La Crosse’s Kobe King named Mr. Basketball of Wisconsin

First winner of the award in area since Aquinas’ Christophersen in ’07.

MADISON — Hours before Central High School’s boys basketball team takes the court for the Division 2 state title, senior Kobe King was honored.

The University of Wisconsin Badgers signee was named Mr. Basketball by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association at halftime of the Division 4 championship game at the Kohl Center.

King called it an honor but deferred to his teammates and coaches for helping win the award.

At 6:35 p.m. tonight, King’s No. 1-ranked Red Raiders (25-2) will take on second-ranked Cedarburg (25-2). Read the preview here.

In his last two games, King has scored 69 points – 28 Friday night and 41 on 18-of-22 shooting in a 92-54 win over Wausau East to get to state.

The last player from the region to win the award was Aquinas’ Scott Christopherson in 2007.