Two players who were integral parts of Bradley Beal Elite 17U’s Peach Jam title win in 2025 were recognized this week as Gatorade announced its annual state-by-state boys basketball Player of the Year honors.
J.J. Andrews followed up his McDonald’s All-American honor by being named Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.
Coming off a second straight Peach Jam championship with BBE, J.J. was already in a groove averaged when the high school season began and it showed as he averaged and eye-popping 30.7 points and 16.9 rebounds per game this winter. The University of Arkansas commit led Little Rock Christian Academy to a 23-8 record and the second round of the 5A state tournament.
J.J. also finished his senior high school season with a 60.9 shooting percentage from the floor, and drew the attention of respect of coaches and players across the state and the country.
“JJ is definitely dangerous with the ball, mainly because of his size and strength,” said Todd Ezzi, head coach of rival Catholic High School for Boys. “He’s got a good first step and I’d venture to say there are very few kids in the state who could guard him one-on-one.”
Up in BBE’s home state of Missouri it was Quentin Coleman, a senior at Principia High and Andrews’ teammate on last year’s Bradley Beal Elite Peach Jam Champion team who took home the highest honor, being named Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year.
Coleman raised his profile with his performance for BBE last summer and carried the momentum into the 2025-26 high school season, averaging 23.1 points per game on 64.9 percent shooting. He guided Principia to a second straight Missouri state title and took control in the championship game, dropping 50 points in a 98-34 drubbing of Miller Career Academy.
“Coleman is one of the most improved players in the country,” said Matt McKay, CEO and founder of Pro Insight. “He has clearly put in the work to round out his game in preparation for the next level. Beyond that, he’s one of the fiercest competitors you’ll encounter.”
Principia finished the HS season ranked fourth nationally according to Max Preps and Quentin is ranked as the nation’s No. 20 Class of 2026 prospect by Rivals/On3.
