Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school basketball. America’s source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2021-22 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence, in addition to local and state accolades.
Each state’s MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which is scheduled to be released April 12.
Postseason basketball awards schedule
April 4 – Final National Top 20
April 11 – Final MaxPreps Top 25
April 12 – MaxPreps All-America Team
April 12 – National Player of the Year
April 13 – Junior All-America Team
April 13 – National Coach of the Year
April 14 – Sophomore All-America Team
April 15 – Freshman All-America Team
Alabama
6-6 | Wing | Class of 2022
Arkansas signee averaged 25.3 points, 12.9 rebounds and 3.3 steals to lead the Yellow Jackets (27-5) to the Class 6A state semifinals. Dunning is regarded as the No. 85 player in the Class of 2022 according to 247Sports.
Alaska
6-2 | Guard | Class of 2023
The Wolfpack are favored to capture the Class 4A state title as they enter state tournament play 24-0, led by 16.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.8 steals from Erhart.
Arizona
6-3 | Guard | Class of 2022
Under-the-radar prospect averaged 31.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists to lead Mesquite (27-3) to its first state title. Calmese claimed the No. 1 spot on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays in the state semifinals after burying a three-quarter court buzzer beater.
Arkansas
6-4 | Guard | Class of 2022
Arkansas signee averaged 26.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists to lead North Little Rock (27-3) to its second consecutive state title and No. 5 spot in MaxPreps Top 25 rankings. Smith is regarded as the No. 6 prospect in the Class of 2022.
California
6-2 | Guard | Class of 2022
New Mexico-bound guard led the Huskies (33-1) to the program’s first CIF Open Division state title and the No. 2 spot in the MaxPreps Top 25 rankings. Dent averaged 16.4 points, 6.7 assists and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 53 percent from the field.
Colorado
6-0 | Guard | Class of 2022
Amassed nearly 2,000 career points over the course of his high school career, averaging 26.6 points, 9.1 assists, 8.6 rebounds and 3.3 steals as a senior to lead the Pirates (24-3) to the Class 3A state semifinals. Howery posted six triple-doubles this season.
Connecticut
7-1 | Center | Class of 2022
Connecticut signee averaged 29.9 points, 18.1 rebounds, 6.1 blocks and 3.1 assists to lead Central to its first state title since 1990. Clingan, who piled up 52 points and 31 rebounds in a single game this season, finished his career with 43 consecutive victories and 2,268 points.
Delaware
6-6 | Wing | Class of 2022
Unsigned senior averaged 14.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists to lead the Sallies (15-9) to their first state title game appearance since 2015. Molen has the size and skill to play at the Division I level next season.
District of Columbia
6-7 | Wing | Class of 2022
Virginia Tech commit averaged 17.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists while leading the Tigers (27-5) to the DCSAA Class AA state title game. Buchanan was a two-time DCIAA Player of the Year and finished his career with over 1,000 points.
Florida
6-6 | Guard | Class of 2022
6-8 | Forward | Class of 2022
Whitehead and Walker split POY honors in the Sunshine State, but both players still have an opportunity to build MaxPreps National Player of the Year resumes at GEICO Nationals. Walker, a Houston signee, averaged 16.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and four assists to lead the Ascenders (20-4) to the No. 2 spot in the National Top 20. Headed to Duke, Whitehead averaged 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the 19-4 Eagles.
Georgia
6-1 | Guard | Class of 2022
Ohio State signee averaged 17.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.5 assists to guide the Eagles (23-8) to the AAAAAAA state quarterfinals. Thornton started in all 120 games of his high school career while only fouling out once with a 96-24 record.
Hawaii
6-4 | Forward | Class of 2022
Led the Crusaders (20-2) to the program’s first state title in 37 years, being named Division I state tournament MVP after scoring a game-high 25 points in the title game. Arquette averaged 17.1 points, nine rebounds and three steals.
Idaho
6-2 | Guard | Class of 2022
Idaho signee averaged 15.5 points, seven assists and five rebounds to guide the Wildcats (27-0) to their second consecutive Class A Division I state title. Yearout is the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,039 points.
Photo by Michael Turner
Titus Yearout scored over 2,000 career points and led a proud Lapwai program to its first undefeated state championship season since 1989.
Illinois
6-9 | Forward | Class of 2022
Averaged 16.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists to guide Glenbard West (37-1) to its first state title and the No. 6 spot in MaxPreps Top 25. Headed to Gonzaga, Huff had 19 points and five assists in the Class 4A title game.
Indiana
6-4 | Guard | Class of 2022
Notre Dame signee averaged 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists for the Lakers (21-4), who are No. 5 in the National Top 20. Starling dropped a career-high 41 points while shooting 14 of 19 from the field in a Feb. 5 win over Gill St. Bernard’s (Gladstone, N.J.).
