Thornton Academy center Andrew Shaw made it easy to be elected as the Journal Tribune boys basketball player of the year.

Simply put, Shaw was the best player on the best team in York County.

One of the Golden Trojans tri-captains, Shaw averaged 18 ppg for Thornton Academy, leading the defending Maine Class A champions to the playoffs with a 13-6 record.

In a position usually known for its inside play, Shaw, the Trojans tallest player at 6-6, hit shots from various areas, particularly at the top of the key and beyond the arc.

Shaw scored 20 or more points nine times, with his biggest game coming against Scarborough on Feb. 2, when he scored 28 points.

Even with his shooting skills, Shaw showed strong play in the paint, whether battling for rebounds, as attested by his 7 rpg, a team high. He also had the ability to show off a rare skill in Maine high school basketball; the ability to dunk.

Thornton Academy head coach Bob Davies gave credit to Shaw as a player who cared more about the success of the team than individual success.

“Andrew had an exceptional year,” Davies said. “As a captain, he is a team leader and led us in both scoring and rebounds. Most importantly Andrew is a great kid and cares more about the team’s success than his own statistics.”

Shaw’s game was a complement to two teammates who also enjoyed success throughout the season. Thornton forward Tom Littlefield aided Shaw in the low post, averaging 11 ppg, along with 5 rpg.

Shaw also had help from the outside, thanks to the play of guard James Ek. A transfer from Portland, Ek averaged 12 ppg for the Trojans.

While the Trojans didn’t win back-to-back state titles, only two starters, Littlefield and guard Keegan Sullivan, will be gone. Both Shaw and Ek, as well as guard Justin Pollard and guard Corbett Smith, return.

With that kind of firepower, the Trojans could become a team of transition to a team of contention in the 2010-2011 season.

But the future of the Trojans’ championship hopes will rest on the sturdy shoulders of its multi-talented center.

— Contact Staff Writer Dave Dyer at 282-1535, Ext. 315.