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The best of the best: Who should be the boys basketball player of the year?

cait kemp, the gardner news
·2 min read

The winter sports season has come to a close and Gardner-area teams saw their share of successes and highlight moments. As we reflect on the season, it is also the chance to notice which individual athletes rose to the top, breaking through and excelling at their sport of choice.

These Gardner-area athletes are nominated for The Gardner News Boys Basketball Player of the Year for their talent and skill on the court throughout the season, contributing to their team and its success. Vote below in the poll for who you think deserves the title of Player of the Year. Fan voting will be factored into the decision and a winner will be announced next week.

Jordan Pantojas, Oakmont

Oakmont's Jordan Pantojas dribbles up the court in a game against Clinton on February 17, 2024.Pantojas had 11 second-half points to help the Spartans to a comeback victory.
Oakmont's Jordan Pantojas dribbles up the court in a game against Clinton on February 17, 2024.Pantojas had 11 second-half points to help the Spartans to a comeback victory.

Pantojas, a senior, led the Spartans in scoring with 14.1 points per game. His contributions helped secure Oakmont a win in the first round of the Clark Tournament – the team's first in over a decade – as well as a bid to the MIAA state tournament as the 29th seed.

Cam Gamache, Gardner

Gardner's Cam Gamache, who led the Wildcats with 22 points, looks to set up the Wildcats' offense during a 69-60 win over Bromfield on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023.
Gardner's Cam Gamache, who led the Wildcats with 22 points, looks to set up the Wildcats' offense during a 69-60 win over Bromfield on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023.

The sophomore guard was a force for the Wildcats this season. He averaged 14.1 points per game, landing in the top 5 for scoring in the Mid-Wach D league.

More: 'The Cats are back': Gardner back on the diamond for a varsity baseball season

Jayden Jones, Monty Tech

Jayden Jones brings the ball up the court against North Middlesex's Nolan Lyle. The Bulldogs defeated their opponent for their fifth victory of the season on December 27, 2023.
Jayden Jones brings the ball up the court against North Middlesex's Nolan Lyle. The Bulldogs defeated their opponent for their fifth victory of the season on December 27, 2023.

Junior Jayden Jones was a key factor in Monty Tech's success. He averaged 12.6 points for the Bulldogs, helping the team to an appearance in the MIAA state tournament.

Max Kauffman, Narragansett

Narragansett's Max Kauffman (No. 2) releases a 3-point shot against Murdock on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.
Narragansett's Max Kauffman (No. 2) releases a 3-point shot against Murdock on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.

The sophomore guard dominated the court for the Warriors with 13.3 points per game. On a young team, he stepped up into his role to clinch a handful of victories.

More: After a grim diagnosis as a newborn, Kaelyn McDermott is now the queen of the court

Kyle Clark, Quabbin

Quabbin's Kyle Clark sets to shoot a free throw in the Panthers' game against Tyngsboro on February 2, 2024.
Quabbin's Kyle Clark sets to shoot a free throw in the Panthers' game against Tyngsboro on February 2, 2024.

While Quabbin struggled this season, Clark was a leader and helped the team to a few big wins and hard-fought games. The junior averaged 12.3 pointer per game.

Who do you think is The Gardner News Boys Basketball Player of the Year? Vote now!

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Your vote counts: Support your favorite Gardner-area boys hoops player