It was said at one point at the end of the season, if this was 10 years ago, there is no question, Parker Metsker would be the hands-down selection for District Player of the Year. He is what you wanted in a point guard, end of story. This is true in so many ways as throughout his prep career, Metsker was what anyone would want in a point guard, selfless, smart, gritty, hard-nosed and decisive.
Such is the case why, Norwayne senior and point guard, Parker Metsker has been selected as the 2025 Daily Record Boys Basketball Player of the Year. He embodied all of that and the team-first mentality that led Norwayne to back-to-back undefeated campaigns in the Wayne County Athletic League and their third straight title. The undefeated stretch is the first in league history in 64 years as it was last done by Northwestern in 1960-1961.
Metsker averaged 8.6 assists, 10.3 points and 4.9 rebounds for the Bobcats and earned Special Mention All-Ohio.
"Parker is a kid that every coach would pick first to represent their program," said Bobcats coach Brian West. "His relentless effort and his competitiveness make him one of the most special players that I have coached. Not only is he a leader on the floor, but his approach and his integrity make him a once-in-a-lifetime type of kid. Every young player that wants to be special, should try to emulate Parker Metsker."
Finalists for Player of the Year
Brady Hignight, Dalton (SR): There really wasn't much that Dalton senior Brady Hignight couldn't do on the hardwood as he brought memories back of an older Hignight version, his dad, Chris, who starred at Central Christian. Brady was lethal from deep, driving to the bucket, played tough defense as he averaged 18.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists and earned All-Ohio.
Nick Wigton, Hiland (SR): Fun to watch is one way to describe Hiland senior Nick Wigton, who shined each time he stepped onto the hardwood. Wigton was key to the Hawk's success and always brought an ability to score in bunches to each game. Wigton averaged 16.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and dished 1.4 assists per game for Hiland as he earned All-Ohio.
Coach of the Year
Brian West, Norwayne: There is no question that Brian West had himself a special group the past four years at Norwayne and they shined this year as seniors. Going 23-3, they won their third-straight WCAL title and clinched the program's eighth district championship and first since 2022. Even bigger, is this group saved their best for last as they faced a perennial power in Lutheran East in regionals and nearly pulled off the shocker, leading into the fourth quarter before falling 64-56.
West has been a key part to bringing this group along over the years and has been the vision of calm leadership from the bench over the past few years. Since 2020, West has guided the Bobcats to a 20-6 record in the OHSAA tournament, four district titles and three league titles. The combination of all of that is why Brian West was selected as the 2025 Daily Record Boys Basketball Coach of the Year.
First Team (alphabetical order by last name)
Kodah Allen, Orrville (JR): Fantastic playmaker, a must-watch player, dynamite with the ball in his handsStats: Averaged 22.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and earned 1st team ...
