News Summary
Josh Leonard, a standout basketball player from Wilson High School, has made a significant contribution of $1,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area. This donation, facilitated by the Gatorade Player of the Year Community Grant initiative, aims to support the club’s mission of empowering local youth to become productive citizens. Leonard’s achievements on the court, alongside his philanthropic efforts, exemplify the impact young athletes can have in their communities.
Florence, South Carolina – Josh Leonard, a prominent basketball player from Wilson High School, has made a significant impact off the court by donating a $1,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area, following his recognition as the Gatorade South Carolina Boys Basketball Player of the Year. This contribution was made possible through Gatorade’s Player of the Year Community Grant initiative, which allows award recipients to support organizations that align with their values.
The grant aims to bolster the club’s mission, which is focused on inspiring and enabling young people to become productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Leonard expressed that the opportunity to give back in this way is a considerable honor. His mother, Brittany Leonard, acknowledged the Boys & Girls Club for providing a safe and supportive environment for her son while she worked.
Executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area, Neal Zimmerman, highlighted that Leonard’s donation reflects the hard work of the club’s staff and the positive influence it has on its members. The funds from Leonard’s grant will assist the organization in continuing its essential programs and services that benefit local youth.
On the basketball court, Josh Leonard has excelled this season, leading the Wilson High Tigers to a commendable 21-9 record, ultimately reaching the Class AAAA state semifinals. He was also named the 2025 AAAA Player of the Year, showcasing his outstanding performance throughout the season.
Leonard’s statistics underscore his prowess on the hardwood. He averaged 21.7 points per game, along with 10.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists. These figures highlight his well-rounded game, as he shot 59.1% from inside the arc and 39.2% from three-point range, yielding a true shooting percentage of 61%.
The Gatorade Player of the Year award honors student-athletes who excel both in sports and their communities. All 610 recipients of the Gatorade State Player of the Year award are granted financial resources to donate to social impact organizations of their choice. Furthermore, each Player of the Year has the opportunity to submit a video nomination for their selected organization, which could qualify them for a Spotlight Grant, providing an additional $10,000 to aid in community efforts.
Since its inception, the Gatorade Player of the Year Community Grant initiative has awarded over $5.6 million to more than 2,000 organizations, underscoring the program’s commitment to making a difference in communities nationwide. This initiative not only recognizes athletic talent but also promotes the importance of social responsibility among young athletes.
Leonard’s contributions, both on and off the court, highlight his dedication to the sport of basketball and his community, setting a commendable example for his peers. His impact through sports and charitable giving emphasizes the important role that young athletes can play in inspiring future generations.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Florence Wilson High Gatorade Grant
- Sports Illustrated: Josh Leonard Wins Gatorade Player of the Year
- NC State Rivals: Josh Leonard’s Recruiting Future
- On3: South Carolina Basketball Recruiting News
- SC Now: Boys Basketball Article
- Google Search: Josh Leonard basketball
- Wikipedia: Youth Basketball
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
