The Idaho State Journal is announcing finalists for the annual Sports Stars Awards, set for May 5 at 6 p.m. at the Stephens Performing Arts Center on the campus of Idaho State University.

Moving to our winter finalists, up next is Boys Basketball Athlete of the Year.

Woodrow Lowder, RocklandThe 6-foot senior guard claimed Class 1A Player of the Year honors while leading the Bulldogs to their second state championship and first since 2022. Lowder averaged 18.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.1 steals and 2.1 assists per game while knocking down 55 three-pointers at a 38% clip. It all allowed the 1A Rocky Mountain Conference Player of the Year to get redemption after missing a crucial shot in last year’s stunning state semifinal loss. Rockland went 25-2 — the most wins in program history — including a perfect 20-0 record against 1A competition thanks to his stellar play.

Jaxson Smith, Marsh ValleyAfter averaging 14.1 points and 2.2 assists as a junior, the senior point guard took a massive leap to 21.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.4 steals per game this past season. Smith’s improvement earned him first-team all-state honors — the first Marsh Valley player to achieve that in three years — after being a second-team selection last year. The 5-8 floor general threatened to score at all three levels while leading the Eagles to the state consolation trophy, their best season and first state trophy in four years.

Kasen Bryce, PrestonAfter losing three all-state players, the 6-1 senior guard stepped up as one of only two returning starters to help maintain Preston’s championship tradition. Bryce earned his first all-state selection with second-team honors while averaging 12.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. The 5A South East Idaho Conference Player of the Year guided the defending state champions to back-to-back district titles and a 21-5 record — Preston’s first back-to-back 20-win seasons in six years, continuing a program legacy that includes 11 state championships.