Kansas
6-7 | Wing | Class of 2022
6-8 | Forward | Class of 2022
Mitchell and Dick earned co-Player of the Year honors after playing crucial roles in leading the Buffaloes (25-1) to the top spot in the National Top 20. Both players still have a shot at MaxPreps National Player of the Year honors. Dick, a Kansas signee, averaged 18 points, 5.2 rebounds and two assists, while Duke-bound Mitchell averaged 16 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Kentucky
6-3 | Guard | Class of 2023
Kentucky commit averaged 25.5 points, 7.6 assists, 6.8 rebounds and 4.4 steals to guide the Jaguars (28-6) to the KHSAA Sweet 16. Shepard has amassed over 2,900 points in high school career so far.
Louisiana
6-7 | Forward | Class of 2022
Texas A&M signee led the Rams (33-5) in every statistical category, averaging 14.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.6 blocks and 2.4 steals en route to the Class 4A state title. Washington concluded his career with 1,640 points and 1,435 rebounds.
Maine
6-8 | Forward | Class of 2025
The only freshman to win state POY honors, Flagg led the Warriors (21-1) to the Class A state title, averaging 20.5 points, 10 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 3.7 steals and 3.7 blocks. He recorded 22 points and 16 rebounds in the state title game.
Maryland
6-6 | Wing | Class of 2022
Villanova signee averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists to lead the Cavaliers (25-10) to the semifinals of the Baltimore Catholic League tournament. Whitmore was twice named Baltimore Catholic League Player of the Year.
Massachusetts
6-4 | Guard | Class of 2022
Became the fourth player in program history to eclipse 1,000 career points before leading the Eagles (25-0) to the Division I state title. Loughnane dropped a career-high 44 points early in the season and finished with a team-high 16 points in the state title game.
Michigan
6-3 | Guard | Class of 2022
Unsigned senior averaged 25.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 4.0 steals to lead the Crusaders (19-3) to the Division 1 District 24 title game. Willis was also a standout on the football field, hauling in 32 receptions for 684 yards and seven touchdowns to help lead King to the Division 3 state title.
Minnesota
6-3 | Guard | Class of 2022
Michigan State signee averaged 18.9 points, 10.3 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 3.2 steals to guide the Raiders (20-10) to the Class AAAA state semifinals at the time of his selection. Holloman has 2,094 career points and was among the nation’s leaders in assists per game this season.
Mississippi
6-8 | Wing | Class of 2022
Led the Arrows (23-5) to the program’s second consecutive state title, averaging 18.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists. The Mississippi State signee had a game-high 24 points and nine rebounds in the state title game.
Missouri
6-7 | Wing | Class of 2022
Arkansas signee averaged 15.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists to help the Lions (33-1) ascend to the No. 3 spot in the National Top 20. Walsh is regarded as the No. 18 prospect in the Class of 2022.
Montana
6-3 | Guard | Class of 2022
Carroll College signee averaged 21.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 2.5 assists to guide the Bruins (22-2) to the program’s first state title since 2014 and third overall. Koch scored a game-high 20 points in the championship game.
Photo by Samuel Mfinanga
Nebraska POY Isaac Traudt is regarded as a top 50 national prospect by 247Sports.
Nebraska
6-9 | Forward | Class of 2022
Virginia signee averaged 23.6 points and 8.5 rebounds while helping the Islanders (10-13) reach the Class A District 6 semifinals. Traudt finished his career as the program’s all-time leading scorer with over 1,500 points.
Nevada
6-6 | Forward | Class of 2022
Nevada pledge averaged 15.2 points, 10.1 rebounds and four steals during the regular season for the Gaels (30-1). Williams finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, five blocks and four assists in Bishop Gorman’s state title game loss.
New Hampshire
5-10 | Guard | Class of 2022
Led the Grizzlies (18-4) to the Division I state title game, averaging 14 points and producing a season high of 28 points. The unsigned senior was named Division I Player of the Year.
New Jersey
6-3 | Guard | Class of 2023
Top-ranked junior prospect averaged 19.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 3.3 assists to lead the Panthers (31-3) to the Tournament of Champions title game and No. 9 spot in MaxPreps Top 25 rankings. Wagner sits at 1,477 career points.
New Mexico
6-1 | Guard | Class of 2022
Unsigned senior averaged 25.3 points, 6.9 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 2.8 steals to lead the Bulldawgs (31-1) to the Class 5A state title game. Benjamin shot 49 percent from the field and 85 percent from the free throw line this season.
New York
6-8 | Forward | Class of 2022
Under-the-radar senior averaged 17.6 points and 14 rebounds to guide the Cardinals (26-3) to the Class AA title and No. 7 spot in the MaxPreps Top 25 rankings. Awaka was named CHSAA MVP and led the way with a game-high 24 points, nine rebounds and four blocks in the Class AA title game.
Photo by Matthew Plyler
Expect to hear a lot over the next couple of years about Paul McNeil, our choice for North Carolina POY honors.
