Kris Wilkes was named the 2017 Mr. Basketball by the IndyStar Thursday evening. (Photo from Kelly Kline)

Kris Wilkes was a four-year star for North Central. He took his game to new heights as a senior. He averaged 22 points and seven rebounds per game in his final high school season. North Central was ranked number for a period of time after a great start to the season. His career came to an end at the hands of the eventual state champions Ben Davis in the Regional. 

Wilkes is signed to play for Steve Alford at UCLA and was a McDonald's All-American this season. He'll get a chance to play a few more games in the state when the Indiana All-Stars take on the Indiana Junior All-Stars as well as a game against Kentucky at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Wilkes the favorite to win Mr. Basketball heading into his senior year. He became the heavy favorite once Jaren Jackson Jr. and Paul Scruggs left the IHSAA to play at prep schools. He didn't run away with the award despite having a strong season. Castle's Jack Nunge made a push with his great senior year. If Castle would have beaten Ben Davis in Semi-State, Nunge might have earned a few more votes. Nunge was the runner-up in the voting process. Snider's Malik Williams had a great career as well. Cloverdale's Cooper Neese finished his high school career as the seventh all-time leading scorer in the state with 2,496 points.

Kris Wilkes is the fourth Mr. Basketball winner from North Central. He joins Jason Gardner, A.J. Ratliff and Eric Gordon.