The 6-foot-9, 210-pound sophomore forward had led the Whalers to a 22-4 record and a berth in the Class 3A state quarterfinals at the time of his selection. The state's returning Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year, Hepa is averaging 19.2 points,
Hepa has maintained a 4.0 GPA in the classroom.
A devoted member of his church youth group, he has volunteered locally on behalf of youth basketball programs.