Categories: School News

Josh Leonard Named South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year

High school basketball players demonstrate skill and teamwork during an intense game.

Article Sponsored by:

SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORS!

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:

Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence

Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?

Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:

May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf

Click the button below to sponsor our articles:

Sponsor Our Articles

News Summary

Josh Leonard, a five-star small forward from Florence, has been named the 2025 South Carolina Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Representing Wilson High School, Leonard is recognized for his exceptional talent and joins an elite group of past winners. The basketball season in South Carolina is bustling with competitions, including local high school teams vying for championships. With significant achievements highlighted in the community, the future of basketball in the state remains bright as players strive for excellence in their sport.

Florence, South Carolina – Josh Leonard, a five-star small forward from Florence, has earned the prestigious title of the 2025 South Carolina Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year. The standout player currently represents Wilson High School and is part of the 2027 graduating class. This recognition solidifies Leonard’s status as one of the most promising talents in South Carolina basketball.

Leonard’s award places him among an elite group of past winners, which includes notable athletes such as GG Jackson II, who won in 2022 and is now a rising star in the NBA, and Cam Scott, who claimed the title in both 2023 and 2024. Other distinguished names on the same list include PJ Dozier, Devan Downey, Justin McKie, and Seventh Woods, all of whom have made significant contributions to South Carolina basketball history.

As the basketball season continues, other developments in the local sports scene include Sequel Patterson from Fort Mill, SC, committing to the South Carolina Gamecocks, choosing the program over several other finalists. In addition, South Carolina’s All-SEC sophomore forward Collin Murray-Boyles was recently picked No. 9 overall in a first-round draft, showcasing the potential of South Carolina players in the broader national landscape.

Leonard’s recognition comes at a time when high school basketball in South Carolina is experiencing heightened competition. Fifteen high school teams will soon compete in the Upper State finals, leading to the state semifinals and championships slated to occur at the Florence Center. These statewide tournaments will spotlight emerging talent from various regions, including the upcoming games that promise to draw significant local interest.

Meanwhile, the West Florence varsity boys basketball team has faced a challenging February 2025. The team endured several defeats, including a notable loss to Ridge View High School (43-80) and a significant setback against Sumter High School (19-64). They managed to secure a close victory against Spring Valley High School (53-51) on February 14 but also lost to Westwood High School (41-69) and Blythewood High School (38-69) earlier in the month. Their performance included a variety of high-scoring games and close contests but ultimately highlights the competitive nature of the local basketball scene.

In related news, Lancaster High School recently celebrated a historic achievement by winning the Class 4A title with a 69-55 victory over North Augusta, marking their first state boys’ basketball championship in 75 years. The standout player Jordan Watford delivered an impressive performance, scoring 19 points in the final game, and plans to further his basketball career at Queens University. Lancaster finished the season with an outstanding record of 27-1, including an impressive streak of 22 consecutive wins.

As the conclusion of the basketball season approaches, the Florence Center is set to be a hub of activity, filled with fans eager to witness the culmination of their favorite teams’ hard work and determination on the court. With so much talent emerging from South Carolina’s high school basketball programs, including players like Josh Leonard, the future of the sport looks promising as they continue to strive for excellence in both local and national arenas.