Laramie High School senior Neil Summers has been named the 2024-25 Gatorade Wyoming Boys Basketball Player of the Year, marking him as the state’s top high school player for the season.
The Gatorade Company announced the honor as part of its 40th year recognizing the nation’s best high school athletes.
The 6-foot-9 senior played a crucial role in Laramie’s 19-9 season, leading the team to a runner-up finish in the Class 4A state tournament. Summers averaged 16.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, leading Class 4A in rebounding and ranking second in field goal percentage at 58%. He posted 25 points and 11 rebounds in the state championship game against Campbell County and was named Class 4A Player of the Year.
As a junior, Summers helped Laramie win its first regional championship in 55 years and secure its first 20-win season in 81 years.
Off the court, Summers has made a positive impact in his community, volunteering with Vedauwoo National Park and New Life Church. He has also contributed as an assistant coach for a girls’ youth basketball team and as a youth referee. Additionally, he has participated in Laramie Turf Wars, the Battle of the Books, and the Walk for Water.
Summers has maintained an impressive 3.90 GPA and signed his National Letter of Intent to play basketball at the University of Wyoming in November.
Laramie head coach Drew Evans praised Summers’ leadership and dedication:
“Neil is the epitome of a student-athlete. Through his commitment on and off the court, Neil has shown excellence both in the gym and in the classroom. Neil’s individual production and resulting team achievements speak for themselves. His presence and skill command respect and attention from opponents.”
The Gatorade Player of the Year award recognizes not only athletic excellence but also academic achievement and character. Summers now becomes a finalist for the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year, which will be announced later this month.
As part of Gatorade’s social impact initiative, each Player of the Year receives a grant to donate to a nonprofit organization. Since its inception, the program has provided over $5.6 million in grants to more than 2,000 organizations.
Summers joins a distinguished list of recent Gatorade Wyoming Boys Basketball Players of the Year, including Joe Sawyer (Cheyenne Central, 2023-24), Parker Paxton (Riverton, 2022-23), and Deegan Williams (Thunder Basin, 2021-22).
