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 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.
Travis Perry of
Lyon County (Eddyville) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Kentucky High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2 junior guard led the Lyons to a 31-6 record and the KHSAA Sweet 16 state quarterfinals.
On the season, Perry averaged 32.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 4.7 steals per game while shooting 53 percent from the field, 45.4 percent from 3-point range and 88.1 percent from the free throw line.
Perry broke the career scoring record in Kentucky at the state tournament last week, surpassing Kelly Coleman's total of 4,337 set from 1953-1956. He currently sits at 4,359 career points – good for 17th on the all-time national scoring list.
Regarded as a top 100 prospect in the Class of 2024 according to 247Sports, Perry holds offers from Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Purdue and Virginia among others.
Reed Sheppard of
North Laurel (London) was the 2021-22 MaxPreps Kentucky Player of the
Year.
Currently a senior at North Laurel, Sheppard averaged 25.5 points, 7.6 assists, 6.8 rebounds and 4.4 steals last season to lead the Jaguars to the KHSAA Sweet 16.
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 2023 NBA All-Stars Bam Adebayo (2016),
Jaylen Brown (2015), DeMar DeRozan (2008), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony
Edwards (2019), De'Aaron Fox (2016), Jrue Holiday (2008), Jaren Jackson
(2017), Kyrie Irving (2010), Julius Randle (2013), Jayson Tatum (2016)
and Zion Williamson (2018).
