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It came with no surprise that Rainier Beach High School senior Dejounte Murray won Gatorade/USA Today Washington state player of the year honors. The award was announced on Friday. The 6 foot 5 shooting guard is already expected to come in and contribute right off the bat for the Dawgs.
In addition to the Gatorade state POY honor, he was chosen player of the year by the Seattle Times and the Tacoma News Tribune.
Murray averaged 25 points, 12.4 rebounds, 8 assists and 3.2 steals for the Vikings this season. Earlier this year, he had 52 points and 20 rebounds against Franklin. Rainier Beach was runner-up this year to Garfield for the Class 3A state title.
Along with outstanding play, academic achievement and exemplary character on and off the court are factored into the award. Murray maintains a B average at Rainier Beach. In addition to his play on the court, Murray served as a high school peer tutor and provided community service in volunteering with the Jamal Crawford Foundation.
Maybe Hawes, IT and Wroten are the only other incoming freshman of recent memory that have come in with great expectations. Its likely Murray is the only one that comes with the added pressure of making the NCAA tournament or else big changes may come to the program.
Congratulations to Murray and Go Dawgs!