipoff Club's Board of Selectors, a collection of leading basketball journalists and administrators from around the country, based on performances over the course of the season.
Jared Sullinger, a 6 feet 9 inch center, has led Northland to an undefeated season (21-0) and a No. 1 ranking in USA Today. The Vikings are playing for the Division I district title on Saturday in the state playoffs.
The reigning Mr. Ohio Basketball led Northland to the Division I state title a year ago. This season, Sullinger has averaged 23.6 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. He has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at Ohio State next season.
"Jared's body of work during the last four years speaks for itself, including an undefeated and top-ranked senior season," James "Satch" Sullinger said. "What really makes me proud is that Jared is a better person then he is a basketball player."
Coach Sullinger has amassed a 145-76 record in his 10 seasons at Northland, including the 2009 Division I Ohio State championship. His overall coaching mark is 234-135.
"This amazing honor was earned through wonderful young men that bought into our slogan, 'One Heartbeat' team first and foremost," said Coach Sullinger. "I proudly share this honor with them."
Other Naismith winners include LeBron James in 2003 and former Buckeye Greg Oden in 2006.
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