Boys Basketball Player of the Year
Wendell Carter, Pace Academy
Achievements: Carter averaged 22.7 points, 15.5 rebounds and 5.8 blocks per game for Pace Academy, which he led to state titles in boys basketball for the first time in 2016 and again in 2017. Carter was a McDonald's All-American.
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6-foot-10, 250 pounds
Class: Senior
College choice: Signed with Duke
Why Duke: I picked Duke because I saw it as the best situation for me and my family. It is a tremendous academic and athletic school, and I saw it as an opportunity to have the best of both worlds.
Best high school moment: My best high school moment was finishing my senior year off with a championship. The entire year was filled with ups and downs, but winning the championship just put the icing on top.
Why basketball: I was kind of born into the sport. My mother and father both played the game, and they introduced it to me when I was about 5 years old. Ever since then, I had a deep love for game.
What you'd like to be doing in 10 years: I would love to be a veteran in the NBA 10 years from now.
Favorite high school course: Literature class in 10th grade. This is my favorite course because my teacher, Dr. (Don) Dupree, had a completely different way of teaching than I was used to. He was extremely funny and laid back.
People who helped along the way: My parents helped me the most. They have been there for me ever since I was born and haven't missed a beat. They made sure I was on top of my schoolwork and my athletics.
Toughest high school opponent: Harry Giles (2016 Duke signee) was probably my toughest opponent. He is a very versatile player, and he was athletic.
Favorite movie: "Life of Pi."
Favorite song: "End of the Road" by Boyz II Men.
Worst high school moment: Does not apply
If you could be any other athlete on earth: It would be LeBron James. He is my favorite player in the (NBA), and it seems as if he lives a perfect life.
Money or happiness: Happiness because I think that money doesn't always bring happiness, but with happiness, you can earn money.
Best word to describe yourself: Humble.
View of the world at this moment: I see the world as going in the wrong direction.
What you would put in a time capsule: A basketball and a basketball shoe.
