Three National Native American Player of the Year finalists announced
Seattle, WA – The National Player of the Year finalists have been announced for the National Native American Player of the Year Trophy, recognizing high school basketball’s most outstanding men’s player. The group features three talented players in Robert McClain Jr. (Red Lake High School, St. Thomas University), David Wingett Jr. (Winnebago High School, Charlotte Basketball Academy) and Trazil Lane (Lummi Nation High School, Undecided)
ITA Native Sports National voting committee, comprised of leading journalists from around the country, will base their final selection on outstanding on-court performances during the 2016-17 high school basketball season. The fan poll via ITA Native Sports FB Page has Rob McClain out front with 642 fans votes, David Wingett with 474, & Trazil Lane with 273.
This years fans had a say in choosing the winner. Fans can visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/223458344803459/?source_id=445454542321912 to view a full ballot and view the vote results for the National Player of Year.
The 2017 National Native American Player Trophy winner will be announced on Friday, August 5th live via the ITA Native Sports Facebook page!
Throughout this season we realized that there would be numerous candidates worthy of the National Player of the Year Trophy, so for these three individuals to emerge as finalists, it says a great deal about their drive, determination and leadership.
About the finalists:
Rob McClain Jr. 6’5″ Guard, Red Lake High School
- Tribe: Muskogee Creek
- Over 1,600 points, 1,200 rebounds in high school career
- Recorded a rare quadruple double his senior year
- Led Red Lake High School to four State Tournament Appearances
- 3x All State Selection
- Averaged 18 Points, 12 Rebounds, 8 Assists, 6 Steals, & 3 Blocks his Senior Year
- Led Red Lake to four Section 8A District Titles
- Signed with four year school St. Thomas University (Division 3)
David Wingett Jr. 6’7″ Small Forward, Winnebago High School
- Tribe: Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
- Over 2,200 Points, 1,000 rebounds in high school career
- 2nd All-Time in Career in Nebraska scoring history
- 1x Nebraska State Champion, 2x 3rd Place finisher
- 3x All-State first team, 3x Super State second Team
- Averaged 24 Points, 11 Rebounds, 2.5 Assists, 3 Steals & 3 Blocks his Senior Year
- 2x Gatorade Player of the Year Runner-Up
- Charlotte Academy Prep School (Reclassifying to 2018 for recruiting purposes)
Trazil Lane 6’4″ Combo Guard, Lummi Nation High School
- Tribe: Lummi Nation
- Over 2,000 Points, 1,000 Rebounds in high school career
- Native American Showcase M.V.P. & Global Elite Top 50 M.V.P.
- 4x 1st Team All League, 3x League M.V.P.
- 1x Washington State Champion, 1x 2nd Place Finisher
- Averaged 24 Points, 12 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 3 Steals & 3 Blocks his Senior Year
- 2x Washington State AP Player of the Year, WICBA Player of Year
- Undecided weighing his options (Will play Junior College Basketball)
What about Native American female player of the year?
Congrats to all the native athletes In All Sports in high school and in college strive to be your best and good luck in all aspects of your life.
Dave is a sure win he is a better all around player.