West Valley's Jayden Miranda named Gatorade Alaska Boys Basketball Player of the Year

Junior led Wolfpack to Mid Alaska Conference title and No. 1 seed at state tournament

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jayden Miranda, a junior at West Valley High School in Alaska, has been named the Gatorade Alaska Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Miranda led his team to a Mid Alaska Conference championship and the No. 1 seed at the 2026 ASAA 4A state tournament, averaging 14.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

Why it matters

The Gatorade Player of the Year award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in high school sports, recognizing not only athletic achievement but also academic excellence and exceptional character. Miranda's selection highlights the talent and success of the West Valley basketball program, which has now produced two Gatorade Players of the Year.

The details

Miranda, a 5-foot-11 guard, helped lead West Valley to a 22-4 record this season. He shot 51.8% from the field and 39.7% from the perimeter. North Pole head coach Travis Church praised Miranda's all-around abilities, saying "He's the best player on the best team in the state." Miranda is just the second player from West Valley to receive the Gatorade Player of the Year award, following two-time honoree Stewart Erhart.

  • Miranda was named the Gatorade Alaska Boys Basketball Player of the Year on March 22, 2026.
  • The Wolfpack fell just short of advancing to the state finals on Friday, losing 59-52 to fifth-seeded South Anchorage.

The players

Jayden Miranda

A junior guard at West Valley High School in Alaska who was named the 2026 Gatorade Alaska Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

Stewart Erhart

A former West Valley High School player who was a two-time recipient of the Gatorade Alaska Boys Basketball Player of the Year award from 2022-2023.

Travis Church

The head coach of the North Pole high school basketball team, who praised Miranda as "the best player on the best team in the state."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It feels good and it was definitely one of the goals that I had to check off my checklist. I woke up and I didn't know. My coach told me, and it was just excitement in my heart. My heart was beating and I was just smiling.”

— Jayden Miranda

“Miranda is a great kid on and off the court — gets good grades and never gets in trouble. Looking around 4A, I don't see anyone who would measure up. He's the best player on the best team in the state. It's hard for me to imagine going with anyone else.”

— Travis Church, North Pole head coach

What’s next

The top-seeded Wolfpack fell just short of advancing to the state finals on Friday, losing 59-52 to fifth-seeded South Anchorage.

The takeaway

Jayden Miranda's selection as the Gatorade Alaska Boys Basketball Player of the Year is a testament to his exceptional talent, leadership, and character both on and off the court. His accomplishment continues the strong tradition of the West Valley High School basketball program, which has now produced two Gatorade Players of the Year in recent years.