Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school girls basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2022-23 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.
Addy Brown of
Derby is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Kansas High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3 senior wing led the Panthers to a 22-3 record and third-place finish in the Class 6A state tournament.
For the season, Brown averaged 20.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.6 steals per game. She went for 32 points in a state semifinal loss to Blue Valley North (Overland Park) and followed with 19 points and 15 rebounds in the third-place game.
The McDonald's All American selection was the MVP of the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League. Brown is also a two-time Class 6A All-State first team pick.
Headed to Iowa State next year, Brown helped Derby go 84-11 during her four years in the program with a state championship game appearance in 2022.
Zyanna Walker of
Heights (Wichita) was the 2021-22 MaxPreps Kansas Player of the Year. Now a freshman at Louisville, Walker averaged over 25 points and 15 rebounds per game for the Falcons, who finished 18-4.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in April. Past selections include 2022 WNBA Most Valuable Player A'ja Wilson (2014) as well as 2022 All-WNBA picks Skylar Diggins-Smith (2009), Sabrina Ionescu (2016), Jonquel Jones (2012), Nneka Ogwumike (2008), Kelsey Plum (2013), Breanna Stewart (2012) and Alyssa Thomas (2010).
