Gatorade Maryland Boys Basketball Player of the Year Cam Ward Commits To Michigan State

Largo High School’s Cam Ward has firmly established himself as one of Maryland’s premier basketball talents. He capped his senior year with the prestigious Gatorade Maryland Boys Basketball Player of the Year award for the 2024-2025 season. This accolade recognizes his on-court prowess, academic dedication, and community involvement.

Dominant Senior Season

Standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 220 pounds, Ward led the Largo Lions to a stellar 24-2 record, culminating in their second consecutive Class 2A state championship. Throughout the season, he showcased his versatility and dominance with impressive averages:

• Points per game: 29.5
• Rebounds per game: 12.7
• Assists per game: 4.0
• Blocks per game: 2.8

In the state final against New Town High, Ward delivered a standout performance, recording 20 points and securing 15 rebounds, leading Largo to a narrow 50-48 victory.

Historic Achievements

Remarkable milestones mark Ward’s high school career:

• Scoring Milestone: On March 5, he became Maryland’s all-time leading scorer among public schools, surpassing the previous record of Mike Roberts of Pocomoke. Ward concluded his high school career with a total of 2,714 points.
• Back-to-Back Gatorade Honors: This year’s award marks Ward’s second consecutive Gatorade Maryland Boys Basketball Player of the Year title, making him only the third player in state history to achieve this feat, alongside Jalen Smith (2017-18) and Rodney Monroe (1986-87).

Academic and Community Commitment

Beyond basketball, Ward has demonstrated a strong commitment to academics and community service:

• Academic Excellence: He maintained a weighted 3.30 GPA, reflecting his dedication in the classroom.
• Community Engagement: Ward actively participated in local initiatives, volunteering at the Capitol Area Food Bank through the Team Durant Family Foundation and mentoring young athletes as a youth basketball coach.

Family and Future Endeavors

Basketball runs deep in the Ward family:

• Coaching Legacy: Cam played under the guidance of his father, Rodney Ward, who served as Largo’s head coach throughout high school.
• Family Ties: His younger brother, Canaan, plays basketball for the Largo boys’ team, while their mother, Ayana Ball-Ward, serves as the school’s athletic director and head coach of the girls’ basketball team.

Looking ahead, Ward has committed to Michigan State University, where he will play under esteemed coach Tom Izzo. 247Sports ranked Ward as the nation’s No. 54 recruit in the Class of 2025. Ward chose Michigan State over offers from prominent programs, including Marquette, Maryland, Texas, and Villanova.

Cam Ward’s journey from Upper Marlboro to East Lansing is a testament to his relentless work ethic, leadership qualities, and passion for the game. As he transitions to the collegiate level, the Michigan State Spartans and their fans eagerly anticipate the impact this Maryland standout will bring to the court.