Every year, the Phoenix Chapter of the National Alliance of African American Athletes puts out their Scholar Athletes of the Year list.
They must have a 3.0 grade-point average or higher, do community service and achieve a high level of athletic success.
Scott Williams, president of the Phoenix Chapter, said that the alliance works with colleges to match the athletes with schools that can provide them with athletic or academic scholarships.
“We give these scholar athletes every tool and resource they need to go pro in any sport that they play,” Williams said. “Most won’t go to the pros, but they can all play on the collegiate level and get a college degree.
“Everyone is not going to be a Christian Kirk, Devon Kennard or a Markus Howard. We all love sports but being an athlete eventually comes to an end. When these athletes enter our program, we don’t get them thinking about the day their athletic career is over. We get them planning.”
Here are those in the 2022 high school class from across Arizona recognize by the Phoenix Chapter for excellence as Scholar Athletes of the Year:
Ben Morrison, Brophy Prep, football, 3.4 GPA, committed to Notre Dame, wants to major in communications.
Dillon Hunter, Chandler, soccer, 3.2, college major undecided.
Miles Crutchley, Scottsdale Saguaro, football, baseball, 4.78, wants to major in math or science.
Gerard Bolden Jr., Lake Havasu, basketball, 4.0, wants to major in either criminal justice or law.
Bennett Meyer-Wills, Yuma Cibola, cross country, 3.3, wants to major in criminal justice.
Josiah Villanueva, Mesa Red Mountain, football, baseball, 3.5, wants to pursue a career in law.
Ta’John Cook, Tucson Salpointe Catholic, football, basketball, 3.0, wants to major in engineering.
Dawson Hubbard, Chandler Hamilton, football, 3.5, wants to major in business marketing.
Lee Barber Jr., Tucson Palo Verde Magnet, basketball, track, 3.4, wants to major in sports medicine.
Kamden Gambrell, Salpointe Catholic, football, basketball, 3.7, wants to major in dentistry.
Anthony Wilhite II, Salpointe Catholic, football, wrestling, 3.1, wants to major in criminal justice.
To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.
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