MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Houston Baptist University signee Alex Fountain was named the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association Class A “Mr. Basketball” at the conclusion of the state tournament this past weekend.
 
“We obviously are very excited for Alex being named 'Mr. Basketball' in the state of Tennessee,” HBU head coach Ron Cottrell said. “His entire high school basketball career has been filled with numerous accomplishments and accolades, but to be named as the most outstanding player in a state as tradition-rich in the game as Tennessee, makes this an extra special honor. We are so fortunate that Alex has chosen to be part of our program here at HBU and look forward to the beginning of his collegiate career as we join the Southland Conference next season.”
 
Fountain is a 6-foot-7 forward from Wartburg, Tenn., who is ranked among the top 20 recruits in his home state according to ESPN, Rivals and multiple other outlets. He has played all four years at Wartburg Central High School for coach Joe Layne and scored more than 2,000 points and grabbed more than 1,000 rebounds. This season, he averaged 24.1 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game and led the Bulldogs to the state semifinals.
 
Last season, he averaged 23.8 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.2 steals to become a TSSAA Mr. Basketball Finalist. He was also named Tennessee Sports Writers Association All-State First Team, Region Most Valuable Player, District Player of the Year, Knoxville News Sentinel PrepXtra First Team and multiple-time Knoxville News Sentinel Player of the Week.
 
Last season, the Bulldogs went 25-5 en route to a state tournament appearance. As a sophomore, Fountain earned all-region and all-district honors and he was named all-district as a freshman. He played AAU basketball for the Tennessee Travelers in the Elite Youth Basketball League, and was coached by former University Tennessee standout and Denver Nuggets forward Vincent Yarbrough. Fountain is the son of Lyle and Lora Fountain.
 
Fountain signed a National Letter of Intent, along with Cody Stetler, a 6-9 forward from Hoisington, Kan., during the early signing period in November.