Morgan Academy shortstop Gunnar Henderson was named Gatorade’s High School Baseball player of the year in the state.

Henderson, the state’s top-ranked baseball prospect, signed with Auburn University last November. He is the first Morgan Academy player to land the top Gatorade prep honor.

“It’s a true honor and blessing to be named the best player in Alabama,” Henderson said. “I’d like to thank my family, coaches, teammates and anyone else that helped me along the way. It’s a true blessing from God.”

As a senior, Henderson hit .559 with 11 home runs and 75 RBI in 2019, leading the Senators (30-2) to the AISA Class AAA championship series. He also had 17 doubles, nine triples, 69 runs scored and 28 stolen bases and compiled a .634 on-base percentage and 1.225 slugging percentage.

“What a huge accomplishment for an amazing young man,” Senators baseball coach Stephen Clements said. “Gatorade is one of the most prestigous awards out there and they could not have chosen a better young man than Gunnar is on and off the field.”

Henderson is a projected high pick in next month’s Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. Henderson said he will let the process play itself out and not worry about it at the moment.”

Henderson was also named AISA Basketball player of the year and MVP at the AISA All-Star basketball game.