Central High forward Jarrell Lawson, who led the Knights to the state championship this season, has been named the 2011-12 Gatorade Rhode Island Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

Lawson is the first Gatorade boys winner from Central.

The 6-foot-4 senior led the Knights to a 19-4 record this past season. He averaged 19.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game.

A unanimous First Team All-Division I selection, Lawson was a Rhode Island Basketball Coaches Association All-Star. He recorded 16 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks in the state title win over Hope.

"Jarell Lawson can play any position on the floor," said Jim Champion, head coach at South Kingstown. "He helped bring the ball up, was a constant threat from the 3-point line and could drive or pull up for a jumper. He also could post down low and score inside. He was very well-rounded."

Lawson remains undecided on a collegiate destination.