Bessette Named Gatorade Player of the Year

Drew Bessette, Senior at Rice Memorial High School, is the 2023-24 Gatorade Vermont Boys Basketball Player of the Year! The award, which celebrates the nation’s top high school athletes for excellence on the court, in the classroom and in the community, distinguishes Bessette as Vermont’s best high school boys basketball player.

Athletic Excellence:
The 6-foot-8, 220-pound senior forward averaged 16.2 points and 7.7 rebounds this season, leading the Green Knights (21-2) to the Division I state championship. Ranked as the Class of 2024’s No. 5 recruit in Vermont by the New England Recruiting Report, Bessette was named the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association’s 2024 Player of the Year. He is also a two-time Vermont Coaches Association Dream Dozen selection.

Academic Excellence:
Bessette has maintained an A average in the classroom. He has verbally committed to play basketball at the University of Vermont this fall.

Exemplary Character:
A National Honor Society member, Bessette has volunteered locally on behalf of the Meals on Wheels program and has also donated his time with the Hope Happens Here club, which raises awareness of mental health issues facing student-athletes. Additionally, this Fall he organized a free basketball clinic for middle school students to help them sharpen their skills and build confidence prior to tryouts.

Bessette is one of 8 players that have been selected from Rice in the 39-year history of the award. The last award recipient from Rice is Michel Ndayishimiye (2020-21). We are so proud of Drew for this incredible honor and for representing our school so well. We can't wait to see what's next for him!