Emoni Bates wins national high school player of the year

YPSILANTI, MI - DECEMBER 09: Ypsilanti Lincoln Railsplitter sophomore Emoni Bates in action against the River Rouge Panthers during the Ypsi Tip Off Classic on December 9, 2019 at the Eastern Michigan Convocation University Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

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Emoni Bates, a 6-foot-9 sophomore forward from Ypsilanti, Michigan, was named the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year on Tuesday.

The announcement came through tweets from past winner Jayson Tatum and NBA legend Dwyane Wade.

Congrats, @BatesEmoni on winning the 2019-2020 @Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award. That’s Big Time. Welcome to the Fam. #GatoradePOY #GatoradePartner
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) April 14, 2020

Congrts @BatesEmoni on winning the 2019-2020 @Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award. Biggest award in high school sports 💪🏾 #GatoradePOY #GatoradePartner
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) April 14, 2020

Bates becomes the first high school sophomore to win the award.

He's currently listed No. 1 on the 2022 ESPN 100, but Bates could graduate early and enter the class of 2021. He led Lincoln High School to a 19-3 record this past season, averaging 32.4 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and 2.2 steals per game.