Chris Washington Jr., a 6‑foot‑9 small forward from Providence Christian Academy, has been selected as The Daily News Journal’s All‑Sports Male Athlete of the Year for the 2025‑26 cycle, capping a high school career that blended dominance on the court with academic ambition.
A senior season that rewrote the record books
During his final year, Washington averaged 18.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, a block and 1.3 steals per game, numbers that helped the Eagles secure back‑to‑back state championships. He was also crowned Mr. Basketball for his classification and earned tournament MVP honors, finishing his career with 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.
Acknowledgments and next steps
Providence Christian’s athletic director, Tara James, praised Washington’s blend of athleticism, leadership and work ethic, noting that his influence extended beyond statistics to the culture of the program. In a brief interview, Washington expressed gratitude toward his teammates, coaches and the school that shaped his development.
After committing to Alabama in September 2025, Washington ultimately chose the University of Tennessee, a decision he said was driven by the opportunity to play under head coach Rick Barnes and to contribute to a program with national aspirations.
Looking ahead
Washington’s upcoming freshman season at Tennessee promises to add another chapter to a trajectory that already includes multiple state titles, individual accolades and a place among the most celebrated players in recent Tennessee basketball history.