Cooper Flagg, Sarah Strong Named 2024 Naismith High School Players of the Year

Adam WellsMarch 8, 2024

Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Sarah Strong and Cooper Flagg have been named the girls and boys 2024 Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Player of the Year winners.

The Atlanta Tipoff Club announced the recipients of this year’s awards given to the nation’s most outstanding high school basketball players on Friday.

“Sarah and Cooper’s dedication and skill on the court have rightfully earned them the prestigious title of Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Player of the Year,” Eric Oberman, president of the Atlanta Tipoff Club, said in the release. “We couldn’t be more excited to acknowledge their exceptional achievements and extend our best wishes as they embark on the next chapter of their basketball journey at the collegiate level. Their remarkable success is a testament to their talents and relentless work ethic.”

Strong led Grace Christian (North Carolina) to a 30-0 record and third consecutive state championship this season. She averaged 21.0 points, 16.7 rebounds 4.6 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.8 blocks per game.

The Crusaders have won 41 straight games overall and own a 91-4 record over the past three seasons.

“I am humbled to be recognized as the 2024 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Winner,” Strong said. ” would like to thank God for blessing me and I thank the selection committee for recognizing me and the other amazing finalists who are elevating the sport we love. I am grateful for my family & their continued support. I would also like to recognize every coach and teammate who has contributed to my basketball journey, from those in my earliest days at Club Baloncesto Alcobendas in Spain to my current teammates at The Strong Center & Grace Christian School in Sanford, NC. Muchísimas gracias!”

Flagg is averaging 16.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game for a Montverde Academy team that is 30-0 and will finish the 2023-24 season at the High School Nationals from April 4-6 in Brownsburg, Indiana.

“I would like to thank Jersey Mike’s and the Naismith selection committee for recognizing me as the Naismith High School Player of the Year,” said Flagg. “It is a great honor that wouldn’t have been possible without my parents, coaches, and teammates, who motivate me every day to get better.”f

Flagg is a 5-star recruit and top-ranked player in the 2024 class, per 247Sports. He was originally a member of the 2025 recruiting class before reclassifying last summer and signed a national letter of intent in November to play at Duke next season.

The previous four men’s players who won the Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Player of the Year and went on to play for the Blue Devils were Dariq Whitehead (2022), RJ Barrett (2018), Austin Rivers (2011) and Shane Battier (1997).

Strong is the top-ranked player in the 2024 class by espnW. The 18-year-old has yet to announce where she will play college basketball. The spring signing period begins on April 17 and runs through May 15.