North Carolina
6-5 | Guard | Class of 2024
Five-star sophomore averaged 24.5 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists to lead the Raiders (26-2) to the Class 4A state quarterfinals. McNeil recorded a career high 41 points and 12 rebounds in a win over Scotland (Laurinburg) on Feb. 11.
North Dakota
6-10 | Center | Class of 2022
Colorado signee averaged 25.2 points, 14.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.1 blocks, leading the Eagles (17-6) to the Region 1 championship game. Hurlburt finished his career as the state’s all-time leading rebounder with 1,475 to go along with 2,188 points.
Ohio
6-2 | Guard | Class of 2023
Indiana commit averaged 14.2 points, 6.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds to guide the Elks (29-1) to the Division I state title game and the No. 24 spot in MaxPreps Top 25 rankings. Cupps has 1,147 career points and is the program’s all-time leader in assists.
Oklahoma
5-11 | Guard | Class of 2022
Unsigned senior carried the Chargers (27-1) to the Class 5A state title with 24 points and six assists in the semifinals and 22 points and five assists in the championship game. Frierson averaged 17.3 points and 5.9 assists on the season.
Oregon
6-0 | Guard | Class of 2023
Oregon pledge averaged 27 points, 5.5 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 3.2 steals to lead the Lions (22-4) to the Class 6A state semifinals. Shelstad led the 6A state tournament in scoring, averaging 26 points per game in postseason action.
Pennsylvania
7-1 | Center | Class of 2022
Duke signee averaged 14 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks to lead the Moose (31-7) to their second consecutive Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association state title. Lively exploded for 22 points, 20 rebounds and six blocks at the Spalding Hoophall Classic in January.
Rhode Island
6-3 | Guard | Class of 2022
Unsigned senior averaged 21.5 points and 7.6 rebounds to lead the Mariners (18-5) to the Class D state title game. Correia was a two-time first team All-Southeastern New England Conference selection and concluded his career with 1,082 points.
South Carolina
6-9 | Forward | Class of 2023
Top 10 prospect averaged 22.1 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks to lead the Blazers (20-11) to the Class 5A state title. Jackson is firmly in the discussion for No. 1 prospect in the junior class.
South Dakota
6-3 | Guard | Class of 2022
South Dakota State signee guided the Bulldogs (25-1) to their second consecutive Class B state title, averaging 20.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Garry was a winner at the highest level, leading the program to a 94-7 record over his four years.
Tennessee
6-8 | Wing | Class of 2022
Alabama signee averaged 26.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists to lead the Ravens (25-7) to the Division I Class 4A state quarterfinals. Miller ended his career with over 2,100 points and recorded three 40-point games this season.
Texas
6-4 | Guard | Class of 2022
Averaged 19.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 2.4 steals to lead Richardson (32-2) to the No. 8 spot in the MaxPreps Top 25 rankings. The future Kentucky Wildcat was a consistent high-level performer in big games, including scoring a game-high 23 points in the Eagles’ December victory over top-ranked Duncanville.
Utah
6-4 | Guard | Class of 2022
BYU signee averaged 21.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists to lead the Phoenix (14-10) to the second round of the Class 6A state tournament. Chandler concluded his career with 1,587 points and is regarded as the No. 33 player in the senior class.
Vermont
6-0 | Guard | Class of 2022
Unsigned senior averaged 23.8 points, 3.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 2.4 steals to lead the Solons (23-1) to the Division 2 state title. Cattaneo exploded for a career high 43 points on 15 of 20 from the field in a win against U-32 (Montpelier) back in February.
Virginia
6-6 | Wing | Class of 2022
Kentucky signee averaged 18.1 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists to lead the Warriors (33-7) to the No. 7 spot in the National Top 20 rankings. Livingston amassed over 2,000 points in three seasons in his native Ohio before transferring to the national powerhouse for his senior year.
Washington
6-8 | Forward | Class of 2022
Averaged 23.1 points and 10.3 rebounds to lead the Braves (22-5) to the Class 4A state semifinals. The Oregon State signee scored with efficiency, shooting 57 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from 3-point range.
West Virginia
6-4 | Guard | Class of 2022
Virginia signee averaged 20.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists to lead the Dots (26-1) to the Class AA state title. McKneely averaged 20.4 points over the course of his career to finish with 1,905 points.
Wisconsin
6-3 | Guard | Class of 2022
North Carolina signee averaged 26.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists to guide the Phoenix (25-4) to the Division 1 state semifinals. Trimble finished in Wisconsin’s top 50 for career scoring with 2,020 points.
Wyoming
6-2 | Guard | Class of 2022
Unsigned senior averaged 20.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 4.1 steals to help the Bolts (15-9) to reach the Class 4A state championship game. Williams finished his career with 1,369 points and led the state in assists in each of the past three seasons.
Photo by Scott Iles
Future Indiana Hoosier Gabe Cupps came up one game short of a dream season at Centerville, going undefeated all the way up to Ohio’s Division I state championship game.
